Enlistment papers for John Parks to join the 2nd Kansas Colored Volunteers, who promised to serve three years in the Army of the United States. Single leaf document, double-sided, co-signed by John Hayes, Jr., second lieutenant and recruiting officer for the 2nd Regiment of Kansas Colored Volunteers. Signed at Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas.

A single diary, probably for the years 1863-1867, includes entries from a soldier who might have been named John Adams and might have served with the 2nd Kansas Volunteer Cavalry during the American Civil War. The volume also includes what appears to be financial accounts with individuals in Trading Post, Linn County, Kansas from after the war.

Most of the correspondence included in this collection is from Stillwell to his father, Jeremiah O. Stillwell. These letters, dating from January, 1863 to the end of December, 1863, relate Stillwell's military experience to his father. Later correspondence, dating from 1898 to 1920, is from various political figures to Stillwell asking for favors, endorsements, or his opinions.