The Thomas Ewing Papers which form the basis of this microfilm publication are part of a larger collection of Ewing Family Papers which was acquired from the estate of John G. Ewing following his death in 1927. John, the son of Philemon B. Ewing and grandson of Thomas Ewing, had once taught history and political economy at the University of Notre Dame. Other series within the collection include the Philemon B. Ewing Papers and the John G. Ewing Papers. These have not been microfilmed. However, letters written by Thomas Ewing and found within these series have been removed and filmed as a separate subseries within this microfilm publication. They will be found on reel six.

Upon their acquisition by the University of Notre Dame Archives, the Ewing Family Papers were separated into the above mentioned categories and within each category, were placed, where possible, in chronological sequence. At one time a start was made at calendaring the Thomas Ewing series. However, these calendars, of which there are manuscript copies, were never completed and, consequently, have not been filmed. No very extensive use has been made as yet of this collection. Indeed, it is not even listed in the 1933 doctoral dissertation on Thomas Ewing by Paul I. Miller.

There are two other major collections of Thomas Ewing Papers. One -- an extensive collection which includes both the Thomas Ewing Family Papers and the Charles Ewing Family