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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.

Invoice for plants and seeds sent to John James in Urbana, Ohio. Written on printed letterhead for "Prince's Linnaean Botanic Garden and Nurseries," which includes a list of books for sale.

Writing on behalf of the superintendent of the poor for Ontario County, New York. Describes the case of Mary Webb who fell into mania after an out of wedlock pregnancy and miscarriage and who shows signs of nymphomania. Notes treatments attempted and ongoing symptoms.

Health of the family, including the death of newborn twins. Has been working a sawmill, providing details of their charges, difficulties with the river, and expectations for piloting logs to Natchez or New Orleans. Describes the land he acquired, improvements on it, and crops and livestock. Comments on the "bilious fever" caused by "a very great scent... which infected the atmosphere." Notes a Whig 4th of July Barbecue at Mount Carmel, Indiana. Describes the people in the region, noting their religion and lack of education. Discusses a cattle disease and its infection of people and dogs.

Severe illness, probably tuberculosis, prevents his return home. Describes his symptoms and the failure of treatments.

Has been unwell and too feeble to journey home. Skepticism of recent ‘spirit rapping’ demonstrations, and describes some doctors' investigations and debunking of them.