The collection contains 24 scattered issues of "The Countryman" (1862-1865), which was a pro-Confederate newspaper published weekly by J. A. Turner at Turnwold Plantation in Putnam County, Georgia. In addition to being a newspaper published by a plantation during the American Civil War, the newspaper is notable for its role in launching the journalistic career of Joel Chandler Harris. Within the Paul Mercer Cousins Collection, "The Countryman" serial is separated by year and issue. The collection also includes published materials related to Joseph Addison Turner and Joel Chandler Harris as well as notes taken by Cousins from Turner’s autobiography, journal, diary (1849-1867), and correspondence (1863-1867).