This collection consists of Civil War letters from Othniel Gooding of the 4th Michigan Cavalry to his fiancee, Lucy Dexter of Milan, Michigan. The 4th Michigan Cavalry was organized in August 1862, and spent much of the war in Tennessee and Kentucky, in scouting and foraging work. This work brought them into frequent clashes with Confederate forces. Gooding's letters describe life in camp, as well as foraging and scouting expeditions. He also comments on Union leaders such as George Thomas and William Rosecrans, passes on war news and camp rumors, and discusses political news. He reported that the realities of war and soldier's life had worn down his patriotism, and he remained opposed to freeing the slaves.

The collection also includes a booklet, "Col. R.H.G. Minty and the 4th Michigan Cavalry," which describes the regiment's war service.

The letters 1862-65 and the booklet have been transcribed, scanned and placed online at http://civilwar.archives.msu.edu/collection/7-1C-F/gooding/.