Papers acquired from the Campbell family, but mainly letters written to Draper, 1840-1849, by David Campbell (1779-1859), William B. Campbell (1807-1867), and historian Charles Campbell (1807-1876). The correspondence contains references to many men and events in the lives of William and Arthur Campbell, comments on the work of contemporary nineteenth-century historians, opinions on domestic politics and international affairs, and news of Draper himself-his travels, his move to Madison, his health, and his marriage to Mrs. Lydia Remsen (Mrs. Peter A. Remsen).

In addition to the Campbell family, persons discussed significantly in the letters include Reece Bowen, Gilbert Christian, Henry Cresswell, Charles Cummings, James Dysart, William Edmondson (Edmiston), Stephen Holston, Samuel Newell, Ambrose Powell, William Russell, and James Wood. David Campbell wrote for Draper narratives on the Tory bandits Francis and William Hopkins, on Arthur Campbell's capture by the Indians in 1756 and his subsequent escape and service with the British troops, and on the battle of King's Mountain. David also furnished a copy of the biographical sketch of William Campbell by Arthur Campbell (of which the original is in 16 DD), wrote biographical sketches of John and Robert Campbell, and composed a short autobiography (1852) followed by later comments on Stephen Van Renssalaer and James Wilkinson under whom he had served in the War of 1812.

Seven spritely letters, 1840-1841, sent to Edwin R. Campbell by Thomas Buchanan Read contain a few of Read's original poems; remarks on his artistic and literary pursuits, on Horace Greeley and other New York editors, and on several of his fellow artists; and descriptions of his participation in a Democratic barbecue in Kentucky during the 1840 presidential campaign and of his visit to Philadelphia and Independence Hall. Miscellaneous papers found in the volume include a narrative of Indian captivity and escape by a Mrs. Scott, sister of Harry Dickinson, and Draper's draft of his obituary of William Martin (1846).