From the 1830s to the early part of the 20th century, small steam vessels were the mode of transportation during open navigation, between Prince Edward Island and the mainland. These vessels plied the strait between Charlottetown and Pictou, carrying mails, passengers, and freight, and receiving a subsidy for their services from the provincial government of the time. Around 1864, the Charlottetown Steam Navigation Company was organized and the wooden paddle- steamers "Princess of Wales" and the "St. Lawrence" were placed by this company on the daily routes between Charlottetown and Pictou, and Summerside and Point du Chene. These steamers were eventually replaced with larger ships to accommodate the growing trade and travel. The Company's vessels brought to the province nearly the whole of its imports, and carried away daily full cargoes of its products.
The fonds consists of an account book containing detailed monthly accounts covering the years 1885 to 1888 and classifications of exports and imports carried as part of a steamship service. Types of goods are categorized with exports including sundries, fresh meats, cheese, dry fish, pelts and so on. Categories of imports include nails, sugar, oils, liquors, leather, iron, tin, pianos, sewing machines, and canned goods. The accounts are also broken down by the various steamer routes; Charlottetown to Pictou, Summerside to Point du Chene, Charlottetown to Point du Chene, Georgetown to Pictou, Murray Harbour to Pictou and Charlottetown, Souris to Pictou Landing, etc. The volume also contains several pages of "Comparative Statement Imports" and "Comparative Statement Exports" for the years 1882 to 1904. "First and Last Trips of Steamers" are listed for the years 1864 to 1915. Another section in the volume lists accounts for the passenger and freight services for the various routes covering the years 1874 to 1905.