A handwritten, two-page letter from Joseph Alston to his mother and sister, Emma and Susan Alston, in which he discusses the actions of Union troops in South Carolina during the Civil War, particularly mentioning them "stealing" enslaved people and destroying property. He also requests that they send two enslaved men, Alec and Mack, to bring him news and other requested items such as his mare.
A handwritten, two-page letter from Alfred Rhett, commanding officer of the 1st South Carolina Artillery, to Joseph Alston, in which he expresses sympathy for the death of Joseph's brother, John Julius Alston. Also enclosed is the letter from Alfred Rhett to Samuel Cooper informing him of John Julius' death.
A handwritten, four-page letter from John Julius Alston to his sister, Susan Alston, in which he updates her on his life at Fort Sumter fighting for the Confederacy. He describes their attacks against the Union blockaders as well as his transfer to a new company.
A handwritten, two-page letter from Emma Alston to her husband, Charles Alston, in which she mentions the dangerous position of their son, John Julius Alston, in the Civil War, and discusses the work of enslaved individuals at their farm and home in Greenville, South Carolina. The names of these enslaved people include Tom, Alfred, Jack, Primus, Prince, Isaac, little Jim, Morris, John, and Kilpak, some of whom were being hired out.
A handwritten, five-page letter from William Alston Pringle to his cousins, Anne and Charlotte Alston, in which he explains the settling of their nephew Joseph's estate. Specifically, he requests their opinion on receiving their share of the bank stock and selling the enslaved individuals from the plantation.
A handwritten, four-page letter from Anne and Charlotte Alston to their uncle, Charles Alston, in which they request his advice on the distribution or sale of the land and enslaved individuals from the estate of their nephew, Joseph.
A handwritten, three-page letter from Rosa M. Pringle to Susan Alston in which she updates her on the travel of her family and other acquaintances to and from South Carolina.
A handwritten, four-page letter from Catherine Ravenel to Susan Alston in which she discusses life in Columbia, South Carolina, after the Civil War and shares various pieces of news from families such as the Middletons, Winthrops, Lowndes, and Rutledges.
A handwritten, four-page letter from Margaretta Hayne to Susan Alston in which she discusses her family's situation following the Civil War, including the effects of Union forces plundering their house, the misfortune of having their money tied up in Confederate bonds, and their perspective on emancipation.
