The collection consists of nine handwritten, double-sided correspondence letters (1851-1859) from Mrs. Mary Lacy to her stepdaughter Elizabeth 'Bess' Dewey, typed transcripts of the letters, copied pages of a ledger, reproductions of a Reverend Dr. Drury Lacy photograph (possibly from a book or catalog), seven of Mr. Lacy's hand-bound sermons (1855-1860), one handwritten invitation from Mr. and Mrs. Lacy, and a copy of an article about the letters (1980).

This collection of letters offers a window into the daily life and concerns of an upper-class (white) woman in the mid-19th century, particularly within the sphere of Davidson College and its local community. Through her correspondence with her step-daughter, Elizabeth ‘Bess’ Dewey, who lived in Charlotte,NC, a much bigger city than Davidson, NC, Mary discusses a variety of topics. This includes interactions with college trustees, her disappointment over Mr. Lacy not receiving a pay raise, details of a dorm room break-in, and a local merchant accused of selling alcohol to college students, as well as struggles acquiring commodities such as sugar and fabric while living in a rural location. Mary also writes about negotiating prices of goods, social engagements, gardening, the health of relatives and friends, gossip about other women, the management of enslaved persons owned by the Lacy family, the health of enslaved women owned by the Lacy family, as well as the abuse an enslaved man suffered from a nearby family.

The August 6, 1856 letter describes the health of "Aunt" Amy and "Aunt" Maria, two women enslaved by the Lacy Family. The "Ceesey" may also reference an enslaved woman in this August 6, 1856 letter, though it is less clear. The January 2, 1857 letter discusses the purchase or rent of enslaved labor, including a young girl named Lizzie that was "bound" by Mary Lacy's step daughter, Bess. The December 12, 1858 letter also discusses potentially "bound" young women, Priscilla, Amanda, and Susan.