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.

Correspondence of brothers Henry Patterson and James Patterson, both privates in the 19th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company I, during the Civil War. Also includes muster rolls for Henry and his brother James as well as James’ death certificate.

Twelve letters of John J. Russell of Sterling, Illinois, documenting his service as a sergeant and 2nd lieutenant in Company B of the 13th Illinois Infantry in Missouri, Mississippi, and Alabama. Russell writes to his brother, Charles, and sister, Julia, from Rolla, Franklin, and Heetsville, Mo., Vicksburg, Miss., Cairo, Ill., and Bridgeport and Madison Station, Ala. One letter (Dec. 6, 1861) is written on stationery containing a printed vignette portrait of McClellan.

Mainly correspondence of Cameron, Missouri resident Oliver Perry Newberry, 1860-1867, primarily relating to his Civil War service in the Union army; and cabinet, carte-de-visite and a few tintype photographs of Newberry family and friends dating primarily from the 1880's.