A handwritten, one-page letter from Henry Augustus Middleton Smith to Charles R. Allen in which he responds to his inquiry about renting 21 East Battery. He admits that he would rather sell the residence but needs to do repair work to it and asks what rent Allen would like to pay.
A handwritten, five-page letter from Maria H. Middleton to her cousin, Susan Alston, in which she updates Susan on her health and asks for information about Susan's life in Charleston.
A handwritten, four-page letter from Arthur Middleton to William Henry Drayton, signed "Andrew Marvells," a pen name he often used. Within the letter, he discusses current events involving American loyalists, such as the trial of John Dunn and Benjamin Boote and the actions of George Walker and Thomas Fletchall. He also discusses military matters, including the oath of allegiance, commissions, and the rumors of George Washington's success.
A handwritten one-page letter in which William Blake informs Arthur Middleton of his upcoming journey to Cedar Grove plantation and expresses his wish to consult with him and William Rutledge about a matter of land.
A handwritten, three-page letter from Emma Alston to her husband, Charles, in which she discusses her situation in Greenville and her continued search for a house. She writes of her concerns about the Civil War's effect on their finances and house in Charleston; in addition, she lists the names of enslaved people that she brought with her to Greenville (Zilpah, Winnie, Brown, little Thomas, John, Venus, Johny).
A handwritten, four-page letter from Susan Alston to her father, Charles Alston, in which she describes their work setting up the farm in Greenville and complains about the soaring cost of living in the town. She also relays the story of the Seven Days Battles in Virginia, blaming General Huger for the Union's escape.
A handwritten, one-page letter from Higham, Fife, & Co. to Charles Alston in which they inform him that his order of Old Sherry has arrived in Charleston. At the bottom of the letter, a receipt details the $393.23 cost.