This collection contains materials dating from 1883 to 1887, during which time the University was without a President and the Chairman of the Faculty assumed the presidential responsibilities. The three faculty who held this title were Rodes Massie (1883-1885), Eben Alexander (1885-1886), and Samuel B. Crawford (1886-1887).

This collection consists primarily of correspondence between the Chairman of the Faculty and prominent state and national leaders and materials relating to state scholarships and student body appointments. Particularly interesting are letters dealing with the appointment of African-American cadets. Most of the material dates from Eben Alexander's term in office.

Notable correspondents in this collection include: William Brimage Bate, Governor of Tennessee; Thomas Humes, Trustee and former University president; Oliver Perry Temple, Judge and Trustee; Robert Craighead, Secretary of the Board of Trustees; John L. Moses, President of the Board of Trustees; J. C. Whitney, Secretary of the Navy; J. S. McCulloch, President of Knoxville College; Edward T. Sanford, Trustee and future Supreme Court Justice; Congressman John G. Ballantine; Congressman A. H. Pettibone; Congressman John Randolph Neal; James D. Porter, former Governor and Assistant Secretary of State; Worthington Curran Whitthorne; and Howell E. Jackson, Senator and future Supreme Court Justice.

Interested researchers may also wish to consult AR.0001: Presidents' Papers, 1867-1954, AR.0144: Presidents Thomas Humes and Charles Dabney Papers, AR.0091: Board of Trustees Records, 1808-1982, and AR.0364: Treasurer's Account Books, 1858-1934.