The papers of Reverend William Henry are mostly rare published materials. These books have not been digitised, with the exception of those pages selected by Donald Heussler. The collection also contains a photographic print of William Henry and a few pieces of correspondence by, or about him. The most significant items in the collection are handwritten diaries by Reverend William Henry and his granddaughter Amy Constance Henry.

The diary of Amy Constance Henry documents her return voyage from Sydney to Tahiti, via Auckland, Rarotonga, Tongatapu and Apia in 1888. Amy travelled to Tahiti with her aunt, Sophia Henry, and writes about her sea sickness and seeing rats on board the ship ('Wairarapa', then 'Richmond'). She writes mainly of her social interactions as she calls on family and friends in Auckland, Rarotonga and Tahiti, including her uncles, Isaac and Philip, and family members including Hattie, Teuira, Bella, Julia and Sam. In Tahiti, she writes of travelling by pony and carriage to visit family and go on shopping expeditions.

While most of her entries relate to calling on relatives, she regularly describes what she eats and notes the crops on the plantations she visits (including copra, vanilla and coffee). She also notes events such as a fire in a ship at the wharf, visiting a sugar mill and the organisation of an exposition of “native industries” during festival time. She also makes observations about the drinking habits of the population and expresses enthusiasm for attending sermons in French language by protestant pastor Charles Viénot. Though brief, her diary illustrates her time spent visiting Tahiti, including picnics, swimming, canoeing and fishing with her cousins. She also notes changes in her clothing whilst on Tahiti. On 4 August 1888, Amy departs Papeete for Auckland on board the 'Richmond' via Rarotonga and Tongatapu. She notes that a fellow passenger on board is Mr Shirley Baker, that she likes him and credits him with making Tonga one of the best places in the South Pacific.

The diary of William Henry is written in a book of Hebrew grammar and covers the period 25 October 1843 - 19 April 1847. The diary includes drafts of correspondence and copied extracts from other texts, including Medhurst’s China and ‘Manual of Peace’. Reverend Henry is in his 70s and was living in Kissing Point, Sydney. He refers to the activities of his children and correspondence with church and mission colleagues such as Reverend Threlkeld.

Daily entries stop between January and October 1844, and they resume in October when the family had returned to French Polynesia. He references daily activities and highlights events such as the arrival of whaling vessels, mission ships such as the ‘John Williams’ and attending or preaching at church services. He makes occasional references to politics, including the relationships between the indigenous population - including Queen Pomare - and the French.

In early 1945, he refers to conflict between the Henry family and the resident missionary, writing on January 1, “…jealousy and ill feeling manifested towards us by him who is acting as missionary here”. On 14 January that year, he notes the planting of the French protectorate flag, writing, “Arrived the French steamer this morning from Tahiti, hoisted the protectorate flag, fired a salut…”.

The diary covers ongoing events such as policies and disagreements with native chiefs, the defamation case of his sons Isaac and David, his relationship with the British Admiral, family matters, church services and the establishment of the French protectorate.