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News of her husband's death. Describes his illness, including seizures. Describes his deathbed. Inquires if he had fits as a child, fearful that if it is epilepsy that it has passed on to her children. Comments on her husband's work for a steamboat company, his wages, and prospects. Is concerned for her family's future. Grieving.

Written from "Denver, Colorado- by which I mean Cheyenne, Wyoming." Travels through Kansas, looking for fossils and killing buffalo. Describes Denver, Colorado, and watching the "Chinese propitiate evil spirits." "The women are all lower than the beasts and if you walk by their doors rush out and proclaim their avocation aloud with the most utter shamelessness." Traveling with New Haven professors and a fellow "Bonesman."

3 documents notarized by Palmer G. Wood, including one Public Instrument of Protest and two copies of a partially printed notice. The Protest attests that Wood was requested by Quong Sing Tie Kee to present a money draft at the Bank of California and demand payment, which was refused, causing Wood to protest against the maker of the draft. Copy of the draft for $215 in gold from L. H. Hershfield & Bro. of Helena, Montana, to the Bank of California included. Notices filled out to L. H. Hershfield & Bro., noting the bank refused payment of a $215 draft and a $500 draft, "and the said Draft having been dishonored, the same was this day protested by me for the non-payment thereof, and the holders look to you for the payment thereof." N.B. The Bank of California experienced a panic in August 1875 which caused it to close. Aaron and Lewis Hershfield were prominent Jewish bankers in Montana.

Describes Minnesota prairie town, noting ethnic mix, farming, food, etc.

Providing updates to his sister and family in Orange County, New York, about his settling into Parsons. Describes getting along well with many of the neighbors, including Mr. Boothe taking the kids out riding, being visited by the minister’s daughter, and a neighbor with a $350 Beatty Organ. Residing with a German family, Mr. and Mrs. Shubert, who they have a very good relationship with. Mentions sending letters to be published to the Goshen Paper, Sylvester’s printing press being operational again, witnessing a hot air balloon gymnastic performance, furnishing the home, eating Arkansas apples, and hopes to purchase a farm eventually.

Will pay Ozias’ taxes and charge his account. Printed Letterhead: “A.J. Harwood, 500,000 Acres Land For Sale on Long Time and Easy Terms,” with printed map of Fargo area.

Expresses his heartfelt sympathies for an unspecified loss. Written on "Union Pacific Railroad Hotel" stationery.

Itinerant preacher writing to describe his "Prairie Home," including the local vegetation, animal life, crops, and details about local "sod houses." Describes his accommodations boarding with members of his church, including furniture and décor. Comments on his "regular appointments," which cover 15 miles, and his various duties. "The people are as a whole kind and intelligent, mostly all from N. York, Vermont, Penna, Ohio, Illinois… I have visited 40 families since I have been here." Compares his complexion to that of a Native American due to his exposure to the sun. Reflects on his initial anxiety about working "among these frontiersmen," his interpretation of "being a Stranger in a Strange land," and being ready to go where God leads him.

Directing Carter, at Fort Bridger, Wyoming, to pay Jesus Nevarro $109.33 "for Services on your Ranche from March 10th until May 31st." Check to be sent to Nevarro at Helena, Montana.

Delay in correspondence because of inability to procure writing materials and an extreme work load. Comments on business, executing a land deed, legal contracts. Defends southern Dakota from its reputation as a “cold, desolate God forsaken country” and his decision to take up farming. The land he has purchased and land he intends to buy - “… there is no land in market yet. Only actual settlers can have title from Uncle Samuel.” Began his status as settler in late May and has built a house and well, believing the value of the land will increase and be valuable for his children. Written on “Law Office of Merrell & Howat” letterhead, which has been modified to read “Merrell Farm.” Envelope reads “N. A. Merrell, Attorney, Dewitt, Iowa,” but has been modified to read “N.A. Merrell, Huron Dak.”