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Regarding Ebenezer’s marriage proposal to Maria. Correspondence etiquette.

Relates the story of a young woman from Canada, who declined to marry a New Orleans merchant. The merchant killed himself by jumping into a well. Notes on travel, photographs, church attendance, correspondence, education. [Note: Original located in American Travel Collection].

Writing to Alice at school. Notes on the recent holidays, including visits on Thanksgiving, family returning home, attending the “illumination of the Episcopal church.” Inquires if Alice was homesick during her vacation, muses on happiness and loneliness. News of local acquaintances, marriages, a donation party on New Year’s Day.

Sorry to hear that Minerva is sad and neglected by her male companion. "…it provokes me so at times, when I think how much the woman kind, has to submit to that race of beings called men, (when in fact there is no principle of a man in at least two thirds of them) they ought to b[e]long to the Ourang Outang race instead of the human family." Comments on another man and the poor treatment his wife received from his parents. Cautions Minerva to be careful in her consideration of the two men and not to delay marrying again. Notes her own marriage prospects, but places little faith in man's promises. Has been slighted by her social circle, receiving no invitations. Mentions other engagements. Her poor health restricts her from going out much, taking up work, or moving west.

Writing to her aunt regarding a batch of silk they had dyed by a local woman for use in producing women's clothing. Portions of silk mislaid while some sections "would not take the same colour," and the woman offers to dye another batch at no additional charge. "… if for a cape it is likely you would rather do without it, than incur the expense of getting new, & even there would be considerable difficulty in matching it. If there is just sufficient to make the dress without cape, you will have to use it, or procure new." News of family health and their treatment by physicians.

Final sickness and death of her grandmother. Believes that she is old enough to attend to the house (17 years-old).

Renewed her brother's subscription to the Times. Comments on "Peter Puzzlewig's Comic Game of Every day things," and her interest in the arithmetic puzzle. Discusses literature and describes a fable. Enjoyed a lecture on Shakespeare. Describes a recent sleighing accident she was involved in. Has little political news, "first because the subject has never deeply interested me, & secondly, because I am where I get no information on any subject... except I strive hard for it." Notes political striving for mayor, commenting on candidate Thomas H. Davis.

Sending silk dress from Paris, a cashmere shawl, wedding earrings, stockings. Father has sent gold bracelet, etc. Wedding presents.

Muses on emotions and memories Sue must experience upon her return home and possibly visiting her old schoolhouse. Wonders about the fate of her childhood schoolmates. Posturing in relation to women and the pang he felt when Sue called him “artificial.” Studying Chesterfield, “or rather his writings and studying the art of pleasing by theory.” Chides Sue for becoming “somewhat spoiled by the perusal of romance and the imbibition of notions which look best in print.” Writes of how frequently he thinks of her. Gives advice about writing to Dr. Fish, explaining why she returned his miniature portrait, and easing the insult to his vanity. Excerpts a letter from an acquaintance who believes his romantic overtures were rebuffed by a woman, and Brackinridge hopes Sue can help mediate between the parties.

Has moved to a farm in the country. Wishes she were back in Maine. Description of farm. Has been “troubled with the Womb Complaint.”