The collection is primarily a series of correspondence and documents relating to William McNaught’s business interests; and a limited collection of personal correspondence between family members. The business records document ordinary business activities as well as the effects of the Civil War on his commerce. Several letters document the difficulties collecting funds from debtors after the Civil War. During the Civil War William McNaught with a group of investors formed the Fulton Exporting and Importing Company, which purchased a steamer to transport goods into the Confederate States. Soon after the delivery of the steamer, it sunk at the mouth of the Suwannee River in Florida and some effort was made to salvage the steamer. A significant number of slave documents are found throughout the collection. Most of these documents provide a brief physical description of the slave as well as their given name. The collection also includes correspondence written by Euphemia McNaught Knapp, John McNaught, and William McNaught, Jr. John McNaught graduated from Harvard and then spent several months on a European tour. Many of his letters reflect on the society in Europe and the contrast to American society. His sister “Pollie” inquired about the fashions of Europe in one of her letters to him and he provides her with a brief sketch of the fashions in England, Ireland, and Paris. The letters written by Euphemia describe life in Canada during the Civil War and in Atlanta after the war as well as financial difficulties after her husband abandons her and their children.