The collection consists of original and photostatic copies of correspondence, vouchers, clippings, receipts, deeds, and Lieutenant Bissell's General Order books, 1792-1795. The collection includes a series of letters from the United States War Department relating to Bissell's involvement in the building of the cantonment of Bellefontaine in 1805 and correspondence between Daniel Bissell and Secretary of War Henry Dearborn concerning the whereabouts of Aaron Burr; the War of 1812; the council meeting at Portage du Sioux, June 24, 1815. The correspondence also includes discussion of the evacuation of Forts Osage, Madison, and St. Charles in New Orleans. The papers also include material regarding the set of charges and speculations against Brigadier General Bissell by Major General Andrew Jackson, and Bissell's defense (1816). Later correspondence and certificates related to the New Madrid land claims made by the Bissell family in relation to lands damaged during the 1811 earthquake. Letters between family members discuss farm matters and the family's slaves. The remaining material includes clippings about the Bissell home in North St. Louis County.