Original correspondence, 1849-1850, documenting Gold Rush experiences, together with photocopies of family, business, and Civil War correspondence, documents, and newspaper clippings.

Gold Rush letters written by Sherman and Henry A. Ballentine from Fort Childs, Fort Bridger, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, and San Francisco contain full descriptions of the harsh overland journey, including the route, disease and death, livestock and means of transport. There is also mention of other Chicagoans met along the way. Once in California, the correspondents write of their poor chances of striking it rich in the mines, the mining region and mining process, the building boom, prices, the prevalence of gambling, illnesses among the miners, and floods in Sacramento. There is also a letter to Sherman from his sister and father, offering advice and describing the California excitement in Chicago.

Four Civil War letters, Jan.-Aug., 1863, written by F.T. Sherman from Tennessee and Alabama discuss the beginning of the Battle of Stones River, infighting and administrative turmoil, the regiment's position at Bridgeport, Ala., and Union troop contact with Confederate soldiers across the river. Also included are accounts from Sherman's pre-fire business, Sherman, Haley & Co.

Materials relating to Sherman's family include a few letters relating to his father's pre-war financial transactions; a letter from his father and mother to his sister describing the July 4th celebrations, and relating news about crops, family, and friends; F.C. Sherman's will and other family documents; and a few newspaper clippings, one concerning the opening of the Sherman House.