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The Correspondence (1819-1907) is chronologically arranged and has been divided into originals, typed transcripts and photocopies of originals. For the most part, the photocopies are those of originals still held by the family. The majority of the correspondence is to or from Ann Jenette Preston and most of the letters date from 1850 to 1870. Correspondents include Mrs. Preston's sons as well as her parents in western Massachusetts. A two page typescript of excerpts from Wallace Preston's diary (1861) may also be found in the typed transcripts. Subjects documented in the correspondence include: a widow's life on the frontier; Great Lakes shipping especially in the 1850s; life aboard Union naval vessels during the Civil War; and daily life in St. Joseph, Michigan and western Massachusetts just before, during, and immediately after the Civil War.

This series contains letters between members of the Edwards' family, and their associates, ranging from Ogden Ellery Edwards I to Ogden Ellery Edwards IV. The bulk of these letters were sent by Ogden Ellery Edwards II.

The Correspondence series, 1827-1904, predominates the collection and is arranged chronologically; containing correspondence with his family, and business associates in connection to his work with canal and bridge companies, and the U.S. War Department. Constantly in a state of travel, Charles Ellet Jr.’s frequent communication with his beloved wife, Ellie, creates an intimate portrait of his daily life, business dealings, and professional experiences. Correspondence prior to their marriage was not preserved. Notable to the papers, are Ellet’s communications with John Roebling, Joseph Cabell, Edward Stanton, and the United States War Department. Missing from the collection is the preservation of communication between McClellan and Ellet. Observations and reports of Charles Ellet, Jr.’s trips to Europe are detailed in the correspondence, 1830-1831 and 1844. Correspondence between 1862 and 1864 consists of family correspondence between Charlie Rivers Ellet, Alfred Ellet, and Mary Virginia Ellet Cabell, with military correspondence related to Alfred Ellet and Charlie River’s involvement in the U.S Ram Fleet and Mississippi Marine Brigade (Ellet’s Brigade). After 1864, the correspondence reflects Mary’s work to preserve and promote Charles Ellet, Jr.’s accomplishments and contributions to 19th century public works projects through publication, the launching of the U.S.S Ellet, and the preservation of the papers in an archival repository.

The Correspondence Series consists of letters from the Hollister and Twichell families dating from 1831 to 1959. Most of this correspondence was sent or received by Etta Twichell and her daughter Jennie. There are a few Civil War period letters, but most of these don't mention the conflict. Of particular interest are the letters to Etta Twichell from M.S. Hollister as he migrated west through Arizona and California, and from Joseph Hollister, who settled in Idaho. There are also letters by Jennie Twichell Lohmiller describing her work as a teacher. The series also contains letters from friends and relatives describing preparations for World War I. The series also includes letters of Jean Lohmiller Rich, 1930-1971, with her family and with her husband Ed Rich. These letters relate to their careers and their personal relationship.

The Correspondence series deals with Tappan's scholarly interests, particularly in philosophy and education, his travels in Europe, and University of Michigan matters. Tappan's correspondents include James B. Angell, Thomas M. Cooley, Victor Cousin, Edward P. Evans, Alpheus Felch, Samuel F. B. Morse, Charles H. Palmer, and Andrew D. White. There is also correspondence about Tappan particularly between Charles M. Perry and graduates and officials of The University of Michigan, and three volumes of manuscript poems by Tappan. The collection includes a number of letters sent from Tappan to William W. Murphy and his wife, referred to as Mrs. Murphy. These letters were sent while Tappan lived in Europe during the 1860s. A separate group of correspondence is addressed from Tappan to his friend and financial advisor Edwards Pierrepont. A microfilm copy of most of the correspondence is also available.

There is one personal letter in the General Correspondence grouping sent from Tappan's wife, Julia, to Mary Clark regarding Julia’s health dated May 11, 1875.

The Correspondence series is organized chronologically, and contains not only correspondence by Edwin Denby but also photostats by Nathanial Denby written to the Secretary of the Navy in 1845-1847 and a copy of Graham N. Fitch and S.A. Douglas' correspondence.