The collection is arranged alphabetically and is added to periodically. Unless otherwise specified, all rights to the material in the Civil War Era Correspondence Collection have been transferred to the McLean County Historical Society. Material may not be reproduced without the express consent of the Society. The collection is organized alphabetically by the name of the primary author or recipient. The topics of letters written by soldiers cover camp life, military activities, and inquiries about activities back home.
Civilian letters discuss the war and report family and neighborhood news.
Included on the Box List, when known, are the soldiers' rank, unit, and place of residence. When possible, the dates of the letters have been listed, along with the names of primary correspondents. Not all the correspondents were McLean County residents at the time of writing. Two letters are addressed to President Lincoln and concern the promotion of Col. J. McNulta. Letter addressed to Reuben Benjamin's wife Laura.