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Most of the letters, 1897-1926, relate to academic and research matters, many of them bibliographical queries, or to J. H. Davies's researches and publications. Some concern professional matters and developments at the Cardiff Free Libraries and later the National Library of Wales where Ballinger was the first chief librarian. Some of the later letters relate to the establishment and early growth of the National Library and to Davies's membership of its court, council and internal committees. There are many references to the National Library's campaign to secure the status of a copyright receipt (legal deposit) library and to wrest improved funding from the exchequer, and some to the deposit of the early archival collections and printed works at the Library. There are a few references to family life. A few of the letters from the Cardiff period are written by Harry Farr on behalf of Sir John Ballinger.

The letters, 1895-1925, discuss Welsh political life, the attempts to regenerate Mudiad Cymru Fydd, historical records relating to Flintshire, the foundation of the National Library of Wales, its location at Aberystwyth, and appeals for increased government funding and the passage of the copyright legislation, developments at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, and the federal University of Wales, the possibility of establishing a Public Record Office for Wales, and the selection of Liberal candidates in Welsh constituencies for the 'Coupon' General Election of December 1918.

Most of the letters, 1897-1925, are relatively short notes, arranging meetings, giving items of news and requesting pieces of information for the author's researches. There are many references to Welsh books and manuscripts, and occasional, passing references to contemporary national and political events. There is also some discussion of the development of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, the University of Wales, and the establishment and early growth of the National Library of Wales. There are several interesting references to the selection of the venue for the National Library and the eventual choice of Aberystwyth and to the appointment of the Library's officers. Sir John also occasionally refers to the early history of the National Museum, founded at Cardiff in the early twentieth century. During 1908 and 1909 there are letters referring to meetings with D. Lloyd George, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, and John Herbert Lewis, relating to attempts to wrest improved funding for the National Library from the Liberal government.