This collection is largely comprised of the correspondence of Leven Powell, who served in American Revolutionary War as well as the Virginia House of Delegates, and the U. S. House of Representatives.

The letters reflect military and civilian events in Virginia during the Revolutionary war, United States and Virginia politics, and foreign relations in the early national period. The collection also includes financial records concerning the Revolutionary War and Loudoun County, Va.

A major subject of the correspondence is the Amercan Revolution, with reference to the Battle of Great Bridge (1775), other battles and campaigns, a copy of resolutions passed by freeholders of Loudoun County opposing the oppressive British legislation and establishing a boycott of all East India products, and a letter written from College Camp [Williamsburg, Va.] (1776). Other subjects include Aaron Burr, John Connolly, Lord Dunmore, Thomas McKean and John Taylor of Caroline, Native Americans, the presidential election of 1800, the Alien and Sedition Acts, orphans, Kentucky, the XYZ Affair, and slavery.