This collection contains 11 letters sent to Dr. Henry Clay Sommerville, serving as a surgeon in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Nine of the letters were sent from acquaintances in Liberty (now Bedford), Virginia, in early 1864. Included are letters from M. R. Scruggs, H. Feild, and J. R. Tinsley, relaying news of local social activities and news of mutual acquaintances (including gossip), as well as hospital news. Two letters from a woman identified only as "F. J. W." include some news relating to the war, including mention of a day of fasting.

Also included is a letter from Sommerville's brother William, written at Staunton, Virginia, in 1862, and advising Sommerville on the completion of his medical studies and to delay getting married: "A young physician is almost worshipped by females especially if he is settled & prospering, & if he is prudent & keeps cool, keeps his eye skinned, he can just make his fortune at one stroke--yes a fortune in beauty, intelligence, amiability and property also."