The bulk of the collection consists of 25 letters written by or to various members of the Palmer Family during the mid to late nineteenth century. The letters discuss the Civil War and family matters in Ohio and South Carolina. Letters from William Palmer to Thomas Palmer illustrate the divisions between the brothers on issues surrounding the Civil War while the letter from J.W. Mcguire to Thomas Plamer details the effects of the Battle of Cedar Creek on the Twenty-eighth Iowa Infantry. Other letters discuss plans for a family reunion in Ohio and estate arrangements after the death of John Egerton Palmer IV. Transcriptions of 24 of the letters are part of the Papers. Also included are two pieces of family memorabilia: an undated carte de visite of John Egerton Palmer IV and an invitation to a 1911 family reunion.