The Perkins/Hiatt Papers consist primarily of photocopies of Civil War letters from William L. Perkins to Mary E. Foster as well as Perkins' pension record. Also included are two Civil War letters and the wartime journal of Reuben Hiatt.

Perkins and Foster were residents of Washington County, KY when he enlisted in the 19th Kentucky Infantry, USA. He spent most of his time in Louisiana and Mississippi where he participated in the Siege of Vicksburg and other smaller battles. Perkins and Foster married soon after the end of the war.

Hiatt served in the 10th Kentucky Infantry, USA and according to a note in the collection died early in the war; however, the only Reuben Hiatt in the Adjutant Generals Report was mustered out after three years of service in 1864. Perkins mentions Reuben in his letters, but the connection between the two is unknown.