Papers consist of genealogical information and correspondence of the Belcher family. Most of the letters are addressed to Nathan Belcher in New London, Connecticut, from his brothers and sisters across the United States. The earliest letters are from Nathan’s father, William Belcher. Nathan’s brothers wrote to him many times regarding their business, social, and personal affairs. The letters of William H. and Charles Belcher, dated 1842 to 1872, deal with the operation of the Belcher Sugar Refining Company in St. Louis. In 1855, many family members wrote to Nathan regarding the condition of the Belcher Sugar Refining Company after reading news that it was not faring well. Many letters also relate to significant events in the lives of the family members. The deaths of many family members are mentioned. A letter of Charles Belcher to his brother Nathan, dated January 17, 1847, discusses the death of their brother Frederick. Two letters dated December 24, 1848, and May 21, 1849, discuss the death at sea of their brother Samuel. Letters dated 1852 include information regarding the estate of their father who had passed away the previous year. A letter of Charles Belcher to his brother Nathan, dated April 15, 1872, discusses the death of their brother George and the death of Nathan’s wife, Ann. There are also letters regarding events that have occurred around them. A letter of William Belcher to his brother Nathan, dated May 21, 1849, describes the great fire in St. Louis and also the cholera epidemic. A letter of William Belcher to his son Nathan, dated August 22, 1834, notes that 20 to 30 people are dying a day from cholera. A letter of Charles Belcher to his brother Nathan, dated December 25, 1842, discusses how low the Mississippi River is in St. Louis in comparison to past years. A letter of William Belcher to his son Nathan, dated September 9, 1834, describes cholera in New York. A letter of Charles Belcher to his brother Nathan, dated February 14, 1851 describes how the burning of the St. Charles Hotel affected Charles’s wife, Jane.