Collection primarily consists of correspondence, legal documents and other papers. The second series chiefly pertains to Peter B. Porter, whom Bull represented.

Correspondence with government officials, census officials, Indians, Quakers, friends and relatives, 1834-1874; sermons, speeches and other writings; copies of New York State and federal laws and bills concerning Indians, 1850-1874; and papers concerning the Seneca Nation, including Council minutes, 1833-1865, treaties and agreements, 1787-1844, financial reports, letters, and mss. written by whites about the Senecas, 1807-1874. Subjects include Indian emigration, timber sales, schools, self-government and relations with the Ebenezers, Quakers and the Ogden Land Company.

Correspondence, invoices, records from the Boundary Commission between 1816 and 1828.

Includes letters thanking Riley for his assistance to the Santa Fe Company, 1829; bounty land certificate issued to Riley for his father's service during the Revolutionary War, 1838; invitations to public dinners in Riley's honor; an offer of a bounty for males captured or killed at Riley's post in Florida, 1841; letters and resolutions regarding presentations of swords and other commemoratives to Riley for his gallantry, service, and good conduct; two letters written to his parents by Bennett I. Riley while in military service, 1853; cadet appointment of Edward B. D. Riley, 1853; a letter and poem sent to Mrs. Bennett Riley on her husband's death; a letter to Edward B. D. Riley regarding a cane made by Bennett Riley; and biographical information on Bennett Riley. Also, eight military commissions of Bennett Riley, signed by various presidents and secretaries of war, 1820-1851.