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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.

Mentions “Mrs. Johnson’s giving up her ‘lover.’” Discusses marriages, including Sister Elvira marrying a man and moving to California. Jests about her new “teaching” job (i.e. her recent marriage), pleased at not having to use “the rod of correction yet” but requires long hours. Hopes the recipient has a good school, “for I feel quite an interest in the welfare of the schollars in that district, I labored so long with & for them.” Written on illustrated “CHICAGO FROM THE LAKE” stationery, featuring a print of the city of Chicago, the lake shore with figures along the beach, and ships docked and in the water.

Going “off on a drunk” with 25 men and women. Talk of beaux. Illustrated letterhead: “Public Square, New Haven.”

Anxious to hear from his cousin; wishes he were there to escort her to the city. Description of a miner's wife having an affair, after which the miner left her with their child: "but such is life in Cal." Mills works on a farm and sells eggs in San Francisco. [Note: Original in Western America Collection]

Comments on local men whom she dislikes. Disappointed Joseph did not visit for New Year’s. Will be travelling away from Albany for her health. Attended a wedding at the Middle Dutch Church, where the minister’s daughter was married. Grandmother’s house is to be rented. Mentions the completion of a stone monument. Advises Joseph to avoid certain men and dancing at their parties, especially if it exposes him to night air.

Writing to her cousin to acknowledge her arrival but experienced a trauma during her voyage, likely a sexual assault, that is causing suicidal ideation and despair. Trying to endure a little longer to write to loved ones. Wishes she could tell family what happened but feels she cannot. "My Husband has forsaken Me. the Capten of the shipe that My Husband plased Me in Charg to take Me home has Destroyed My happyness." Dying wish that her wrongs will be revenged, pinning culpability for her death on Captain Harris. Does not blame her husband "for anething but Condeming Me without a he[a]ring. " First page bears a handwritten (B.) at the top, possibly indicating its submission as evidence in court.