This collection of William Hoffman's papers consists of account books, business correspondence, a scrapbook, and a handwritten copy of a journal kept by Hoffman during his overland journey. Typescript and microfilm copies of the journal are also included in the collection. The journal describes Hoffman's journey from Covington, Indiana, starting on April 13, 1853, to Jacksonville, Oregon, October 31, 1853, and includes descriptions of landscapes and trail conditions. Also in the journal is a biographical sketch of Hoffman and an entry, dated 1865, regarding business affairs in Jacksonville. The scrapbook in the collection, dating to approximately 1879, contains clippings of articles, probably from the Jacksonville Sentinel, relating to conflicts with Native tribes in Oregon and to the organization of the Oregon Rangers.