Letters providing a detailed account of Dring's activities and travels in Sonora, Baja California, the islands of the Gulf of California, and up the Pacific Coast to San Francisco. Written principally from Elide Island, Georges Island, Guaymas, Magdalena Bay, and San Francisco. Includes 63 letters from Dering to his sister, Elizabeth P. Dering of Sag Harbor, and 7 letters between Elizabeth and others following his death. Also includes 14 envelopes and 2 newspaper clippings.

As an agent of the Lower California Company, Dering was an early settler at Magdalena Bay, Baja California, Mexico. Active in the orchilla and guano trades. Also lived in San Francisco. Orginially from Sag Harbor, New York. Died at Magdalena Bay on 16 March 1873.