Letter from L. G. Lattimore to President William McKinley regarding John Patterson Osterhout applying for the position of postmaster in Belton, Texas. Mr. Lattimore praised John and stated that his appointment to postmaster would be looked upon well by residents of Belton.

Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his brother regarding his time in Bellville, Texas. He was appreciative of his brother sending him news from home and told him about a real estate sale that had happened recently. People from the U.S., Germany, and Bohemia were in attendance and alcohol was passed around. Money has been short in Bellville because of the cotton and corn crops failing. John needed to borrow money and requested a loan from his brother or anyone else in the family. He requested that his brother write again soon with more news from home.

Letter from P. M. Osterhout to his brother, John Patterson Osterhout, discussing news from home and slavery. After providing John with updates from those at home, he told his brother he was unsure whether or not he would want to receive something from the black Republican in Pennsylvania. He then went on to write about his opinion on slavery and he hoped his brother was not beginning to view it as a blessing.

Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his wife, Junia Roberts Osterhout. He wrote to let her know about how his work as a judge was progressing. He included information about his accommodations and speculated about the idea of raising foal.

Postcard from John Patterson Osterhout to his wife, Junia Roberts Osterhout. He wrote to update her on where he was in his travels. In the postcard, he included brief news about who he was staying with and the weather.

Letter from Alice Pilley to Junia Roberts Osterhout. Alice detailed the last moments of her son's life after he came down with a fever. She wrote about what he went through and mentioned she tried to give him Melane pills to help. Alice thanked Junia for her kind words and wanted them to visit soon. Included is an envelope addressed to "Mrs. J. P. Osterhout."

Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his wife, Junia Roberts Osterhout. John wrote his wife while she was away visiting family. He updated her about how their family was doing, a trade he made, and an event that their children attended. Included is an envelope addressed to "Mrs. J. Osterhout."

A brief letter from J. H. Luther to John Patterson Osterhout confirming John's daughter's, Gertrude Osterhout, enrollment in the spring session of Baylor College. Included is an envelope addressed to "J. P. Osterhout."

Letter from Silas O. Osterhout to his cousin, John Patterson Osterhout, about tracing the family line of Osterhout. Silas believed that if they did, they would be able to gain a great deal in inheritance. Included is an envelope addressed to "J. P. Osterhout ESQ."

Letter from Ann Farman to her brother, John Patterson Osterhout, regarding the passing of John's wife, Junia. Ann wrote how they were fortunate to have children around to comfort them when their spouse's died. She told them they had many visitors recently and that she was hearing of a lot of deaths in the Farman family. Included is an envelope addressed to "Hon. J. P. Osterhout."