The letters in this collection were sent by Leonhard Family and Lehigh University President Thomas M. Drown about Julian Albert Leonhard's death from typhoid fever in his freshman year from a possible fraternity hazing prank. Leonhard’s typhoid was caused by contaminated water which was believed to be from the Bethlehem city water.

This collection of correspondence reflects the activities of Lehigh’s campus Christian group which aligned itself with the international organization of the Young Men’s Christian Association. The YMCA was encouraged by the University’s President Henry S. Drinker and several professors acting as advisors however the YMCA provided its own personnel to run the operation on campus.