Typescript copies of letters written by Mary J. Allen (1836-1893), her husband H. A. Allen (1818-1882), and her stepsons Anson G. Allen (1849-1891) and Carleton B. Allen (1858-1924). The letters describe life at military posts in Washington state and Alaska. The collection also includes an introductory biographical sketch of H. A. Allen and historical information about San Juan Island, Washington.

Papers and photographs of the related Bancroft, Nunn, and Trevett families. Theodore Brooks Trevett (1832-1901) came to Oregon in 1850, and in 1865 married Mary Melissa "Lissie" Bancroft (1837-1933), who had previously lived at Fort Simcoe, Washington Territory. Their daughter Emily Bancroft Trevett (1867-1958) married English-born oculist Richard K. Nunn (1859-1920) in 1901.