The Karl L. Rommel collection consists of photocopies of Civil War letters and documents. Correspondents include Harrison Traphagan, David R. Frego, Robert A. Moon, "Augustus", L. A. Hall, and "Robert".

Harrison Traphagan enlisted in Company I, 3rd Michigan Cavalry on September 9, 1861 at age 21. Mustered in October 1861, his letters (1861-1862) mention daily army life and combat activity. Traphagan died of disease at New Madrid, Missouri on April 9, 1862. He was buried in the National Cemetery at Memphis, Tennessee.

Private David R. Frego's documents (1863-1865) include a poem, "How Lee was Whipped at Gettysburg", and letters he wrote while serving in the 6th Michigan Cavalry, Company H under John F. Andrews in the Washington, D.C. area. Letters addressed to his sister and brother contain general information about army life.

Lt. Robert A. Moon's papers consist of one letter written to his uncle who was concerned about conditions in the army. Moon discusses the morale of the soldiers and the war effort in February of 1863.

"Augustus" served in the 3rd Michigan Cavalry and was stationed at Camp Benton, St. Louis, Missouri. His letter comments on general Army life and the crowded conditions which caused arguments and fighting among the troops.

L.A. Hall was located at Camp Stoneman in Washington D.C. In his letters to his family, Hall discusses camp conditions and the spread of diseases.

Letters of "Robert" to his sister, Helen Rogers, describe campfire and battles. "Robert" enlisted in the 8th Michigan Cavalry, Company A, at Mount Clemens, Michigan. He also served at Camp Stockton, in Lexington, Kentucky and Camp Nelson in Corrington, Kentucky.