Much of the correspondence involves Boon's work as a carpenter, in which he hired both slaves and free African Americans to work for him. There are letters of recommendation from employers as to his character and his work. There are letters (1848) from his brother, Carter Evans, from Wilmington, which discuss the work and the men who are working for Boon, the scarcity of jobs, need for a protector for some of the men, etc., and asking Boon to come to Wilmington. (According to the above mentioned article in , a Wilmington ordinance required that a free Negro have a protector.)

Other correspondence includes letters from the slave Sarah, Boon's common law wife to him in Raleigh which discuss instructions regarding his business at home, family matters, saying if you should get down sick... I know doubt but what my owners would let me come and stay with you,; and suggesting that he come nearer home if possible.

William Jones, to whom Boon was apprenticed, evidently helped Boon with his business, keeping his accounts for him, writing letters for him (Boon could neither read nor write), advancing cash to him and his wife. (This relationship is indicated in accounts.) In a letter to Boon (1850) he writes in regard to Boon's business affairs in Louisburg, stating I have not been able to rent your shop yet.

Accounts, receipts, notes, bills, etc., relate also to his business as a carpenter, reflecting names of employers as well as names of men who worked for Boon and wages received, merchandise and construction materials bought, etc.

Boon's ownership of property is reflected in an agreement between him and Wm. H. Furman, a white man who was renting Boon's house (1848), and by three copies of a notice that proceedings would be instigated for sale of his property to cover debts (1849).

Also included in the papers is a statement signed by the Clerk of Court, Franklin County, September, 1829, that James Boon, a boy of colour who was bound to William Jones by this court was now 21 years of age and ordered to be set free.