The collection includes two letters written by Eliza Duncan. The first letter was written on March 5, 1861, a month before the American Civil War, to her son John William Duncan. The letter contains information about the institution of slavery in Virginia and her concerns with the family's finances. The second letter was written July 16, 1861, asking a Mr. Peterson about her son, if he has been called to fight, due to his lack of response to her last letter. Transcriptions are included.