The collection begins with the articles of agreement between Browne and Miami University for his appointment as a missionary to solicit and receive donations for the university's use. The document also reveals that Browne would keep an accurate journal of his route and enter the amount of all donations he may receive on behalf of the university, together with the names of the benefactors. A letter from Browne to the chairman of Miami University's trustees not only states wishes regarding his acceptance of the appointment, but also provides information about Browne's route for his journey. His plan was to begin in Cincinnati and travel to Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Charleston, South Carolina, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, back to Ohio. Browne's correspondence to Messrs. Symmes and Shields provides accounts of the progress of his mission. Horse injuries, weather challenges and preaching experiences often comprise Browne's accounts. They also include current subscription lists, such as one on March 4, 1811 that records Henry Clay of Kentucky's promised $20.00 contribution to the cause, as he "could not spare the cash." However, Browne admitted that his progress was slow. Residents of communities he visited were often pressed for contributing to other local public building causes, such as new churches, courthouses, and educational institutions. While financial contributions were challenging, acquiring volumes for Miami's library was more profitable. "I find it a rare thing to get a dollar, but I find some encouragement in procuring books for the University Library," Browne wrote to Joab Comstock on May 16, 1811. "In Baltimore I have collected about 200 vol. of different descriptions & subjects & about 200 vol. in Washington. I have the prospect of many more - so that I do expect I shall procure a handsome library." Browne proves himself to be very conscientious. Writing to Daniel Symmes on June 8, 1811 about his success in collecting books for the university's library, Browne inquires whether he would be justified in purchasing a set of encyclopedias if he can procure a deduction of 25 or 30 percent as a donation. He states, "If I found liberty in my own mind to expend my cash, I might obtain in this way I am led to suppose it would be of very considerable advantage to the Institute but I must scruple making any advances save on the subject of making expenses until I have your approbation." In several letters, Browne confesses disappointment in not receiving replies from Messrs. Symmes and Shields about his progress. For example, he writes on September 19, 1811, "I have been expecting some reply to the many letters which I have forwarded to you in the course of my journey - not one having come to hand naturally leads me to conclude that my missionary exertions have not satisfied your mind, or that your missionary is beneath your notice. If the former be the case, one single official hint will immediately close the scene & lead my attention toward the state of Ohio." Still not receiving a reply from Symmes, he penned a report to others affiliated with the university on his progress. For example, on February 3, 1812, he wrote, "Should the least degree of dissatisfaction occupy the minds of the Trustees, I shall very cheerfully close the concern at a moment's notice & haste to the state of Ohio. You might well imagine disagreeable sensations arise in my mind from the treatment my letters have met with by Mr. Symmes - and could I suppose this communication would receive the like reception it would be the last communication & you would soon see me at Cincinnati." Browne is quick to share suggestions he has received from other individuals, such as the prudence of completing one wing of a building for fire prevention and not selling land adjacent to the college in a section of town. In a February 27, 1812 letter to William Ludlow, Browne writes, "One thing I am well convinced of, that the sooner something is begun to draw public attention the more valuable the lands will become." Often, Browne's letters read like a travel guide to noted American cities. For example, Browne wrote to his son, William, on April 30, 1811 that he was "astonished to see the alteration in the appearances of Baltimore" since his last visit to the city 14 years before. "The buildings of brick are neat & grand - some very superb. The streets crowded with passengers & carriages - equal or superior to Bristol - The Banks, magnificent." Browne's mission also provided him with the opportunity to make the acquaintance of college presidents and other noted Americans. For example, in his May 3, 1811 report, Browne wrote of his meeting with Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the noted architect who designed the U.S. Capitol, and Latrobe's offer to draw a plan of the university and a statement of materials. On August 8, 1811, Browne provides a sketch and details of Princeton College President Dr. Samuel L. Smith's description of a favorable design of a college building. However, Browne often was not as successful in meeting his financial objectives. Writing on April 30, 1811, Browne states: "It has pleased the Lord to give me favor in the eyes of the people in a way of friendly intercourse with the most influential characters in America - and in the ministry of the Word has graciously supported me so that I am generally favored with a goodly number of hearers. I have not been very successful in procuring Cash for building the University but I find that I can procure a number of Books - which I am now preping [sic]." Letters also reveal Browne's devotion to his family and the sacrifices he made in undertaking this mission, yet his commitment to accomplishing what he agreed to do. Two letters to Browne's son, William, provide details of the Browne family and his health. Moreover, as he writes on February 3, 1812, "Could I have foreseen the difficulties & obstacles & especially the length of time necessary to be absent from my family & other concerns I should never have undertaken it. Being engaged I find it my duty to make every exertion my strength will admit. It is a concern which cannot be forwarded by haste, and that the event will prove that the more time can be spent therein the more success will ensue." The collection continues after Browne's death, which occurred shortly after his return to Cincinnati. A May 21, 1813 missive from Samuel J. Browne and Seth M. Levinworth to Miami University Treasurer William Murray requests that all the documents Browne transmitted to the university's trustees be forwarded to them in order to settle Browne's estate. The collection contains documents regarding the settlement of Browne's estate, including receipts for the globes and other items Browne acquired for the university during his mission. A report outlines the findings of a committee of the university's trustees regarding the sale of those books, while a catalogue provides the titles of those books. Financial documents include a list of auction sales on the university's account, receipts for storage of books on behalf of the university, and the final settlement of Browne's estate, dated April 21, 1824. Two documents from December 1810 present Browne's credentials for his missionary endeavor, certifying Browne's residence in Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio and the signers' belief that Browne has sustained an "upright and respectable character" that "has been consistent with his profession." An undated sermon expressed Browne's views and beliefs on religion. Other documents in the collection include Samuel Browne's ownership of a lot in the Enon Baptist Church burying ground; religious writings of Revd. J. J. Biddulph; correspondence from the Department of State to Browne regarding publication of laws, an invitation to join the board of directors of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad on an opening excursion from Cincinnati to Dayton on September 18, 1851; and a copy of the September 3, 1800 issue of The Western Spy and Hamilton Gazette. Several indentures signed in Browne's presence in his role of recorder of Hamilton County can be found in the collection, including those dating from: June 10, 1796 between John Mercer of Cincinnati and merchants Abijah and Jesse Hunt; February 13, 1806 between Charles Vattier and George Williamson of Cincinnati; Hamilton County Sheriff William McFarland and Joseph Curtis, September 29, 1806; Joseph Curtis and Aquila Wheeler of Cincinnati; Aaron Ireland and James Gallaway of Hamilton County, Ohio, November 29, 1806; William McFarland and Jacob Lawble, et al., July 18, 1807; William Stratton and Jacob Lawble, et al., August 29, 1807; Joseph Delaphine and Jacob Lawble, December 30, 1811. The collection continues with Samuel J. Browne's correspondence. Early letters from family include a December 16, 1797 letter from his sister, Mary Anne Browne, in which she convinces her brother that although they are separated by 3,000 miles of water, she has not forgotten him. On May 14, 1802, Samuel writes his father that he is recovering from illness and wishes to hear from his family. Later letters to his mother provide accounts of his experiences while traveling in England, Chillicothe, Washington, and Baltimore. Other letters console Samuel on the death of his father and his first wife, Fanny Farmer Browne; while further correspondence imparts news from his sister (now Mary Ann Browne Avery), living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Correspondence between Samuel and his second wife, Esther Browne, provide details of travel and household matters. Robert Hamilton Bishop's May 1825 letter to Samuel, editor of the weekly Cincinnati Emporium transmits the text of an advertisement to run in the newspaper that describes Miami University faculty, classes, student accommodations, daily schedule, and annual expenses.