Scope and Contents Early records include bills paid by William T. Alexander I, money paid to William T. Alexander I, records of household purchases, primarily food and clothing, and many pairs of shoes. [NOTE: this may be significant because accounts of the children of former captives attest to Alexanders’ generosity in buying his captives shoes, a very uncommon practice amongst enslavers.] Records from the 1900s include the purchase of a phonograph, a piano, and an automobile engine.