The papers consist of letters written to Daniel Gale from friends and family. The letters also include those written by Ella Gale, Daniel's daughter, to her brothers; letters written to Daniel's two other sons, Theodore and Arthur; and letters written to Ella, her husband, and their sons. The letters contain both personal information and business information about the family store Greeley & Gale. The letters contain several examples of thoughts and opinions about the Civil War from both the Northern and the Southern perspectives. Other interesting items in the collection include a registration card to Charles W. Barstow, dated 1917, for the American Protective League and a draft registration certificate for Edward H. Barstow, dated 1918. The penmanship book of Theodore Freeley Gale dated 1860 contains essays about the state of the nation and opinions on what should be done. One letter from William H. Howard dated July 22, 1862, discusses the naval skirmishes the J.P. Jackson experienced with the southern navy. In it, he provides a brief glimpse into the life of the navy in New Orleans during this time.