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Family news. Opening a schoolroom. Divided opinions on the preaching of Micah Ruggles and concerns over rising party spirit. Requests for new books, old copy books, and clothing.

Describes New York City. Brief notes on his journey to New York by the Citizen's Coach. Comments on Broadway, the Battery, and Navy Yard, which leaves him "meditateing upon the depraved state of these enthusiastic deluded fellow mortals." Comments on health impacts of New York's "disgusting water, which they make passable by put[t]ing an abundance of Ice in it." Heading to New Haven and Bedford. See also Thomas Livezey ALS to John and Abigail Livezey, May 22, 1819.

Notifying his parents of the birth of his daughter. News of family and friends. Asking after "an appeal case in your Quarterly meeting which they think has been rather strangely conducted."

Second yearly epistle discusses the school for Native Americans opened in conjunction with Baltimore and Ohio Yearly Meetings. Expresses concern over slavery and protecting African Americans' rights and "their civil and religious improvement." Margaret Hatten, Clerk.

Comments on religious divisions at Morristown and Newark, including calls for ministers and their ability to raise large sums to offer them. Mentions his publication on Quakerism [likely A Careful and Free Inquiry into the True Nature and Tendency of the Religious Principles of the Society of Friends], noting his displeasure with his publisher. Discusses the public reaction to the book, quoting flattering letters and a negative one from a Philadelphian Quaker. Notes the reactions of the “Quaker press,” with one review calling his historical sources into question, but believes it has only served to bring his work into broader public view. Mentions religious periodicals, including the Berean, Christian Repository, and Christian Spectator. Notes remodeling of his church, his receiving a new pulpit, and the steeple of Morris Church being struck by lightning.

Incomplete letter regarding Quaker activities. Writes of Martha Smith in Rhode Island and the disapproval of her methods, which are attributed to poor parenting. Notes Emmor Kimber's loss of standing in the Society and the difficulty of regaining it. Anna Braithwaite returned to England for a family visit but will return to continue in her ministry.

Endorsement of Martha Smith’s visit to the New York Yearly Meeting and subscription list to defray the expenses of the trip. Thomas Paxson, Jr., and Ann J. Paxson, Clerks.

Account of the creation of a Quaker school at Crosswicks, instructions to cover cost for families who cannot afford to pay, and an account of the Treasury. Notes division in the Meeting, disputes over the Meeting House, and a desire to reunite.

Journal of a Quaker Minister recounting his childhood, religious awakening, service during the American Revolution, and time as a prisoner of war. Describes his struggles to establish himself in Philadelphia and his turn to Quakerism. Tells of the 1793 Yellow Fever outbreak and Hicksite division. Includes an account of a trip to Maryland and Charleston where he intervened to stop the use of liquor.

Comments on Orthodox Quakers in Rochester. Mentions Post Office boxes. Recently married Lavinia Gilbert, who he describes. Includes a postal cancellation error: "Rochester Y. N."