The Robert E. Lee Collection consists of correspondence, contracts, photocopies, handmade copies and biographical information relating to Lee’s life. The collection is arranged chronologically. The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence between Lee and Henry Kayser relating to the river channel project at St. Louis; Lee's financial investments in St. Louis; political affairs; and family news and gossip. The remaining material consists of various military field orders and correspondence from the Civil War including a letter from Lee to U.S. Grant regarding prisoner exchange and the status of freed slaves. The postwar material consists of some correspondence by Lee to friends and supporters and later material regarding Lee's life and memorials.