The four letters were written by Manly Miles to his brother, Isaac. Three dated 1848 were written while he was at Western Reserve College, and the fourth, dated 1850, while he attended Rush Medical College. Typewritten copies are included for each. Letters dated 1848 provide descriptions of Western Reserve College and various professors. There are references to fellow Michigan students C. Bartlett, I. T. Hinman, H. A. Goodale, and Doc Kenny, and to family matters and members including an Uncle Josiah Begole, Michigan Governor (January 1883-January 1885).

The scrapbooks primarily contain newspaper clippings pertaining to Michigan Agricultural College, but also included are articles on farming and agriculture in Michigan, and the history of several Michigan cities. A few programs are also found in the scrapbooks.