This collection chiefly consists of correspondence Cleveland Murphy received while serving in the military during the 1950s and 1960s. These include letters received from family, including his mother in Indianapolis, with news of home. He also received letters from his first wife between 1952 and 1953, discussing various personal and family matters, including her father's murder trial. The bulk of correspondence is from women Murphy dated in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In addition to their feelings for Murphy, the writers, who are young, working-class and poor African American women, detail their personal lives. Topics of discussion include issues of everyday domestic life such as child care, employment, and housing. One correspondent later became Murphy’s second wife. Also included are letters from male friends serving in the military in Korea or living as civilians, stateside. Letters written by Cleveland Murphy, newspaper clippings, photographs, and other ephemera are additionally present.