The papers, related to Vallance's career in the State Department, consist of correspondence, memoranda, reports, proposals, documents, pamphlets, publications, other printed material, and memorabilia. Where not otherwise specified, the material is classified in two categories: correspondence and printed material. Much of the correspondence, especially letters from prominent government officials, exists as carbon copies. "Printed material" is a term used loosely to refer not only to the products of the printing press, but also to typewritten reports, directives, speeches, articles, and anything else that cannot properly be classified as correspondence. Where no type of material is specified in the description, it is understood that both types are included.