Ten ALS, with nine envelopes, from Charles Rollin Butler, to his father Roman M. Butler and mother, New Hartford, Connecticut, most concerning his emigration to Oregon and his experiences there, 1853-1855; one ALS, with envelope, from J. K. Kelly to Roman M. Butler, regarding Charles Rollin Butler, 1855; and five ALS, with three envelopes, from Charles Rollin Butler's brother H. C. Butler to their parents, written while he was living in Texas, 1859. Six letters from Charles Rollin Butler describe overland travel to Oregon, including description of a train wreck occurring in New York State; formation of a company of emigrants, purchase of cattle, and other preparations in Iowa City, Iowa; and driving of cattle across Iowa and arrival at Kanesville, later Council Bluffs. Two letters written after his arrival in Oregon City discuss the remainder of his journey on the Oregon Trail, land claims made in Oregon by other members of his party, and his work in constructing steamboats for the Willamette Falls Company in Linn City. The letter from J. K. Kelly concerns bankruptcy of the Willamette Falls Company and Kelly's efforts to settle Butler's affairs with the Company following Butler's departure for Honolulu, Hawaii. Two letters written by Butler from Honolulu, 1855, briefly discuss his work, health, and plans to return to Connecticut. Letters from H. C. Butler, most dated at White Oak, Texas, discuss travel from Connecticut to Ohio and travel on the Mississippi and Red Rivers to Texas; his impressions of Texas; and his employment by D. S. Henderson as a travelling salesman of clocks. A few letters discuss the possibility of Charles Rollin Butler joining him in Texas.
