Draper's copious notes and related correspondence on Clark's career in 1779, with emphasis on the capture of Vincennes. Topics covered more briefly include: Leonard Helm's expedition up the Wabash River (March 1779) and the hostilities with the Indiana Delaware Indians; David Rogers's defeat and death (October 1779); Clark's fiscal claims against Virginia and the effects of currency depreciation; Clark's intended campaign against Detroit; and James Willing and the plans for an expedition against West Florida. Although many other persons are mentioned incidentally, there are substantial biographical and genealogical references for only a few. These include: a lengthy biography of Anthony Crockett; letters concerning Andrew and William Hamilton of West Virginia; and notes on a Pennsylvania officer, James Francis Moore.

Found in the volume are three original Revolutionary manuscripts: a letter (October 1779) by Clark to William Fleming containing Clark's views on Indian and military affairs; and two letters (April and August 1779) by John Todd to Fleming; in the first, Todd rejoiced in Clark's success at Vincennes; in the second he made a plea for men and supplies for Clark, supported the need for an expedition to Detroit, and mentioned David Rogers's forthcoming trip to Fort Pitt. Also found are Draper's copies of several of Clark's orders, letters by Clark to John Rogers and to Thomas Jefferson, and a letter by Henry Hamilton, all dated in 1779. Draper also copied orders (1781) affecting the troops in Kaskaskia issued by John Williams.