This collection contains papers of Charles N. Johnson, who served as a private in Company C, 15th Iowa Infantry during the American Civil War. The collection includes seven war-time letters written by Johnson to his mother, Aurelia Johnson. Some of the letters are written on patriotic stationery, including one featuring the likeness of General John C. Fremont. Johnson's letters commence on May 25, 1862, with Johnson writing from St. Louis after having been wounded in the hand and arm at the Battle of Shiloh. The next two letters (June 18 and 25) were written from the hospital while Johnson recuperated in the hospital. Johnson had returned to his regiment by July 11, 1862, when he wrote from camp at Corinth. He writes of being assigned to provost guard duty in Corinth, noting that the Confederate prisoners "look very queer in their butter-nut britches & striped coats." Writing again from Corinth on July 29, Johnson mentions that he has returned to the hospital. The final two letters (Aug. 24 and Sept. 11) were written from Bolivar, Tennessee, with Johnson continuing to focus on the condition of his hand and arm and relaying general news from camp.

The collection also contains Johnson's discharge certificate, his marriage licence, and several family photographs (mostly tintypes). Among these are two photos of Hattie Johnson, two of Minnie Johnson, three of Clara Johnson, a carte-de-visite of Charles Johnson, and nine unidenfied images.