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Reminisces about undergraduate years spent together. Expresses regrets for not choosing "a more quiet career" than the one he has assumed in the "wild West" or "been better prepared to meet the wild & rough scenes thro' which I have passed." Has read the notice by the N. E. Society of Charleston that suggests Gilman holds conservative sentiments that Bosson believes to be "worthy of and honorable to a descendent of the Puritans." Expresses discomfort with "the spirit of falsehood now abroad" that is disturbing "social peace" and is "adverse to the objects of social government" through its opposition to "love of our Country, its constitution, its laws & its Union." Fears that the lack of unity and devotion to the Country as a social and political entity could endanger the safety of national independence. Crossed-out text about classmates he has seen.

Gilman's response to Dr. Humphrey, per Charles T. Bosson's (1791-1864) request. Dr. Smythe preached two sermons against it that were published in the Evening News and attacked Gilman's "denomination" rather than "confining himself to the subject of controversy." Gilman answered this attack with eight letters that he sent to the North and Evening News. Suggests he will publish more of the letters in pamphlet form "as I do not want to engross more public attention in this way." Inquires about whether Bosson has received the six pamphlets of the poem delivered during the Class of 1811 meeting in Boston sent by Everett. Lists who was able to attend the reunion and mentions Fuller's death. If Everett has not sent the pamphlets, Gilman will.

Typed transcription of the letters on page 99.

Typed transcription of the letter (April 9, 1864) on page 98.

Typed transcription of the letters on page 99. A note by Robert N. Bosson suggests that Charles T. Bosson (1791-1864) wrote the letter to Gilman and likely never mailed it: "The writer seems to be depressed but anxious to give his views of the political trend of the times."

Letter from William Bosson (1753-1823 or 1824) to his son, Charles T. Bosson (1791-1864). Henry Whiting is coming to "your country" with Doctor Hawks. "...if he settles in the Western Country it will be a great advantage to society." Suggests that Whiting has information regarding Doctor Somers. List of items he will send to Charles, including a side saddle, cloth for a suit, and clothing. If the law books do not arrive with the items he is planning to send, they may be misplaced. He advises his son to send "another" memorandum if they cannot be found. He will send the items through Philadelphia to Pittsburg. Thomas and Mary are often "the subject of conversation;" suggests that he is planning to visit Charles in the fall of 1816. Thomas should be told that "Geo Wiggins "is much reduced and is a swindling fellow--"in that way he got from me 2000$." Mentions that John W Adams "is at Londonderry and is a poor D-L-." Sam Gilman "has let himself to a new society in Dorchester." College student protests on changes in recitation times (apparently imposed by the "Govt."). The Law Book request has been found. Catherine sent William a letter he was not allowed to see. William visited Mrs. Hobbs: "She loves you." Sharing information with Mr. Mayo, the son of Joseph Mayo, "the oldest Brother to your friend" who is in "Canidia." A manuscript note by William Bosson (1806-1887), son of letter writer, about his parents' genealogy and nativity.

William Bosson (1753-1823 or 1824) expresses joy in hearing that his son [Charles] is establishing himself in the West. Acknowledges the difficulty of beginning a career from scratch and expresses confidence that Charles will be able to build a successful career off of his education, "unblemished character," "an honorable profession with decent Library," "a good constitution," and "a preservering and active mind." Highlights the importance of defeating the British and driving them off of the continent, to ensure peace and secure "our Common Country." If the British are not removed, "Savage Barbarity will always disturb our frontiers." Fourteen persons are at the table for Thanksgiving.

Typed transcription of the letter on page 102.

Typed transcription of the letter on page 102. With an additional typed note by Robert, describing the letter. It was "not enveloped but sealed with wax. No stamp was affixed, a post mark of Boston is shown."

Quotation by Edward Joshua from "Nurses Philosophicae," that "memory is the mind." Believes memory is the storage center for the mind but does not agree that memory is constitutive of the mind. "How you looked personally, when I last saw you--is clean as a fresh picture in the outline--and so with your entire family." Is not optimistic that they will meet again while they are still alive. Powers' reports a decline in health and relays information on his life in Italy. Situated about 600 yards from the Roman Gate; has s garden with American trees, "Wellingtonia, the Red Wood, the Black Walnut, the [Pecan?] nut, the Butter nut, Hickory nut and many varieties of American apples." All of his children live nearby except for his youngest son (Edward Everett Powers), who studies engineering in Sheffield. One of his six children works in his studio and shows "much ability," while another is a photographer with property in Kansas. Powers has worked as a "successful American sculptor" in Italy after the past 35 years and will likely spend the rest of his days there. Gives William Bosson and his family an open invitation to the "old world," "It would pay--if you can spare the means--and it is an easy thing to journey now a days." Enclosing photographs and a list of captions for the photos by Elizabeth Powers [Photographs not present]. The note is a numbered list of 12 individuals, including Hiram and Elizabeth Powers, and their children and grandchildren. Does not have a picture of Edward Everett Powers (who works for Globe Steel Works) to send. Also included an image of a wedding party taken on the day of the wedding. A manuscript note by William Bosson (1806-1887) provides information about Hiram and Elizabeth Powers.