The correspondence is almost entirely of a personal rather than professional nature. There is a nearly complete set of correspondence between Joan Givner of the University of Regina, Canada, and Hartley. Givner consulted Hartley in reference to her book on Katherine Anne Porter, and their professsional interests became the basis for a friendship. The file of about 195 items is the most comprehensive information on Hartley during the 1970s. There are a number of files created by Hartley concerning specific research and publications, including about 150 items about Lawrence Sterne and approximately 75 items about William Cowper.
Correspondents are mostly professional colleagues.
There are also about 75 items on his novel Plum Tree Lane. The chronological file consists of about 500 items. Correspondents are mainly professors at other universities in the U. S. and Great Britain offering criticism, congratulations, or assistance on topics related to English literature and Hartley's publications. There are also letters from friends Hartley made while in Europe and from former students, and letters on financial affairs. In some cases, copies of Hartley's replies are included.