The papers of James Miller consist of fifty items covering the years 1849 to 1903 and concerning his Civil War service and later inventions. Most of the documents pertain to Miller's tour of duty in the U.S. Navy on the Mississippi River from 1862 to 1865. Included are such items as benefit claims and military service records. Some of these documents were signed by Gideon Welles, David D. Porter, and William D. Porter. Finally, there are materials relating to his mechanical inventions and a copy of his marriage certificate.