This collection consists primarily of letters from Alanson Royce to his family, describing his farm in New Buffalo, Michigan, and his migration to Mornington, Missouri, where he also farmed. In his letters home Royce discusses Missouri's economy and agricultural prospects, as well as education and social conditions. There are very few references to slavery. Royce farmed in Missouri until 1862, when his pro-Union views angered local Confederate sympathizers and forced him to flee to Illinois. The letters describe Civil War conditions in Missouri in 1861 and 1862, especially the hostility between Unionists and Confederates.

Two of the letters during the Civil War years, are from Orin Baker. Baker enlisted in the 24th Missouri Infantry Regiment as a sergeant. He died from illness in 1862.

The letters from the Civil War years have been transcribed, scanned and placed online at http://civilwar.archives.msu.edu/collection/7-1C-3D/royce/.

Also included is a United States Land certificate for Alanson Royce in Webster County, Missouri dated March 1, 1960.