Partial note, possibly from Robert Woodward Barnwell, to unknown recounting a recent unnamed battle. The author writes "such a sight as that field of slain I never dreamed of."
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell sent to the Charleston Courier for publication. Barnwell, on behalf of the South Carolina Hospital Bureau in Virginia, informs the city of their move from Charlottesville to Richmond due to the withdrawal of Confederate troops and gives directions on the best way to send supplies.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing his work visiting camps and hospitals and procuring supplies for wounded and sick South Carolina soldiers in Virginia. The letter contains pages written by his wife, Mary, describing a trip to Munson Hill in Northern Virginia that Barnwell had taken with Generals Beauregard and Johnston. According to Mary, Barnwell could see Union soldiers atop the U.S. Capitol Building and, while there, witnessed a skirmish among picket lines.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to sister describing his unceasing work tending to sick and wounded Confederate soldiers in Virginia. Barnwell writes that he hopes to return to Columbia the following April when South Carolina soldiers end their tour and perhaps save his summer salary at South Carolina College.
Letter from George M. Coffin, Charleston, SC, to Robert Woodward Barnwell, Charlottesville, VA, on a variety of war time topics. Coffin mentions Barnwell's letter concerning the "Legion" that appears in the Charleston Courier, acknowledges his relief efforts in Virginia and asks Barnwell to forward aid packages to his friend, Dr. Samuel Logan, who is suffering from typhoid fever in western Virginia.
Robert Woodward Barnwell writes to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, of his plans to spend his summer vacation in spiritual work with the Confederate Army, specifically at hospitals near Manassas, VA, where he hopes to bring along a "Corps of Lady nurses."
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, updating her on the growth of his two young sons, Singleton and Robert. Barnwell also refers to "Carolina's backwardness" in its attack of Fort Sumter and believes the action ruins any hope "of redeeming our pledge of independence."
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, offering his opinion on the particulars of his younger brother Stephen's education and describing the vegetable garden he has planted.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing his preparations for another term as professor at South Carolina College.
Robert Woodward Barnwell writes to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, about a washing machine he has purchased for her and includes a recipe for soap. He also informs her of a calf he is sending via his servant "Aleck" and tells her to "let the negroes know that if it is missing, I will have every one on the plantation punished."
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to brother, Edward H. Barnwell, from Charlottesville, VA. Robert writes of visiting Edward's alma mater at the University of Virginia and alludes to an offer of employment at the College of William and Mary.
Letter from former college classmate, George McWillie Williamson, to Robert Woodward Barnwell, comparing South Carolina and Louisiana ladies and how the "democratic" political climate in Louisiana differs from the "aristocratic" nature of South Carolina.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to father, William H. W. Barnwell, describing the politics surrounding his reelection as professor at South Carolina college.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, discussing his professorial duties at South Carolina College and updating her on the status of his siblings who are living with him in Columbia. He also mentions South Carolina histories written by William James Rivers, David Ramsay and William Gilmore Simms and some investigative work he is doing for his father concerning their ancestor, John Barnwell. Attached is a letter from his brother, William Finley Barnwell, describing Robert's endless study habits.
