The collection contains a letter written by Larkin Smith from Drake's Branch, Charlotte County, Virginia to Union Brigadier General Marsena Patrick, Provost Marshal of the Army of the Potomac, undated. The letter is a request from Smith for Patrick to provide safe escort for Smith's daughter and niece while they are in Richmond.This suggests the letter was likely written after the fall of Richmond, Virginia. Patrick and Smith were classmates at West Point, class of 1835. Back of letter reads, "Classmate went south & was Paymaster Genl."