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Epistle discussing Quaker divisions and public speculation about it. Disputes over property. Clarifies position on Scriptures. Samuel Mott and Mary Bristol, Clerks.

Family news and health issues. Notes the illness and death of John Hicks following a difficult conversation with Orthodox members. Strife between Orthodox and Hicksite members.

Visit of Phebe Meritt and Rachel Hicks. Cautions on buying and selling cattle. Family news and illnesses.

Acceptance of a gift of books.

John Mott says alterations in discipline since separation have been due to the weak state of the Society. Report on Quaker Meeting. Uncertainty about sending children to John Mott's school. Account of mother's illness and family news. Tells of Priscilla's travels in Canada, her husband's distaste for it, and her connection to Lydia Mott. Discussion of slaveholding and printing a manuscript by Charles Marrcot.

Quaker student lists the typical menu offered at the "Y[early] M[eeting] B[oarding] S[chool]." News of friends and family, including the marriage of D. [Samuel Boyd] Tobey and Sarah Fry. Notes a sermon preached by W[illia]m Asbury, cleaning the schoolroom, and the local Quarterly Meeting. Discusses going into the wheelwright business with Abram and is glad to hear he is "building a vessel."

Quaker schoolgirl letter. [Note: Original located in Education Collection]

Delayed writing until Phebe Field and N. Meritt and his wife returned from visiting the Ohio and Indiana Yearly Meetings, providing details including their interest "in the cause of humanity, the people of colour, and the Aborigines of this country." Comments on abolitionism, "regrets" about a member's position on colonization which "did not exactly harmonize with the free people of the west." Reflections on Quaker writings, Elisha Bates, George Fox, Margaret Fell. Spending the winter with the Howland family, noting their work investigating genealogy, the family coat of arms, and history dating back to the French and Indian War. Notes the continued progression of abolitionism, including into mainstream politics.

Met William Wordsworth (1770-1850) who was preparing to travel to Italy and is sending his signature [not included], despite Cope’s dislike of his poetry. Popular education efforts among the poor and meetings for reading the Scriptures. Sorry that Elisha Bates (1781-1861) did not visit Cope and assures Cope that they do not interpret his disagreement with Bates as unkindness, likely in reference to the Beaconite Controversy. Believes Robert Benson may have informed Cope of their religious conflicts among local Quakers, including some leaving the Meeting. Has not been reading any geological books lately, referencing William Buckland’s (1784-1856) works and their religious implications. Discusses a local farmer discovering matter preserved in a bog which may have been animal or human remains. Gives an account of Anna Gurney (1795-1857), a paraplegic woman living with Sarah Buxton at Northrepp’s Cottage, describing her active lifestyle, efforts on behalf of seafaring safety, linguistic accomplishments, and work as a secretary for Thomas Fowell Buxton (1786-1845) and educating sailors’ orphans. Inquires about Cope’s opinion of John Wilkinson’s writings, commenting on his religious development. Remarks on Orthodox Quakers, hesitancy in discussing differing religious views, and her brother Bev [Joseph Bevan Braithwaite, 1818-1905] researching early Quaker works.

Receipt of books and pamphlets dealing with the Hicksite controversy. Describes his attempts to be patient with differing opinions but remains strong in his own convictions. Describes Elizabeth Griscom's pulmonary disease.