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The Mary J. Simpson autograph album contains signatures and other contributions by Simpson's friends, compiled primarily in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from 1856-1866. Most entries are poems about morality and friendship, ranging in length from four lines to an entire page.

The Mary J. Simpson autograph album contains signatures and other contributions by Simpson's friends, compiled primarily in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from 1856-1866. Most entries are poems about morality and friendship, ranging in length from four lines to an entire page.

Simpson received this "Album of Affection" from a friend on January 1, 1856, and invited both male and female friends to write in her book. Many contributors lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Though some pages only contain signatures, most of her friends transcribed poems, often dedicated to Simpson. The poems concern many topics, such as friendship and morality, and some are copied from previously published works, including William Cowper's "The Task," C.D. Stuart’s "Three Angel-Spirits," and the anonymous "Good Wishes."

• United States scenery
  • Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia)
  • Mouth of the St. Croix River
  • Kaaterskill Falls (New York)
  • New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Brown's Fall, Minnesota
• Biblical Scenes
  • Jerusalem
  • Mountains of Moab
  • Land of Uz
  • "Moses Found"