Five letters to John Martin dated February 12, 1878–February 18, 1878. Martin was born on June 2, 1846, in Claiborne County and became a life long resident of Port Gibson. He studied law in New Orleans in the office of E. Howard McCaleb and was admitted to the bar in 1874 or 1875. Martin became active in politics after returning to Port Gibson to establish his law practice. He served for four years in the Mississippi House (1878–1882) and four years in the Mississippi Senate (1882–1886).

The correspondence contained in the collection is:

• a letter (2/12/1878) "Dear Martin" from L. McLaurin discussing the lack of legal business and activity, how some lawyers charge too little for services and perhaps the only remedy would be to get the members of the bar to establish minimum charges, and plans to build a road from Port Gibson to Utica
• a letter (2/13/1878) "Hon. J. McC. Martin" from Wm. H. Ker asking for favor of getting appointment to the Board of Education
• a letter (2/18/1878) "Dear John" from (?) S. Mason discussing the legislature and how Lamar "thinks the Legislature a set of blockheads"
• a letter (2/18/1878) "Hon. Jno. McMartin" from W. E. Parker discussing organizing a new railroad (P.G.&C.S.R.R.) and the support needed in the legislature
• a letter (2/18/1878) "Hon. J. McMartin" from C. G. Hastings, Jr., asking at what price he can buy state bonds and if the auditor has distributed school funds