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Both are suffering from the death of their partners. Comments on the burial of his wife, their devotion to each other, and his refusal to remarry despite "being engaged in a pursuit that cannot be conducted without a female." Discusses his wife's death and his belief that she would not want him to wed again. Notes letters from family members in Scotland, including excerpts from his brother and mother's sympathetic letter following news of his wife's passing. Provides details of his dye business, including information on steam boilers, dye kettles, and a specially made steam engine. Does not want to make too many plans for the future, quoting Robert Burns, "That the best laid schemes of mice & men go often wrong." Had a wig made of his wife's hair.

Letter updating John on family matters, particularly his daughters. He mentions accounts from New York. He describes giving his daughters copies of Dr. Bedell's Sermons that morning (Christmas morning).

Petition signed by nineteen residents of the Bellevue Almshouse to express their gratitude to Col. Stevens upon his upcoming departure as superintendent. "…us the unfortunate inmates of the Alms House do express all that we can give - Our warmest and heartfelt gratitude for the unremitting exertions which you have at all times made for the comfort of the unfortunate - and for your universally urbane and gentlemanly conduct both as an officer and a man."

Lists New York churches recommended for Peters's patronage; details about the positions and who approved them. Locations include [Tayberd?], Fulton, West Leyden, Westford, and Hamilton. Notes that the Watertown Presbytery and Black River Association is willing to support six missionaries and asks Peters's help in recruiting missionaries. "There is nothing wanting there to make it a delightful region but ministers & piety. I know of no region in this state which has suffered so much for want of an efficient ministry. Their condition is far from being hopeless, but it will be far more difficult now to possess the land than it would have been twenty years since. We must make haste."

Notes books she recently acquired, including John Codman's A Narrative of a Visit to England, a volume "of Phillips works," and the Boston Almanac. Comments on health. Mr. Lyman sent fifty dollars to donate to the Fatherless and Widow's Society. "... severe cold weather made him think much of the Female Poor and he thought he ought to do something more for them and requested these fifty dollars might be applied to the relief of the most destitute." Lyman also sent "another box of beautiful butter," flowers from his greenhouse, and a book. Discusses one of the widows she encounters in her philanthropic work and her strong faith. Attending Mr. Silliman's course of Chemical Lectures. Tells of a friend falling and breaking her hip.

Chastises Howard heavily for her failure to turn her life over to Jesus Christ and God. Chapin stresses that she should feel guilty for such willing shortcomings and fear death and damnation lest she give her life over to Christ. Urges her turn to Jesus and notes Jesus' willingness to receive her.

Closing his second quarter as a missionary at Antwerp. "...though there May not been what might be called a general revival of Religion, But in different neighborhoods God has made displays of his Grace & Several have been converted to God." Comments on the number of conversions and the general scarcity of "real piety" within the church. "...I am convinced that there is altogether more feeling among the impenitent in the Village than among christians comparatively speaking." Attended "Protracted Meetings" in the area, believing it ripe for more missionary labor. Note the number of meetings he attends and the size of the Sunday School he superintends. Prays for continued blessings on the American Home Missionary Society.

Describes Calhoun's efforts to raise funds for an orthodox seminary to counter the "New Divinity" and "Taylorism" of Yale Divinity School. Cover page, with address, partially missing. [NOTE: This letter is probably referencing the Hartford Theological Seminary, begun in 1834 by Bennet Tyler and conservative clergy.]

Three petitions signed by members of the Baptist Society. April 14, 1837: regarding the payment of the Collector. March 7, 1840: regarding the hiring of Silas Kenney as minister in the Baptist Society. March 26, 1849: regarding the compensation of Silas Kenney for his ministerial work in the Baptist Society.

Reflection on religion and the role of Christianity in her life. She describes being ill and on her death bed weeks before and reflects on the vanity of earthly things. The recipient of the letter is a Sabbath School teacher and Phebe offers her thoughts on the matter.