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The collection is equally divided between letters written by members of the Otis family and letters and documents relating to them. The earlist item is a 17th century marriage settlement and there are a few letters written in the 19th century. The bulk of the collection, however is from the second half of the 18th century. The largest number of letters were written by Joseph Otis (1726-1810), his brother Samuel Allyne Otis (1740-1814), and their father, James Otis (1702-1778). There are a few letters from and relating to Joseph's more famous brother, James Otis of Boston (1725-1783) who was one of the more colorful and incendiary figures in pre-revolutionary New England. Also, letters and documents of George Washington, John Bradford, Josiah Quincy, and Edward Wigglesworth. The letters deal largely with legal and business matters, but there is some comment on events of contemporary interest.

Family papers consisting principally of letters received by Isaac Reed from various associates, friends, and members of his family. Also, letters written by Reed to his children, Mary G. Reed, Charles M. Reed, and Edward A. Reed and to his brother, Gardner K. Reed, of Boston. The letters deal largely with family affairs, day to day life, business ventures, and legal matters.

The collection documents the financial transactions of Richard Codman while he was living in Paris, France representing the firm of John & Richard Codman. The collection primarily consists of account books ("memoire des ouvrages"), bills, and some correspondence relating to the interior decoration and furnishing of his houses(s) in Paris. There is a folder, which contains genealogical information from a later relative of Richard Codman. Additionally, included in the collection is one letter, in English, from Richard Codman informing a family member of the death of their brother John Codman III in 1803. The letter details the division of John Codman's wealth among his living family members.