The collection consists of a scrapbook containing newspaper and magazine clippings, a certificate, and programs. Most of the clippings appear to be from Boston newspapers, but Southern publications such as the Atlanta Intelligencer, the Mobile Register, the New Orleans Christian Advocate, the Richmond Examiner, the Savannah Republican and the Winchester Virginian are represented in the scrapbook. Periodicals represented include Reynold's Miscellany and The Illustrated London News. The clippings report the American Civil War (1861-1865) mostly from the Northern point of view, particularly for the years 1861-1862; some include illustrations. The certificate is from the City of Boston to Mrs. William Spring for volunteer work "at the Evans House for the soldiers who leave Boston" and is signed by Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis for the Committee on Military Donations. The programs are for Commemoration Day, Harvard College (now Harvard University) on July 21, 1865, and for services for the laying of the cornerstone for Memorial Hall, Harvard College, on October 6, 1870.