This collection contains the papers of Marbury Johnston, a career officer in the United States Navy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Half of the collection consists of Johnston's official naval records, including orders and personnel records, chronicling Johnston's assignments and promotions, beginning with his 1878 appointment as a cadet midshipman at the U. S. Naval Academy and ending with his retirement in 1924. Accompanying these personnel records is a brief chronology of Johnston's life and career.

Comprising the other half of the collection is a book draft by Johnston, titled "The Recollections of Another Naval Officer." The draft chronicles in detail Johnston's personal experiences during his 40-plus years in the U. S. Navy, commencing with his admission to the Naval Academy. The draft seems to be incomplete, with the narrative ending around 1917. A middle portion of the draft is in typescript form; the remainder is in Johnston's hand. Though the narrative touches on some of the larger issues facing the U. S. Navy during Johnston's years in service, the focus is largely on his personal experiences. As Johnston mentions in his introduction, "Any one seeking a weighty article on the changes in the Navy, or a dissertation on the Sampson - Schley, Daniels Sims controversies may look elsewhere."

The collection also contains a photograph of the USS Indianapolis and a musical program from the HMS Emperor of India.