Collection consists mostly of letters from Albert Clifton Craig to his parents, Robert and Sarah Craig in Canton, Illinois, while a private in the 2nd Illinois Light Artillery during the Civil War. The company is composed of men from the area of Canton and Peoria, Illinois, including Albert’s uncle, William J. Gardner. Albert is a postilion and takes care of the horses. The company travels from Peoria, Illinois through Missouri to Pea Ridge, Arkansas, where Albert is injured in battle. Albert’s letters tell the story of early recruitment, camp life, leadership troubles, a court martial, encounters with “secesh,” fighting, battle injury, medical care and death during the Civil War.

The collection includes Indian Depredation Claims from the office of John Wedderburn, claims examiner in Washington, D.C., with completed claim forms and correspondence.  William R. Hearst and the San Francisco Examiner established the "Examiner Bureau of Claims" in 1891 and appointed John Wedderburn as the head person.