Chiefly diaries (1873-1884; 18 volumes) kept by Whitney reflecting her life in Japan with her parents, American educators Anna L. Whitney and William C. Whitney. Subjects include Japanese social life and customs, the role of Japanese women, political atmosphere of Meiji Japan, Japanese efforts at westernization, and the Whitneys' travels through Europe and Asia. Also includes correspondence, speeches, writings, clippings, photographs, and other papers. Writings include a biographical sketch of her mother, an unpublished novel, articles and short stories for children, and a description of the household of her father-in-law, Japanese naval officer and statesman Katsu Kaishū. Includes a diary (1873) and religious journal (1872-1875) of Anna L. Whitney.