The Thomas S. Hawley Papers consist primarily of correspondence from Thomas Hawley to his parents and siblings in Olney, Illinois, during his Civil War service. The collection also includes several letters from Thomas' parents to their son, and a few letters between other members of the Hawley family. The correspondence documents Thomas Hawley's Civil War service, family affairs, and life in St. Louis after the war. The collection also includes a hospital record book of the 11th Missouri Infantry (Union), kept by Hawley, which contains various lists of patients and wounded men.