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Unable to visit Conway, New Hampshire, in part due to his ongoing health issues as well as emotional challenges. "…It would give me much pleasure to meet our surviving friends at Conway, but my nerves are not yet strong enough to allow me to glance at the Graves of those who have been so recently removed from your little circle." Travel has made it hard to regulate his diet and "I have got my nervous system rather unstrung." Notes a physician prescribing regular doses of calomel, which "usually kept me in an apothecary shop."

Regarding the welfare of the recipient, a fellow preacher. Channing recommends a physician of the ‘new school’ of medicine which does not utilize bleeding, blistering, or calomelization. Has personally witnessed and experienced the positive results of their practice.

Death of Bringhurst's brother following an accidental shooting which led to infection. Speculation about an underlying heart condition contributing to his brother's death. Grief. Describes the medical treatments attempted, including surgery, plasters, leeches, blisters. Quaker family.

Seeking location of William Phillips’s mineral collection, details on it, and permission to show it to a gentleman from Liverpool. Notes the desired price for the collection. Sends letters from naturalists [not included]. Received the "lot of Conchology Books."

Ordering Portuguese leeches. Notes the best way to package and send them. Wishes their presence to remain undetected on the canal boat.

Doctor writing to his sister and brother-in-law in New York. Had been travelling in Mississippi and Louisiana, commenting on number of physicians in the area, number of wealthy families, and financial prospects. Notes the impossibility of gaining a fortune due to debts, troubles with horses, and getting cheated. Mention of French patients and writing prescriptions in French. Does not require letters, as "in ally my travels I have got along just as well without a single letter, & never found the least difficulty in obtaining the practice & visiting in the best families." Details about a mortgaged property and debts. See also Jno. De Valcourt ALS to John A. Stephens, 1849 January 21. .

Inquiring after sale of Mr. Door’s marsh lands near Detroit.

Describes New Year's festivities in New York City. Prefers the countryside, but enjoys the art, books, and lectures in the city. Notes Professor Silliman's geology lectures at the Lyceum of Natural History. Notes his remarks on coal and providential design. Comments on learning Italian under Pietro Maroncelli, his political persecution in Italy, and imprisonment.

Dislikes Missouri and its residents. Believes it "the spot to see the glorious fruits of charlatanism," particularly quack medicine. Discusses a friend, a physician, who toured the South and plans on leaving Missouri as well.

Will try to send carrot and onion seeds, but the price is high for onions due to low supply. Discusses the best shipment route. Letter written on printed seed price list for Belden's "annual collection of garden seeds, raised in his garden."