This collection consists of, for the majority, correspondence between members of the Salt family of Bath, N.Y. William M. Salt is a major contributor to this correspondence, as are three of his sisters Elinor, Mary (Mollie), and Caroline (Caddie). There are also some receipts and bills, and other writings which included recipes for toilet soap and poems. In addition, there are included some letters from individuals not apparently related to the Salt family.

The collection spans the years of 1808 through 1917, although the bulk of the materials cover the 1850's through the 1890's. Some correspondence was undated. Letters written by William Salt, Jr. include his perspective on the start of the Civil War while in Arkansas, his trip to Rome, Italy in 1870, and his experiences of life at Seton Hall College. The letters of Elinor Salt and Caddie Salt are also particularly detailed in describing life for women and families in the 1800's in the New York and New Jersey areas, and include personal thoughts, feelings, and ambitions as well as observations on events. The material is generally in good condition, with the exception of a small number of letters which are damaged and/or faded.

A letter from William Salt, Jr. to his sister Elinor dated 4 May 1861 details the takeover of Fort Smith, Arkansas by Confederate troops (folder 7). Another letter by William Salt, Jr. to one of his sisters, dated 26 May 1870, describes his experiences in Rome, Italy (folder 14).