The collection is almost exclusively correspondence, much of it between Dr. Foster and his second and third wives. The two largest folders are 1) Correspondence written from Dr. Foster to his second wife (Bettie) while Foster was in medical school in Louisiana, 1867-1869 and 2) correspondence between Foster and his future wife (Mattie), all written during 1873 when Hoskins lived in Oyster Creek, Brazoria County, Texas, and Foster resided in Wesley, Texas.

Correspondence from Foster to his second wife “Bettie” includes descriptions of his trip to Louisiana; the challenge of finding housing; living conditions; finances; health concerns related to cholera, yellow fever, and consumption; and Bettie’s pregnancy. Foster met the Mr. Dolbear, the founder of Dolbear Commercial College (a flyer for the college is found in the collection) whom he describes in most genial terms.

Correspondence between Foster and his third wife “Mattie” is predominantly from 1873 during a year of courtship with a few letters from much later when Dr. Foster traveled. There is also considerable correspondence from Mattie’s relatives to her. Letters from relatives often speak of family matters, crops (cotton), weather, illness, births and deaths, and hard times.

Non-correspondence items found among the papers include a July 29, 1865 transfer title “of a negro woman slave, Nancy” from E. H. Allen to his his daughter Amanda M. Kiefer; Parole of Honor form for F. M. Thompson (brother of Bettie?) in which he vows not to serve in the Confederate Army; T. B. Stone (Georgetown, Texas) drug store prescription form; 1881 annual circular from the President of the Texas State Medical Association to the members, matters related to settling estates.