Correspondence, court proceedings, contracts, specifications, and other material relating to naval reorganization and improvement, between Mattice and George W. Baird, James B. Smith, Gustav Kaemmerling, and other naval officers; topics include the grounding and losses of certain vessels, and the training program for naval engineers at Annapolis. Also, correspondence with officers of the Royal Navy and others concerning British naval affairs, particularly in regard to the status of naval engineers in both navies; contracts with the Columbian Iron Works and Dry Dock Company for the construction of gunboats, cruisers, and other vessels; specifications for machinery for the Maine and other vessels; and letters and resolutions concerning congressional action on military and naval affairs.