Papers consist of correspondence, financial records, and other items. Correspondence and other material up to the Civil War mainly concerns Chesnut's political activities and the state and national dissension over the prospect of South Carolina's secession. Correspondents include William G. Simms, W.J. Taylor, and B. Boykin. Other correspondence includes letters concerning financial and business matters; and a letter (1856) from William H. Trescot soliciting Chesnut's help in obtaining a commission for George Flagg to paint a picture for the state house. Civil War papers (mostly correspondence) mainly relate to Chesnut's activities as a member of the S.C. Executive Council (1862), as aide-de-camp to President Jefferson Davis (1863-1864), and his service in other official capacities. Included are many letters requesting his aid in obtaining military commissions, staff positions, transfers, promotions, and permits for civilians to travel to the Northern states; a letter (1862) to Gov. F.W. Pickens from the sheriff of Marlboro District concerning the difficulties involved in bringing in conscriptees who refused to be enrolled; and a few letters to Chesnut from family members. Other Civil War papers include a report (1862) about a battle at Ft. Donelson (Tenn.); a petition (1862) to the executive council by citizens of Marion District regarding persons "subversive of all discipline among our slaves and hostile to our government"; a sketch and description of a "rifled cannon and projectile"; a clipping (1863) of a conscription notice; and an "Abstract of Exports of Cotton, Spirits, Turpentine, Rosin, and Tar at the Port of Wilmington, N.C. from 1st Jan. to 15 May 1863," recording the names of vessels, their destination, size of cargo, and other information. Post-war material reflects Chesnut's activities as a plantation owner and to a lesser extent his continued political activities. Correspondence concerns reapers, plows, and other agricultural machinery and implements, debts and other financial matters, shipments and orders of cotton and corn seed, presidential elections (1876), Chesnut's estate (1893), and other matters. Included is a clipping of an article about cotton seed oil cake; and a speech or open letter (1876) by Chesnut critical of Gov. Chamberlain, the state legislature, and certain political appointments. Financial and property records include receipts; bills for food, clothing, and other items; accounts for sales of cotton and bricks; a list of slave births and deaths (1856); and a conveyance (1859) of Hermitage Plantation.
