The papers of Nelson Trusler Johnson (1887-1954) span the years 1916-1955, with the bulk of the material concentrated in the period 1922-1954. Included in addition to personal correspondence are memoranda of conversations, engagement books and desk calendars, articles and speeches, and other material relating to Johnson's diplomatic service with the State Department in China, Australia, and east Asia from 1922 to 1952, including as ambassador to China and secretary general of the Far Eastern Commission. The collection is organized into seven series: Appointment Books , General Correspondence , Memoranda of Conversations , Subject File , Miscellany , Addition , and Oversize .

The main body of the correspondence begins with Johnson's departure for east Asia in 1922 as consul general at large assigned to inspect the District of Eastern Asia. Featured as backdrop to his career is an in-depth portrait of China during the early phase of the civil war between the Communist (Zhongguo gong chan dang) and Kuomintang (Zhongguo guo min dang) parties, 1926-1941, the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931, and the Second Sino-Japanese War, 1937-1945. In addition, there is substantial correspondence documenting Johnson's service as United States minister to Australia during World War II and his service as secretary general of the Far Eastern Commission, 1946-1952.

Prominent correspondents include Edwin Sheddan Cunningham; John Foster Dulles; Joseph C. Grew; Stanley Kuhl Hornbeck; Roy Wilson Howard; Cordell Hull; Thomas W. Lamont; Miles Lampson, Baron Killearn; Owen Lattimore; Henry Morgenthau (1891-1967); and Francis Bowes Sayre (1885-1972).

The Addition series complements the main portion of the collection, including particularly a significant volume of correspondence with Stanley Kuhl Hornbeck and subject files relating to the Far East Commission.