Willis writes from near Frederick City, MD, on the Second Battle of Bull Run or Manassas. His account (which places him at Manassas Junction), describes the battle-scenes and skirmishes, and his belief the "Yankees" had suffered more casualties. He also notes his inability to get some goods at Frederick City on account of the store owners being "Unionists"; his discovery that his hired "boy" was a runaway slave, (he has also fled from Keith); the misery of camp and his idea of resigning and returning to South Carolina to join Marion's Artillery who "will never be sent out of state".
Willis writes from Charlestown, Va, on having taken 1,300 prisoners at Harpers Ferry (many Vermonters); on the Second Battle of Bull Run or Manassas; his continued interest in resigning and joining Marion Artillery in South Carolina; the deaths of Nathaniel Heyward and Lt. Munroe of Charleston and his frustration at not being able to secure a slave to tend to him. He notes that he is writing on "captured paper" and the pro-Union sentiment on the envelope ("The Union and the Constitution must and shall be preserved") is crossed out.
Willis writes from camp that they are rumoured to be sent to Stonewall Jackson in "the Valley" and that Paris has found better clothing in the knapsacks of dead Union soldiers.
Willis writes from Camp Gregg asking about news from home. He writes that Paris is well again, but he still feels Paris will not last the war and wishes for a replacement slave.
[Incomplete letter] Willis writes detailing life at camp, a fateful charge [also described in previous correspondence] and its death tolls, and also the experiences of his camp slaves, Paris and Fred, who apparently declined an opportunity to desert.
Willis writes from Camp Gregg thanking his mother for the food she sent; his fear Paris will die and his eagerness to get a replacement slave; his delight that an ironclad has been sunk in Charleston harbor
Willis writes from camp outside Richmond, that he is marching to western Virginia. He has sent his slave, Paris home and is in search of another "boy".
Willis writes from the centre of the Army of Richmond of the loses of the 5th and 6th South Carolina Regiments, skirmishes around camp and his concern for James Island, his family and the location of their slaves
Diary of Magdalen Elizabeth Wilkinson Keith for the years 1868-1870. Concerns mostly life at home, and family life. Mentions a solar eclipse [Aug. 1868], teaching at the Normal school and the subjugation of women
This cook book includes instruction on: cabbage; eggs; corn soup; corn fritters; tomato soup; German waffles; canned tomatoes; maccaroni; beef a la mode; birds nest pudding; fried fish; salad; and rice. Also advice on chapped hands; damp closets; polishing furniture; destroying vermin; using scrapbooks; and extracting grease.
Diary of Magdalen Elizabeth Wilkinson Keith for the years 1865-1868. Concerns mostly life at home, and activities of family and friends. Mention of Charleston railroad stretching downtown.
Diary of Magdalen Elizabeth Wilkinson Keith for the years 1862-1865. Includes mostly day to day affairs and gossip, with occassional references to the War - particularly in early 1865.
Willis writes from near Camp Gregg on the "terrible blow" of Stonewall Jackson's death, which Keith believes the Union Army will view as better than a battlefield victory; his uncertainty in matters of faith
Willis writes from breastworks near Fredericksburg, Va. that the "enemy" have moved to the opposite side of the river; Willis wonders where General Hooker will make his new base; inability to get Paris a horse, except for $400
Partial clipping if an unidentified newspaper with an obituary on Mrs. Ann Postell of Charleston, S.C., and on reverse, A Proclamation on Charleston City Council's enforcement of the Quarantine Laws in the Port and Harbor of Charleston.