The papers consist of copies of speeches, addresses, and other public statements delivered by Hambrecht in his capacity as head of the Wisconsin Industrial Commission and the State Board of Vocational Education; transcribed correspondence and research notes concerning Abraham Lincoln; and transcribed research (perhaps carried out for William T. Evjue) concerning freedom of speech. Hambrecht's speeches and statements, which principally concern education and employment, are arranged chronologically. The Lincoln material is divided into correspondence, which is arranged alphabetically by correspondent, and research notes. Among the correspondents are Henry B. Rankin, who received his legal training from the Lincoln-Herndon partnership, and J. Friend Lodge, a noted Lincoln scholar. Also of note are remarks about Lincoln delivered by Ellis B. Usher. Copies of the Lincoln material in the collection are held by the Special Collections Department of the Chicago Public Library.
