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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.

Cholera epidemic in St. Louis has claimed from 8,000 to 12,000 people, but seems to be ending. Names acquaintances who have died. Running a sawmill here is profitable. Knows a number of belles, who he will introduce to Justis.

Had been anticipating a cholera outbreak due to their proximity and connection to Cincinnati, which had been experiencing one. Describes cholera's impact on Sandusky "… all stillness, desertion & desolation is seen Man is stricken down & gone. Stores & shops are almost universally closed between 3 & 4 hundred are numbered with the dead who a few days since were active in life More than four thousand have fled carrying the disease in some instances with them & dying on the way or at their destination scattering the Cholera in many villages in the country." Comments on acquaintances who have died, how cholera impacts both upper and lower classes, how the high death rate necessitated the digging of burial pits rather than individual graves, and how high numbers have evacuated. "... such was the panick felt that Mechanicks were not found & Multitudes buried in rough boxes & some in dry good boxes many with the sheet around them they died on without any preparation for the grave." Even with high pay, grave diggers are difficult to secure. Notes physicians and nurses coming to help, as well as the establishment of hospitals and asylums for orphaned children.

Recovering from dysentry, the same disease which recently killed his brother. Comments on his brother's state of mind as he died. His son and daughter were sick with dysentery and cholera, respectively. Notes medical treatment for his daughter's cholera and the doctor who tended to her dying from the same illness. Cincinnati greatly affected by cholera, "the largest number of interments we had here in a day was 189, almost every person was complaining during the prevalence of the disease." Discusses a financial matter and hopes that the river will rise soon to help travel. Copies a presciption for treating cholera "from one of the best old school Physicians here" and includes a small manuscript enclosure about making medicinal pills.

Health updates on John Button, experiencing a lingering illness with "no probability" of recovering. Noets he has only eaten water, gruel, and some medicine, and has been having issues with intestinal ulcers. Reports of possible small pox in the village. "... if it proves to be it every one (all most) will haave it for it was called teh chicken Pox and measles for the first 4 or 5 cases." Still has a cough and the cod liver oil seems to have no effect. Stopped in Clevelan while en route to or from Detroit.

Commenced water cure at Phillipsburgh, Pennsylvania, having trouble with his "liver, stomach and digestive organs." Had to stop treatment in order to teach, but remained ill and quit in order to resume it. Attributes depression to a malfunctioning liver. Was advised to go south rather than north for treatment and is now with Dr. Denison.

Defense of the concept of “bodily identity” and the possibility that God could recreate bodies in the same form even with different matter. Describes his understanding of how resurrection could function scientifically.