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Manuscripts and letters pertaining to Edward Wortley Montagu, husband of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. The letters to Montagu, dating from 1723 to 1760, include correspondence with his father-in-law, Evelyn Pierrepont, John Montagu, the Earl of Sandwich, Chief Justice Peter King, and Lady Elizabeth Hamilton. There is also correspondence concerning Parliamentary elections, a bill in Parliament (1718), his son's reputation, and property matters. The manuscripts cover a range of personal matters, among the "Expenses at Bath" a record of his weight, estimates of his personal estate and debts, an expense account for his tour as ambassador to Turkey, a prescription for the treatment of gout, and the use of wine for health purposes.

Personal and professional papers including correspondence, manuscripts, documents, diaries, journals, photographs, and printed materials relating to his teaching at various universities, his literary studies and writings, and his professional activities in such organizations as the Moder Language Association and P.E.N. His correspondents include contemporary authors such as Edmund Blunden, Christopher Hassall, Louis Kronenberger; scholars such as James P. Clifford, Leon Edel, and A.L. Rowse. There are also some letters collected by Halsband, including those by Mrs Piozzi, John Wilkes (1727-1797) and John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute (1713-1792). Among the manuscripts are notes, drafts, typescripts, and proofs of his LIFE OF LADY WORTLEY MONTAGU (Oxford, 1956) and COMPLETE LETTERS OF LADY MARY WORTLEY MONTAGU (Oxford, 1965-1967). Also, manuscripts and typescripts of Halsband's diaries, journals, lectures, articles, book reviews, and essays. The printed materials include ephemera, books, and offprints by Halsband and books by other authors inscribed to him. There is a watercolor portrait of Halsband by Stephen Andrews, London, ca. 1966.