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This collection consists of the personal papers of Brigadier General William Burr Cochran, VMI Class of 1888, including:

• Correspondence
• Photographs
• An unpublished biographical essay titled "Reminiscences of Camp Life During the World War"
• Other items, such as instructions for "final German Figures," a formal VMI dance

The collection contains more than 450 letters written between Lieutenant Frank Owen Wilson from Wilson, Arkansas, who was a University of Virginia graduate and his Charlottesville girlfriend, Susan Smith Rinehart (1925-1995), whose family lived on an estate called "Boxwood." There are 276 letters from Wilson and 180 letters from Rinehart. Wilson's early letters are from Saint Elmo Hall at the Univeristy of Virginia. His letters while in military service were not subject to censorship, yet describe his training in detail. Frank's letters are usually hand-written but many of the letters are typewritten and some are accompanied by printed ephemera. The letters describe their courtship, his military service, their families, and her pregnancy, among other topics. Susan was from a wealthy family and her letters reflect how she and her family lived through the war without seemingly any financial concern. Letters describe Albemarle County horse rides and related activities. Her letter of June 6, 1994, regarding D-Day, is of historical interest.

Over 200 letters exchanged between Milton Kerrick and Maude Howdershell from 1908 through the 1930's. Both lived in Alexandria, Virginia and most of the letters are personal in nature as Kerrick actively courted Howdershell during this time. Kerrick was openly expressive in his love for the more reserved Howdershell. On October 8, 1919 the two were married, but their love letters continued as Kerrick was often away with his work for the Southern Railroad Company. There are also some letters addressed to Maude and their daughter, Elizabeth, from various friends written after Milton had passed away in 1941.

The collection consists mostly of love letters between Ella-May Abbott of New Orleans, Louisiana and Walter James Rathbun who is based in ship ports in the United States, Europe, Nicaragua and the Panama Canal Zone. Letters from Walter Rathbun's Mother, Mrs. J. Baird of Floral Park, New Jersey and other family members are included.

This collection contains 268 letters Virginia Scott Cocke wrote to David Russell Lyman, whom she would marry in 1905. The letters date from 1898 to 1905 and document their courtship. Also included are photographs, a postcard, a bookplate, an album, marriage certificates, transcripts of the letter, and a thumb drive.