Primarily correspondence (129 letters) of Illinois farmer and Civil War soldier Carlos W. Colby, written between 1862 and 1865, to his sisters, brother, brother-in-law, and niece, plus a dozen Civil War letters written by Colby’s future brother-in-law James Rowe. Also includes Colby’s reminiscences of his boyhood and his service in the 97th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, some family correspondence, genealogical material and a few photos.

Six letters, Sept. 14-Oct. 15, 1862, from Camp Peoria in Peoria, Ill., from Henry Rice of the 103rd Illinois Infantry to family in Lewistown, Ill., describing military life in the camp. Included with the letters is an envelope addressed to "Mrs. Amory Rice, Lewistown, Fulton County, Illinois," illustrated in red and blue with the seal and motto of the United States