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Will not be attending the Quaker Yearly Meeting at Newport. Notes the hot weather and fleas, as well as the New York upset over Swill Milk. Travel plans and family news. Offers advice about disobedient male students. “As to those boys, if I couldn’t whip them I would turn them out... Thee engaged to teach, not to fight, which friends are scrupulous against.”

Jesse and Ellen married in Haverford Meeting. Notes the sickness and funeral of Hannah Chandler and physicians' interest in her case. Takes steamboat rides to enjoy fall leaves.

Discusses Seman’s work at a steam mill in Florence and his being offered a well-paying job to tend the mill at Pike’s Peak. Mentions a couple who circulate a paper from their lyceum. Mary Taber’s aunt opposes her going to Iowa. Time is occupied with their children; remarks on their education and progress in James Montieth’s geography text. Mentions the coming of spring and gifts given to Mary Ann on her recent birthday. Hopes to clear debts by shearing time, and comments on farming and harvesting maple syrup. Includes an excerpt of a poem Louis submitted to the Evening Star for publication.

Comments on Quaker boarding school in Providence, Rhode Island, noting young ladies who have attended. Discusses lack of educated men, produce, and recommendation of a doctor for a toenail ailment. Notes the “uncommon brilliant” Northern Lights.

Sympathy letter full of sorrow and affection, written on illustrated Civil War stationary decorated with “Death to Traitors.”

Description of life in the family home, lending sympathy with a woman's trials and struggles with cleaning, mending clothes, cooking, gardening. Domestic and family news, including discussion of depression and missing family, the shipment of petticoats, almonds, frocks, and candy for the children. Includes short notes written on the envelope.

Family news. Brother stationed at Yorktown and the family worries. Would like to plan a visit but needs to arrange child care. Ann bears the loss of her daughter very hard.

Recovering from illness. News of weather, family, and condition of roads.

Manuscript containing a description of a meeting between Abraham Lincoln and five Quaker prisoners of war who had been forced into the Confederate Army and were captured by Union scouts at Gettysburg. After being held prisoner for months at Fort Delaware, they were interviewed by a committee at Washington to determine their loyalty to the Union. While in Washington, they visited with President Lincoln to express the Society of Friends' respect and support. [Note: Original located in Schoff Civil War Letters & Documents]

Reflections on merciful death and the spirit after death. Good weather and healthy crops.