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Glad her sister is "tending school." Gives advice on exercise regime to counter consumption, believing it plagues women "because they are shut up in the house inhaleing impure air and what is worse is they shut the lungs up between sticks or a substitute whalebones and then have thier [sic] dresses so tight… their lungs are so contracted that they can get in little bit of air enough for a mouse and then they will faint & wonder what is the mater is. It is nothing less than suicide and when they die their friends will lay it to God." Visited Boston and provides description of the city, touring a Man-of-War ship that served in the Mexican-American War, seeing the Medical College and where Dr. George Parkman was murdered, meeting a mathematician, and attending the General Conference and seeing "all the great men of God." Advocates for children playing outside and getting dirty.

Will be “putting on a quilt.” Returned recently from Athens, Ohio, travelling through Circleville, Ohio, to Buffalo, New York. Illustrated letterhead: “Ohio University.”

Anecdote regarding an Irish woman stealing ribbon from Jackman & Smiths. His store handles female thieves by offering them a choice between providing sexual services or being taken before a magistrate.

Family news. Recounts dreams, including one where George was unwell and another where Mary returned from the West and George received her coldly. Finishing "a work-bag of melon seeds and steel beads - quite pretty to be sure - have made one new dress have one to make &c."

Writing to their brother and son who is away at college. News of family and friends, with comments on health, those taking up housekeeping, siblings' attitudes about school, and matters relating to the farm. "We had Episcopal preaching yesterday. A Mr. Wiggins from the British Provinces, who has been in Ohio for a few months, preached in the afternoon at the methodist house and in the evening at our schoolhouse..." Inquiries about his Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Travel from Croton, to New York, Milwaukee, and onwards to home. Unexpectedly attended a wedding at his hotel while in Milwaukee, where he was "in the presence of the fashionables and aristocracy of the city... as usual on such occasions the ladies were loaded with their superficials such as silks laces gaudy jewelry and various paraphernalia." Notes another hotel guest present, a wealthy man from Louisiana, who showed much interest in the writer. "... [he] made a very manly appeal to me references to enquire of his character and standing sufficient time to make up my mind to become Mrs and go south and share his wealth and affluence." Quotes Shakespeare and Byron to help explain her decision that "there was too much romance in the affair, consequently remained unmoved I let the chance slip, and here I am still."

Notes public lectures at the lyceum by figures including Matthew Hale Smith, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Dr. Holmes, and Mr. Fowl, as well as a reading of Shakespeare and other poets. Describes celebrations for Washington's Birthday. Busy with schooling and hoping to take up teaching herself soon. Father attending Whig meetings; "I did not go for I am Free Soil strong." News of family health, reflections on stormy days, and remembrances of a beloved teacher.

Sergeant John Ohio, Company A, RMP, recently transferred from Fort Scott. Visits Weston, Missouri, and possibly hints at a sexual encounter. Asks after the Crystal Palace currently being constructed for the World's Fair in New York. Grateful for newspapers sent in the mail.

To husband in California. Taking in boarders, fear for Joshua’s safety in California, children miss their father. [Note: Original located in Western Americana Collection]

Family housing arrangements. High price of wheat in Enterprise due to expected war between Russia and Turkey.