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Invitation to William S. Beckwith and Ann Maria Collyer’s impending marriage, veiled in legal terms and diction. “… they have seriously and deliberately come to the conclusion of exchanging casements for each other’s hearts, and propose to ratify the compromise treaty publicly before a select company at next Wednesday Evening.” Notes William’s agricultural work, his becoming a man, and urges Beckwith to help arrange for his father to deed William some of the family’s land. “I do not know but you will think me very intrusive & meddlesome about my wifes family affairs… But I consider myself in the family now and I am very intimate with William.” Describes William’s future wife and encourages Beckwith to come to the wedding, noting that he can come “see the State prison also.” “This is the last of the race, and it is hoped you will take the trouble & time to come out and see the last of the Mohegans executed.” Brief mention of trading in glass wares.

Discusses delays in letter-writing and how it causes offense. Headaches. Difficulties performing social calls in Chicago, commenting on the city's layout. News of acquaintances, including marriages. Experienced homesickness when her family first moved to Chicago from Sackets Harbor, [New York]. Disapproves of the high number of social events in Chicago, calling it "the worst place for dissipation I ever knew it is nothing strange to have three or four invites out every night."

His wife delivered their son prematurely, and the infant survived thirteen days. Comments on his son's appearance, their emotions towards him, and grief at his passing. "We can assign no reason for this accident, excepting that such affairs have been quite fashionable in this quarter of late, and the ladies you know are so prone to follow the fashions!" Notes other health concerns, news of locals, and inquires after the family of a woman living in Greensboro who used to live in New Haven, Connecticut.

Regarding Henry’s house purchase. Health and activities of young child, Harry. Description of statue “The woman taken in adultery.” Visit to Unitarian church.

Discusses his hopes for forming a romantic attachment with her. Acknowledges her seeming indifference to his attention, “Yet fortunately being blessed with ‘large hope’ as phrenologists express themselves, I have looked forward for better times.” Makes arrangements to meet her when she comes to Boston. Describes a late-night fire, noting fire bells and firemen. Fourth of July celebrations. Discusses the romantic situation between Mr. Gerney and Emily Tufts, noting disagreements and the possible end of their engagement.

Notes "drunken rowdies" making a false claim of fire and getting arrested and a subsequent real fire breaking out. Comments on Fourth of July celebrations, a fishing trip where members of the party got drunk, and a preacher's condemnation of the level of "rowdyism and recklessness" in Lynn. Agrees that young men spend too much time in "Rum Holes, Bowling Saloons, Billiard Rooms, and in places sunk still lower in vice," and disagrees with the sentiment that "the young should be allowed to sow their wild oats." Some of his poetry has been published in the Lynn News. Glad the recipients are pleased with their "new situation," questions rates of marital happiness, and notes he might not consider marriage "if it was not for the buttons I have to sew on… because I have no one to repair my clothes."

Nannie C. Kay ALS to Margaret Stone; Washington, [D.C.]. 4 pages. Has received $65.00 from Margaret to purchase goods for her. Mentions fashion, including bonnets and dresses. Notes social events in Washington's high society.

Whig celebration in town. Has girl to help with housework and sewing. Recipe for Soda Cake. [Note: Original located in the Culinary Collection]

Letter from a Quaker woman which mentions attending a women’s rights meeting and hearing Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Christmas and New Year celebrations. Church events.