This collection contains four letters written by Cynthia M. Hopson, instructor at the Talladega school, precursor to Talladega College. Hopson taught at the Talladega school in its initial schoolhouse, and later at the Swayne school when it relocated in 1867. In her letters, Hopson describes the overwhelming number of students and their speed at learning, and gives praise to the young freedman who assisted her in the classroom. She requests that additional teachers be sent, and also describes the prejudice against the school and difficulties she faced finding a place to board in the white community.

Also present are four publications produced during the first forty years of Talladega College: an 1871-1872 college catalogue; a copy of the school newspaper, The Southern Sentinel, Vol. 1, No. 2, October 1877; an illustrated pamphlet, circa the 1880s, describing the school and its history; and a 1904-1905 student handbook.