Letters to Nassau William Senior, containing extensive comments on contemporary political events, particularly in France and the United States, from the politicians Edward Everett, (8) 1842-1856, and George Sumner (10) 1843-1863, and from the business man, John Murray Forbes (10) 1855-1863; together with eight letters, 1857-1862, from Senior to Forbes. Also included are four letters, 1863-1876, from Forbes to Senior's daughter-in-law, the philanthropist Jane Elizabeth Senior.

Twenty-eight letters, 1832-1859, from Nassau Senior to Lord Lansdowne as President of the Cabinet Council, some discussing contemporary political issues including Poor Law administration, Ireland and the economy. Others are written from Paris, Athens and various German towns and refer to the political situation and social conditions in these respective countries.
Also included are two letters, 1835-1836, from Alexis de Tocqueville to Lord Lansdowne, together with transcripts of four letters, 1848-1855, from de Tocqueville to Nassau Senior; one letter, 1848, from George Sumner to Nassau Senior discussing the 1848 revolution in France; and other related letters.