Papers primarily relate to Emily Babcock's journey to England for her marriage to Dennis R. Alward, assistant secretary of the United States Legation in London, and the couple's life in diplomatic and court circles (1865-67). Mrs. Alward's papers consist of letters to her mother, Mary Potter Babcock, in which she describes her presentation to Queen Victoria, comments on the status, personality, appearance, and costumes of the Queen, members of the royal family, English noblewomen, and various others, with passing mention of British politics; also, Mrs. Alward's scrapbook of invitations, announcements, and similar items; her London engagement book; and a book of schoolgirl poetry and compositions, including one which describes Buffalo, New York in 1848. Papers of Mrs. Babcock, who accompanied her daughter to England, include a diary and letters to her husband and children concerning the voyage, wedding, and sights in England and France. Dennis Alward's papers include letters from William Seward, Louis Philippe Albert d'Orlʹeans, Wilhelm von Tegetthoff, Charlotte Cushman, and Katherine, Lady Clarendon. Also included are papers (1806-52) of Mrs. Alward's father, George Reed Babcock, and her maternal grandfather, Heman Bradley Potter, both Buffalo attorneys, including licenses, legal documents, letters, and a typescript copy of Potter's diary (1910). Also, family obituary scrapbook (1876-1910), photographs, clippings, and miscellaneous printed material.