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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.

Speech on anatomy, physiology, and "the art of preserving health." Invokes religion and the names of many prominent leaders over time, especially Hippocrates. Expressing appreciation for trained physicians and dismay towards untrained ones. States that "in our own land thousands of children are annually sacrificed by there [sic.] own mothers and fathers at the insatiate alter of medical ignorance." Considers the belief that sickness is an example of Divine Providence to be “unreasonable and irreligious” and refers to God as "Him who never afflicts willingly." Includes a discussion on the idea of common sense. "Anatomy is an exact and demonstrative science; whatever is known, is known not with the dubiousness of a metaphysical or moral statement but with the certainty of a mathematical fact." Mentions dissection with the intent of observation. Speaking out against quack medicine claiming to cure all ailments, particularly those that are claimed to come out of Native American practices. Ruminations on the place of science and medicine in politics. Does not desire legal mandates regarding medicine or medical knowledge, just an increase in education on the topic.

Explains that attending to his wife's poor health caused his sudden departure and delay in business. "The attack first commenced in her head, for which she was bled twice, beside all that could be drawn from her by ten leeches, in addition to blistering & Poulticing, of which she had eleven different ones at the same time." Notes her inability to rest and the doctor's befuddlement about her slow convalescence. Asks for correspondence addressed to him at the office by certain business associates to be handled in his absence.

Letter by a doctor, sent to his brother in Mobile, Alabama. Family news, including possible inheritance in England. Has been unwell and busy with his practice, in partnership with John who acts as a surgeon and physician. Mentions local cases of cholera and scarlet fever but with minimal deaths, noting the treatment used in his practice. Serving as postmaster and directs his brother to use the free frank accordingly while he is in office.

Grief following the death of her son, Charles. "... every day I miss my poor little boy more and more, at first I was like a person falling from a great height, completely stunned by the shock, but when I come to sit up and be about it seems as though existence was a burden." Describes Charles's illness with a sore throat, medications and doctors visits, her suspicion of scarlet fever. "... as soon as I looked on him, I knew he must die, his glassy eyes all convinced me he was to go, I fell on the floor." Notes his requests for special quilts and pillows, his talking of family members. "They called it Croup, but if it was it was different from any I ever saw, we think it must have proceeded from Catarrhal affection as it does in old people sometimes." Many children have died recently of croup and scarlet fever. Comments on precautions used to protect Charles from cold winter weather.