This collection is arranged by types of material. The correspondence series is organized chronologically.

Correspondence makes up the bulk of this collection with the majority being recipient letters. Cook was a keen observer of denominational and political life. His correspondence reflects those interests, along with his concerns related to Furman University.

Cook's major correspondents include:

• Past Furman president Charles Manly (1881-1897) [1907, 1917-1924; 86 pieces];
• Former Furman alumnus G. W. Gardner (1851-1926), editor of The South Carolina Baptist newspaper [67 pieces];
• Past Furman president A. P. Montague (1897-1902) [1902-1904, 1907 - 28 pieces];
• I. DuBose [14 pieces];
• Mary L. Coker (1847-1929) [8 pieces];
• J. L. [James Lide] Coker (1863-1931) [7 pieces];
• Rev. John Stout [5 pieces];
• Rich. H. Griffith [4 pieces] (1891-1892);
• R.W.S. [4 pieces];
• W. C. Allen [4 pieces];
• John F. Lanneau [3 pieces];
• Furman president W. J. McGlothlin (1919-1933) [1921 - 2 pieces].

There are 32 letters written by H. T. Cook (1900-1931).

There are eighteen pieces from Rev. I.W. Wingo, another Furman (1874) and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary alum who started a Christian boarding school in Spartanburg, whose standards of curricula and instruction were very demanding, offering classes in Latin, German, Greek, and instrumental music, as well as the usual courses of study.

Box 3 contains a typescript sketch by Mrs. Mary G. Furman titled "Rev. James C. Furman." Mrs. Furman presented the typescript to Cook on March 16, 1908, perhaps for his preparation in writing Furman’s biography. She indicates that three men were asked to write a biography before Cook. Her sketch is confined to events in Furman’s advanced life and she indicates it is intended only for a limited number of readers. Mrs. Furman reveals many behind-the-scenes details of events; James C. Furman’s choice to board with a family with four children for nineteen years instead of living at Cherrydale; how he deprived himself and his family by his salary donation to the University; and the death of two of his children. Mrs. Furman also describes her distaste for Charles Judson and her belief that Judson was behind her husband being taken off the Furman Board of Trustees and his resignation as university president.

Box 4 contains the handwritten manuscript of Cook’s The Life Work of James Clement Furman. Chapter 7 is not included.