Archive of approximately 69 pieces of incoming business correspondence, spanning ca late 1830s-50 (bulk 1840s), sent to James M. Stout of New Hope, Augusta County, Virginia. Correspondence primarily relates to financial transactions between Stout's firm "James M. Stout & Co.," and other firms in Baltimore, Richmond, and Philadelphia, as well as a small amount of correspondence from individuals.

Born in Albemarle, Virginia, James Marshall Stout (1803-1882) was a prosperous merchant who served as a government official in various posts including as an Augusta County School Commissioner and postmaster in New Hope, Virginia. He operated the firm "James M. Stout & Co." in New Hope, with his brother Thornton G. Stout joining as a partner. His personal business enterprises were apparently profitable as the U.S. Federal Censuses and Slave Schedules indicate a steady increase in his personal wealth, identified most readily by the increasing number of enslaved persons identified in the records. In 1840, Stout enslaved 3 persons, by 1850 that number had grown to 8 men, women, and children, and by 1860 "Farmer & Merchant" James M. Stout enslaved 18 men, women, and children. At the onset of the Civil War, Stout sided with the Confederates. His Pardon Under Amnesty Proclamations was issued by President Andrew Johnson 25 July 1865.