The collection consists of the papers of Robert Shortess, an early emigrant to Oregon who lived near Astoria. These include papers relating to his work as an Indian sub-agent and school district clerk, property and financial papers, and family papers. Papers relating to Shortess's work as an Indian sub-agent consist of correspondence, including with Anson Dart, Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Oregon Territory, discussing issues such as the treatment of Native peoples by Euro-Americans and the liquor trade's impact on Native peoples; and payments for shipments of goods. School district papers consist of meeting minutes and annual reports for School District No. 4, all of which are dated 1858. Property and financial records include materials relating to Shortess's land claims and mortgages, and a copy of an 1843 quitclaim deed from John McLoughlin to Walter Pomeroy. Family papers consist of correspondence, including letters from relatives elsewhere in the United States; statements regarding Shortess taking guardianship of Grace Tibbets and John Tibbets; and a certificate for the 1868 marriage of Shortess's daughter, Susan Shortess, to Thomas Walkley. Other items in the collection include an April 21, 1850 letter from Shortess to Territorial Governor Joseph Lane about governmental disorganization in the Astoria area and the treatment of local Native peoples; an 1843 letter from John McLoughlin inquiring about a petition that Shortess was circulating with complaints against McLoughlin; and an 1843 note from William H. Gray naming Shortess as a proprietor of the Multnomah Circulating Library.

Most items in the collection are original, though some are handwritten copies made later, and Susan Shortess's marriage certificate is a photostatic reproduction. Copies of all the documents are also available on a reel of microfilm included in the collection.