The collection consists of incoming letters, all arranged chronologically, a calendar of these letters, and one small folder of photographs and genealogical information. The collection is available both in original paper form and on microfilm. The majority of the letters are those of James Chesnut, Jr. and Sr. Unfortunately it is sometimes difficult to identify which man was the recipient, for James, Sr., remained active through the Civil War. The letters to Stephen Miller are concentrated during the period of 1820-1830 and largely deal with the running of his plantations, although there are a few from constituents referring to the local political situation during the developing nullification crisis. The letters to John Manning, concentrated from 1850 to 1865, comprise the majority of the letters for the Civil War period. They largely deal with affairs on his plantation holdings and include requests for help of various sorts from South Carolinians even after the conclusion of his term in office. It is unclear as to how these Manning papers came into the possession of the Chesnut family for none of the letters reveal any correspondence between members of the two families.
