Correspondence of Edward W. Curtis of Massachusetts, a private in the 88th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War. Also includes clippings relating to battles, the life of Federal soldiers, and hospital listings near Nashville, Tennessee.

Correspondence of Francis Trowbridge Sherman of Chicago, and his traveling companion, Henry A. Ballentine, documenting their travel overland to the California gold fields and experiences there, 1849-1850. Also photocopies of a few of Sherman's (colonel 88th Illinois Infantry) letters regarding the Civil War and his Chicago business, business and family correspondence of father F.C. Sherman, family records, and newspaper clippings.

Correspondence from Pvt. Beach of the 55th Illinois Infantry, Company G, to his mother describing everyday camp life in La Grange and Memphis, Tenn., Washington, D.C., and Big Shanty [now Kennesaw], Ga.

Correspondence from Sgt. Hanlin of the 89th Indiana Infantry, Company E, to his parents and siblings describing camp life and combat during his travels through Indiana, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Correspondence from Pvt. Bennett of the 72nd Indiana Mounted Infantry, Company D, written to his father, mother and sisters during his travels through Tennessee and Kentucky.