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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.

Remarks on a story Winy told about a widow. Discusses a beautiful and innocent young woman that he loves, noting the first time he met her. “She is yet a child in years & of course I have never talked love to her & in all human probability never shall—still I should like to do it & perhaps if I could be sure of her when she is grown up—I should do so.”

"My dearest of friends and best old woman in the world..." Harrisonburg experiencing flooding. Recovering from bilious fever but poor health continues to impact his handwriting. Comments on unrequited love, "For what right have I to think of and love one whose cheek blooms not for me and whose heart is another?"

Written as a rhyming poem. Comments on the recipient’s departure, a baby, acquaintances, memories. Includes an acrostic that spells “Annie J. Popham.” New Year’s wishes. Includes ink drawings of a gridiron, a cradle “for Emma A. Popham,” two men in suits titled “The Rivals,” and a framed portrait of a bearded man.

Went to see a panorama exhibition of “Col Fremonts travels.” Inquires after Mattie's party politics and remarks against “Woman’s rights.”

Description of and thoughts on Philadelphia. Notes women going to the bakery, pigs in the streets, and Dutch residents and their religion. Includes a recipe for making sauerkraut and a postscript, "Three cheers for Fremont."