The items in this collection represent Jane Howe Gregory’s extensive research into the Texas Penitentiary system, primarily focusing on issues surrounding female inmates. Journal articles, class notes, and prison records are the most common types of materials in this collection. Prison statistics and prison reforms pertaining to female prisoners are the most common themes.

This collection contains correspondence from a prisoner at Ship Island, Mississippi to Jefferson Davis. It also contains an article by Lee Meriwether regarding his childhood encounter with Davis.