Handwritten and signed correspondence. The items were written by Hadden and others who were probably family members. The materials relate activities in the gold fields of California and also tell about activities during the Civil War. Also included is a printed poem about the Battle of the Wilderness in 1864.

Handwritten and signed letters. Hartford was originally from Boston, Massachusetts, and later went to the gold fields of California. He writes to his family from various towns and mining camps in California and describes his life and activities there.

Handwritten letter dated 26 Dec. 1850. The item was written in Legards Bar, California and was addressed to D. M. Woodin in Lapeer, Michigan. Heiman writes about life at the gold mines. He states that working in the mines is for people willing to "work hard and live like a dog."

Seven handwritten letters and typed copies of the items. Seawell writes to family members about his experiences moving to the West and his activities in various mining communities in California and Montana.