Albert Bowdre Payne, born August 9, 1882, died September 13, 1955, was the oldest of the six children of Jourdan Alexander Payne and Sallie Minor Bowdre Payne, of Hernando. He attended Jefferson Military College, Washington, during the session 1899-1900, and this collection concerns his year at Jefferson.

There are 12 letters written to Payne while at school by his mother, brother, Clifford, and sisters, Ava, Lelia and Eppie. These letters concern only family matters and local events, and questions about Payne's school. Also included is a three page summary of "Evangeline," probably written by A. B. Payne. Two 1906 Jefferson Commencement programs, two watercolor sketches, 1902, of the Jefferson Military College emblem, and three College booklets are also part of this collection.