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Offers fossil shells he exchanged with Dr. Tuomy and collected at Calvert Cliffs, Maryland.

Taking the water cure. Describes the exercise regimen, high expenses, and the doctor. Gives advice to her sons for plain living, diet, and exercise in order to maintain their health. Written on a printed ad for the Northampton Water-Cure from Dr. David Ruggles.

Rules and customs of telegraphing. Advises to always charge by the word and never go over the line.

Written to his sister at the "Female department, Institute" at Clinton, New York. Mother and father are in town, with their father recovering from an ax wound. Describes the wound, the pain his father suffered, and Jervis's insistence on calling a surgeon. Details the treatment. Notes Dr. Ryer's visit to Rondout, describes his army officer's uniform, and his leaving for California soon. Mentions accidental deaths at Tarrytown "by the falling of a dirt bank" and other men "killed in the tunnel."

Has been working on a boat and has been sickly. Notes many deaths in New Orleans due to cholera and local fear because of it. Asks after acquaintances and sends respects. Feeling stronger after drinking "brandy strate," but warns Ansley not to tell on him. Attended a party, noting drinking alcohol and visiting with women. "...if the Cholera comes up your way all you got to do is drink good brandy."

Notice of Dr. Eugene Weld's death by cholera, following his attendance to an outbreak "in rather an isolated and remote neighborhood. Describes his final illness, medical attendance, death, and funeral. Enclosing a copy of his will (not included). Lists money and personal effects, including "a gold watch, spectacles, breast pin, and lot of Homeopathic Medicines, Instruments, some few books, and a very scanty wardrobe." Will send expenses for the funeral, with note the burial site has been marked should a "plain Tomb to cover it" be acquired. See also E[ugene] Weld ALS to [Abby] and J[ohn] A. Stephens, 1836 September 19.

Discusses the cholera epidemic in Memphis, but is not worried as it is only among the lower classes. Takes precautions to avoid catching it, regardless.

Smallpox is spreading the neighborhood, with some deaths. "It is quiet [sic] alarming to have it so near us and it is spreading, people go right by the house, he lives on the main road where there is a great deal of traveling and some go in to see them." Notes recent carriage accident that resulted in severe head injuries and partial paralysis. Railroad cars coming to Owego for the first time and some legal disputes about the land it runs through.

Comments on a cholera outbreak in St. Louis, Missouri. "... my time was taken up entirely in going to the hospitals I saw upwards of 200 cases in 4 hospitals. -- The public schools are now turned into hospitals." Notes St. Louis holding fasts, enforcing quarantines, keeping continual fires burning. "... the dead are now carried out in wagons uncoffined to the grave. Death! Death! Death!" Hopes the recipient maintains their former piety. Is unimpressed with the "California scheme," would prefer to see the recipient with a situation in the east or south. Lack of Fourth of July celebrations. "There are no celebrations here of liberty. -- Death solemnizes his ghastly triumphs nothing is talked of except Death."

Believes the cholera epidemic is abating, attributing a recent thunder shower for "purify[ing] the air." Notes high numbers of deaths. Paper bears brown staining, likely the result of disinfection by vinegar.