This series is related to the duPont genealogy in France and the United States, family relics, and tributes to Alfred I. duPont. It also includes correspondence and notes and galley sheets by Marquis James in preparation for publication of his biography, "Alfred I. duPont: The Family Rebel."

This series contains correspondence and legal documents relating to Alfred's relationship with his three wives and his children. His detailed correspondence with his adopted daughter Alicia through her childhood and early married years in Europe present an especially detailed picture of the lifestyle and spending habits of an extremely wealthy family. Alfred also carried on a lifelong correspondence with his daughter Madeleine who settled in Munich, Germany. Letters exchanged with his brother Maurice document the rise and fall of the powder business, other business activities, and numerous social events. Alfred's especially candid letters with his older sister Marguerite, whom it is said, was the only person he feared, reveal his most intimate thoughts and activities.

This series is made up of Alfred's extensive correspondence with cousins, nieces, and nephews, many of whom received his financial support. These included members of his third wife Jessie's family whom he adopted as his own. In his letters to his children he was especially warm and lighthearted, showing a side of his character which was not always evident in adult relations.

This series consists of correspondence between Alfred and his closest friends throughout his lifetime. Principal correspondents include James Hackett, a noted, flamboyant actor; Jimmy L. Dashiell, musician, entrepreneur, and one-time business manager of the duPont Company; and Dr. Charles Hanby, friend, family physician, and collaborator in many charitable enterprises.

Records contain correspondence regarding the operation of the Wilmington Morning News and other newspapers and their duPont influenced editorial policy. Other records related to E. M. Davis and T. W. Jakes, political informants on the duPont payroll, and Alfred's views on women's suffrage, World War I, welfare reform, and a host of other topics.

Business records document the early days of the duPont Powder Company at the turn of the century to its breakup in 1915. Included is correspondence between Alfred, his cousin,Frank Cazenove Jones, and his brother, Maurice duPont. The details of the duPont family lawsuit are covered, including the reports of lawyers and private detectives. Banking ventures, the Nemours Trading Co., a variety of business and real estate ventures, and Alfred's 1912 activities in Paris are included.