Materials in the collection have been organized chronologically.

The Jesse Hartwell Papers consists of twenty-three pieces of correspondence and one resolution. Hartwell writes the majority of correspondence to Charles D. Mallary with the remaining to James C. Furman and Col. John B. Miller. The topics pertain to affairs in Baptist churches in South Carolina, giving his opinions on current events, Baptist work, and mentioning the names of many of the Baptist leaders of the time. Charles D. Mallary was a pastor, educator, and first corresponding secretary of the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. He also served on the first Board of Agents for the Furman Academy and Theological Institution, Edgefield, S.C. along with Jesse Hartwell.