This collection consists of a letter from former Union Army officer Spencer C. Stanhope to C. P. Leverich (likely Charles P. Leverich of Leverich & Company). Writing from New York, Stanhope describes his desperate circumstances and pleads for financial assistance. He notes that his grandfather, R. N. Waite, had been a banker that associated with the Leverich family. He continues by admitting that the public has become suspicious of veterans requesting assistance, regarding them "as an imposter." In a second letter, which had likely been enclosed with the first, Stanhope states that he is disabled and "out of employment." He writes of having disposed of all of his possessions and spending the past three nights on the streets and claims that without help he will soon die. Despite his condition, he writes, he will accept any type of employment.

Please note: the letters contain outdated language about people with disabilities, which the author applies to himself, that may be offensive to modern-day readers.