This collection consists of a single letter written by Stephens to Miss M. J. Brakebill of Knoxville, Tenn., on July 29, 1864. Postmarked from Loudon, Tenn. and written from Cumberland Gap, Tenn., the letter discusses the effect of the Civil War on Stephens. He mentions that he believes that "E. Tenn. will be releaved [sic] in a short time."

This circular, entitled Appeal to the People of Tennessee, begins with a brief history of Tennessee's recent history that leads to Johnson announcing his appointment as military governor of the state. Within this role, he invites the citizens to support his government appointments until an election can be held, and promises amnesty for all who yield to the authority of the national government. He assures them that there will be no vindictive prosecutions.

This collection consists of two documents signed by Andrew Johnson, then Governor of Tennessee, in 1863 and 1864. The first certificate appoints Thomas J. Cypert Captain in the Regiment of Union Guards of Tennessee Volunteers, and the second appoints James M. Moore First Lieutenant of Company A in the Second Regiment of the Mounted Infantry of Tennessee.

Andrew Tousley wrote this letter to his friend and former classmate Amanda White from camp near Nashville, Tennessee on November 29, 1862. In it, he discusses his religious faith, serving under the command of General Rosencrans, and recent military happenings.

Ann Eliza (White) Hannum wrote this letter to her son, Dr. Frank H. Hannum, on March 14, 1862. In it, she speaks of a married man who has been living in illicit intercourse with a woman. She also discusses the many men going to war, saying that "it is a deplorable condition, when will god see fit to end this terrible war. Oh my son turn your thoughts to god and prepare for when some time his summons comes whether in a peaceful bed or terrible field."

In a letter dated 1865 May 5 the chief quartermaster of the Army of the Cumberland, E. B. Carling, sends his annual report for the month of March to his superior, A. J. Mackay. The letter was sent internally from the quartermaster's office located in Nashville, Tenn. The letter concerns the movements of the Army of the Cumberland's 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Cavalry divisions throughout the state of Mississippi.

This May 26, 1864, letter is from Asa M. Weston, of the 50th Ohio Infantry, Company K, written in Cleveland, Tenn., to his sister. In the letter, Weston writes that he has been left in Cleveland to take charge of baggage while the rest of his regiment is in Georgia with Sherman's army.

In this letter to his sister, Asa M. Weston discusses being close to Knoxville and President Lincoln's call for more draftees.

In this letter to John Lellyett, Treasury Agent Benjamin Dufield reports that Federal troops have been confiscating cotton without orders from the Treasury Department even though the region they are working in is not pro-Confederate. Dufield also expresses his hope that higher officials will take action to correct the problem.

The B. F. James Notebook, ca. 1865-1871, contains an account of the military actions of James, a Sergeant with the 51st Consolidated Tennessee Infantry (Confederate), as well as records of James' business transactions from the late 1860's and early 1870's.

This collection consists of a receipt for corn and horses delivered to the 10th Michigan Cavalry in January of 1864 during the Knoxville Campaign.

This collection contains a single black and white carte de visite of B. R. McKinnie (sometimes spelled McKinney). The date on the verso side (1861-1865) suggests this photograph was taken during the Civil War.

This collection contains one letter written by Ben Mason while he was stationed on the Tennessee-Virginia border in Bristol-Goodson.

This Civil War letter was written by Benton L. Thompson of the Union Army, and contains general details of his journey to Knoxville, Tennessee by railway and by foot for the Siege of Knoxville.

C. Perry Goodrich wrote this letter to his wife, Frances (Bowen) Goodrich, in Christiana, Wisconsin on March 13, 1864. In it, Goodrich describes the recent battle for Knoxville and mentions that both the Union and Confederate Armies are living on hardtack and coffee due to extreme lack of supplies.

C. Perry Goodrich of the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry wrote this letter from a camp near Kingston, Tennessee on December 12, 1863. In it, he discusses Longstreet's clash with Burnside in the Knoxville campaign and mentions rumors that are circulating, including one stating that Gen. Crook with the 2nd Div. Cav. has defeated the Rebel Gen. Wheeler.

C. Perry Goodrich wrote this letter to his wife, Frances (Bowen) Goodrich, from camp near Fayetteville, Tennessee on July 25, 1863. In it, he discusses camp life, foraging in the countryside, breakdowns in discipline, and an incident in which a Union soldier was hanged for stealing from Confederate farmers.

This collection contains a February 21, 1862, letter from Civil War soldier Charles Christensen, camped at Cairo, Illinois, to Richard Morris of Cedar Lake Wisconsin. Christensen, a member of the 8th Wisconsin, discusses his regiment, Union victories at Forts Donelson and Henry, Confederate General Lloyd Tilghman, possible rebel attacks at Cairo, the overpopulation of prisoners of war, as well as personal family matters.

In a letter dated July 27, 1862, Charles Fox, a soldier from Indiana, writes to his sister from camp within three miles of Winchester, Tenn. Fox tells his sister that he is very tired of the service and would give anything to get out of it. He complains of the actions of the commissioned officers and expresses his desire for a quick end to the war.

This collection houses two books that Union Sergeant Charles H. Pierce used to keep a diary and record roll call in addition to a formal studio portrait depicting Pierce in his later years wearing his Grand Army of the Republic Star.