Virtually all the material consists of responses to a circular sent out in the spring of 1889 under the name of John Wesley Powell as part of an investigation by James Mooney. The circular requested data about 1) place names of Indian origin; 2) archeological remains; 3) individuals and groups of Indian descent; 4) local people able to supply additional information. Most responces are on forms; a few letters are included, some concerning later inquiries by Mooney. There are also a few notes; a list of pallbearers, apparently for the funeral of Albert S. Gatschet; and a few other types of documents.