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Description of Oregon territory.

Chides family for not writing, especially following the recent death of their son. Had to quit working at a saw mill due to poor health but has taken in boarders. News of health, injuries, expected deaths. Comments on the quality of Wisconsin land, encouraging emigration. "th[i]s is good country for a poor man to get a liveing Land cheap and good and plenty ... O! come away from old Allegany and make your fortune on the pleasant prairies of the west where you can go out in the winter without wanting four men to hold you hat on and not have to sh[o]vel through snow drifts to get your fire wood and were you can see the sun shine day after day in Jan. and feb. as you can where you are in May come to the west I say and not stay any in that cold sour country." Urges them to come to Wisconsin rather than Michigan, believing they can establish a sawmill. Mary writes to her parents, lamenting the loss of her son, beseeching them to write, and describing food.

Considering moving west and "publishing the gospel" to aid missionary efforts. Prefers Wisconsin. Requests information about Downs's experiences out west. Comments on work as a minister. Mentions a woman leaving her husband.

Letter addressed to his brothers in Nashville, Tennessee, trying to solicit correspondence in return. Struggling financially and with farming stating, "I begins to fear I have not much turn for farming" and "…if I can manage to make Buckle and tongue meet this year I think I shall be lucky." A. J. B. Whitlock appears in Granby, Missouri, in the 1860 U.S. Census, working as a farmer.

Comments on his sickness with the ague and working on the Illinois and Michigan Canal. "I do not think I shall be discharged before next June or July, and it may be not then; as some work will have to be done after the canal is filled, and as we shall be the only party on the Line, we may be retained." Homesickness. Weighs in on Austin's potential business partnership with Hamilton Hubbard in Haddam, Connecticut, and gives general financial advice. Attended "the great foot race" in Chicago, noting contestants of Native American and African American descent. Willing to assist others who emigrate westward to gain employment, "There is chances to make money here, I think - the trouble is to commence right."

Inability of a single woman to get a teaching post in the west.

Blank labor contract to be filled in by workers binding themselves to William B. Whitefide for his assistance to emigrate to California. "Whereas we are desirous of leaving the lead Mines of Wisconsin & Illinois and being anxious to emigrate to the gold mines of California. And as we have no teams or Conveyance of any kind suitable to carry provisions from here to California and being entirely destitute of any money or means to purchase either… we have bound ourselves to William B. Whitefide for the use of a team & for provisions to use on the rout…" In return for the wagon, oxen or mules to pull it, and provisions, the signers agree to not quit Whitefide's "employment or leave him unless by the request of the said Whiefide until we comply with all of this Contract." Signers must also give Whitefide "half of all our labor profits monies & all matters of interest & every thing of every kind & nature that we possess or may make for the term of twelve months after our arrival in the gold mines of California.. and we do bind ourselves to use all reasonable industry & exertion and will devote our whole time & interest during that period to any employment that the said Whitefide may think most profitable and advantageous to his interest."

Journey across the plains to California. Estimate number of travelers. Mention of Mormon wagon train.

"On board the Brig New Castle running down the coast of Chile," heading from New York City to California in order to mine for gold. Comments on the process of resupplying at St. Catherine's near Brazil, where he helped pilot the ship. Briefly describes the region, St. Catherine's water access, coffee production, use of slave labor, housing, women's work, and ships arriving with hundreds headed to California. Comments on navigation, disagreements with the captain over provisions and other sailing matters, and the assistance he offered onboard as the captain proved inexperienced. "... if some if not all of the passengers were at home now they would never attempt to go to California again, yet they are now quite reconciled to every thing on board except the Captain and his beef." Mentions other ships, including whaling vessels that accept mail to the United States, noting the voyage took seven months. Shipping provisions to Sacramento in preparation for mining, and mentions prices of lumber, nails, and wages for laborers. "As yet I cannot advise any friend of mine to come out here, many are returning home and down the coast as poor as they come out, and many get sick."

Comments on Avery's going to California, his own wish to go, and the obstacles which prevent it. Discusses the journey to California and laments that his poor health forces him to live quietly. Notes on weddings, babies, and the scarlet fever. Mentions the "stone business," a government contract to gather stone for the New Orleans Custom House.