This collection contains five letters written by William G. Brownlow between 1836 and 1862. In them, he discusses speaking engagements and the Civil War. Also included are three photographs of Brownlow.

James Wilkins wrote this letter from Columbia, Tennessee to Colonel Robert Allen in Carthage, Tennessee. Wilkins encloses a promissory note from Dr. Dillowee that was due in 1839 and asks Col. Allen to collect it. In a postscript, Wilkins commends Captain Tommy Williams as a worthy citizen who would also benefit from the proceeds of the note.

Gideon J. Pillow (then in Columbia, Tennessee) wrote this letter to Reah Frazier in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In it, Pillow discusses the possible outcomes of a recent election.

This letter, signed "Knox," was written to inform Henry J. Knox of the state of his affairs.