This collection contains the correspondence of Dr. John Hanson Thomas sent during his imprisonment during the Civil War. Dr. Thomas and his wife, Annie Campbell Thomas, née Gordon, wrote each other almost every day during his time as a prisoner of war from September 1861 to February 1862, and letters between the couple make up the majority of the collection. These letters discuss daily life in the prison camp, political views, current events, and family matters.

The Small Print-Subject Collection consists of over 1,300 advertisements, woodcuts, etchings, drawings, newspaper images, newspaper clippings, small booklets, and other items. Most date from the 18th and 19th century. The prints in this collection are less than 10 x 15 inches in size.