The collection consists of letters written by James Rearden of South Carolina. The majority of the letters are addressed to his wife, Maggie. Some were also sent to his mother and other family members. The letters date from 1861-1862 during the American Civil War.

Additional materials include two bonds from the 1890s addressed to a Venetia H. Auld and a Commission appointing Donald H. Auld Coroner of Sumter County, South Carolina, from 1884. The collection also includes correspondence between W. G. Johnston of Waynesboro, GA and U.S. Aronhalt of Coshocton, OH consisting of three letters regarding the purchase of Airedale puppies dating from 1916, 1917, and 1920. There is an additional letter from the Civil War era, dated September 5, 1864, the author of this letter is unknown.