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The papers contain correspondence with Michael Willis, article written by Phelps and others; and other correspondence. These are all concerning excavations in Northern India particularly around relics concerned with the origins of Buddha.

Between 1995 and 2003 Terence Phelps corresponded with Michael Willis, British Museum, concerning his research. This series contains letters predominantly sent by Phelps to Willis. With many of the letters are enclosures of articles or extracts which accompanied Phelps' correspondence.

Letter from Terence Phelps to Michael Willis, 17 March 1995, in which Phelps asks whether the British Museum might like reference documents from the Indian archives concerning Alois Fuhrer's activities with U Ma, a Burmese monk.

Letter from Terence Phelps to Michael Willis, 22 March 1995, in which he responds to Willis' comments on his paper that he'd sent concerning Piprahwa. He encloses an extract from Krishna Rijal's book (not present) and explains that he is conducting his research for the pleasure and adventure.

Letter from Terence Phelps to Michael Willis, 5 April 1995, to send a revised copy of his paper (not present). He remarks upon the Piprahwa's 'casket' and its correspondence with a reliquary from Bhajpur.

Letter from Terence Phelps to Michael Willis, 20 April 1995, in which he informs Willis that further research has led to a revised edition of his paper. He is concerned about the rigour of his research and of the reputation of Fuhrer.

Letter from Terence Phelps to Michael Willis, 11 September 1995, to send further information concerning his research regarding Fuhrer. With the letter is a typed report concerning the deceptions of Alois Fuhrer as gleaned from the National Archives of India.

Letter from Terence Phelps to Michael Willis, 27 February 1996, to send a copy of the press release, forwarded by the Buddhist Association concerning discoveries at Lumbini of the 'birth chamber of the Buddha'. He believes his researches may now be coming to an end. The report is with the letter.

Letter from Terence Phelps to Michael Willis, 18 March 1996, in which he thanks Willis for sending an article on early Indian scripts. He states his reservations concerning the article. He asks to be informed if Willis knows of the posthumous deposit of Fleet's papers. With the letter is:

• a copy of part of the book, 'Asoka and the Decline of the Mauryas by Romila Thapar', Oxford University Press, 1963, pp. 6-7, 258-263,
• an annotated map to show the possible Sravasti site,
• an annotated copy of the will of John Faithfull Fleet with attached note from Phelps concerning the condition of Fleet's gravestone.

Letter from Terence Phelps to Michael Willis, 24 July 1996, to send some information found by a friend on the Internet. With the letter is an article 'Caught Live!' from the Japan Times Weekly for 18 November 1995.