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These files comprise the bulk of the collection. The correspondence consists mainly of letters, both personal and business?related, written to Charles H. Corey. There are many letters regarding students, especially letters of commendation from employers and churches. Corey's book, A history of the Richmond Theological Seminary, with reminiscences of thirty years' work among the colored people of the South, was written as a fundraising tool in the New England area. Many letters are in response to his pleas, offering both financial and material assistance. There are also fascinating letters from a missionary in Africa by the name of Cosby. He describes the conditions in Lagos and West Africa, wars over slaves, and the natives' distrust of missionaries.

These records consist mainly of endowment fund subscriptions for the Richmond Institute. The ABHMS printed out pledges for a donation in five equal payments over five years to which the donor signed his or her name. There are also a few salary receipts signed by the school's professors.

Typed and handwritten lists of students and their final grades submitted by the professors.

Contained in this file are mostly papers relating to the ABHMS. This includes promotional materials that explain the ABHMS's mission, minutes from an 1882 educational conference, and summary annual reports of ABHMS schools. Also in this file are "Regulations of the Richmond Theological Seminary," a list of the school's 14 rules, and a student's admission application.

These two speeches, seemingly kept by Corey, are not directly related to the Richmond Theological Seminary. The first, "Objections to the Doctrine of a particular Providence,"is signed "C.H. Corey, Newton, 07 October 1859." The second, "Remarks by Dr. Bishop,"is neither signed nor dated (ca. 1880) and is written on paper embossed "Fairview." It addresses Bible?based education for African Americans instead of a classic or scientific education.

The two volumes found herein are records of the Richmond Institute. The first page of the Registrar's Book states "Information concerning Students of Richmond Institute Also Signatures of Students to the Rules and Regulations of the Institution 1877."On page one begins a section, entitled "Record of Students", where information on new students, including where they were born and baptized, is recorded in a brief paragraph by the registrar and then signed by the student. On page 31 begins a 13?page section where information on former students is recorded. On page 201 begins a section in which students signed their promise to uphold and abide by the rules and regulations of the school. There are signature lists for classes from 1877 to 1898. The volume entitled "Orations"appears to be final essays, on topics for the most part secular, handwritten by the students.