This collection includes two types of materials: envelopes from correspondence, mostly to Taylor; and correspondence to and from Taylor. Much of the correspondence dates from 1859 to 1861, while Taylor was a student at Allegheny College, and concern Taylor's daily, as well as news from family and friends. Several 1860 and 1861 letters mention politics at the start of the Civil War. Related topics include military actions at Fort Sumter (letters to Taylor dated January 11, April 7, 1861) and Harpers Ferry (letter to Taylor dated April 22, 1861), discussion of Virginia Secession (letter to Taylor dated December 4, 1860; February 18, April 7, 1861; Taylor's letter dated May 28, 1861), concerns over qualities of the Lincoln presidency (letters to Taylor dated November 30, December 4, 1860; February 18, 1861) and the Jefferson Davis presidency (letter to Taylor dated April 22, 1861).

Correspondents include: Julia A. Foster (likely John's sister), Albert J. Foster (married to Julia), Mary E. Foster, Simpson F. Taylor (father), F. McCarthy, Jr. (student at University of Virginia), and F. B. Moore (?). There is also a letter from 1877 from Taylor to his wife, Sue.