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15 mile ride on horseback. Praise of the scenery. Visit to “the daguerreian rooms;” will send a colored ferrotype. Description of clothing worn for photographs. Includes a poem, "Strangers yet."

Christmas and New Year greetings. Had a daguerreotype taken. Comments on clothing worn.

Describes a former slave and trained washer woman/maid seeking to flee to Philadelphia. Her name is Rosa and she is married. He directs her to his mother's house in the North. Also includes references to ships under his command, news reporters, troops in Charleston, and war news. Discusses African American soldiers and their supposed laziness. Notes anti-abolitionist sentiments, the strength and condition of the Rebel Army, and the state of affairs on St. Simons Island. Praises President Lincoln. [Note: Original letter located in the John R. Goldsborough Collection]

Reflections on their friendship and correspondence. Mentions “a ‘stick up’ bonnet” Lizzie saw at church. Attended a funeral. References the fall fair and gossips about local courtships. Quotes from a song written by Frederick William Thomas, “Tis said that absence conquers love.”

Explains the difficulty of writing letters on account of constant visitors. Comments on autumn foliage. News of acquaintances and asks after friends, including rumors of Nealie's possible engagement.

Sends New Year’s greetings and a picture of their father [not present]. Comments on their Christmas and requests a picture of Sid, “sitting or standing about the size & length of this one of Father. Have the best uniform coat on.” Would like to visit the House and Senate with Sid. Political remarks, possibly about John P. Hale (1806-1873): “I don’t think Jack Hale will be the senator next term, on account of the late disclosures.” Approves of Sid’s breaking his engagement with Belle Cate. Talks of cows, “enrolling money,” and local clerks at a Concord office.

Current events. She has been sick with typhoid. Mentions death of a woman and details about the affairs of her children. Stresses the difficulty of raising two children alone.

Discusses Nealie’s engagement to Silas Moore, wondering if she would like to keep it secret, and imagining what her fiancé must be like. “I try to realize that you are engaged. That is a momentous word, only secondary in import to married.” Tells Nealie to prepare herself “for a full battery of teasing.” Inquires after wedding plans. [See also Nattie ALS to Nealie, April 17, 1863, in Schoff Civil War Letters & Documents]

Has had difficulty getting to the post office from the female seminary. Comments on her roommates, socializing with them, and her hope that Ella King does not return to school so she can stay in the room. Someone threw gravel at their window and scared them. Writes of "get[ting] at some devilment," by writing fake letters from men to their female friends. Mag is ill with a sore throat, saying "she goes around making signs looks as if she had just come from the deaf & dumb asylum."

Description of fashion, including bonnets and construction of dresses. Comments on exchanging flowers. Befriended a man who was sent to the Invalid Corps in Washington. Includes a swatch of fabric and a cut-out engraving of a woman with a liberty cap and bird in a tropical setting.