The collection spans the years 1737 to 1876 and consists of approximately 250 items of correspondence and some legal documents. The correspondents are primarily prominent lawyers, politicians, statesmen, and figures of the Revolutionary War from Maryland. In addition there is an album containing photographs of well-known 19th century British and German politicians, statesmen, clergy, and scholars.

Edward Greenway, Jr. collected the autographs in this collection. He appears to have been interested in military figures especially those serving in the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Politicians are also well-represented. As a Marylander himself Greenway concentrated on the signatures of Maryland military and political figures.

The signatures are largely letters although there are legal documents bearing the signatures Greenway wanted to collect. In collecting these autographs Greenway apparently had access to the papers of several Maryland political figures. Many of the letters were written to Robert Goodloe Harper, Samuel Smith, John S. Tyson, and John H. Eaton.