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Wants to have her dress "fixed over," but feels she can't afford the cost and doesn't want to ask her parents who would likely oppose the expense for something "the least bit stylish."

Had been sick. After recovering, traveled to Detroit for a lecture engagement. Will write a column for the Independent.

Notes respect due to women. “I respect a woman in all classes, even if a depraved one… and should I see one of these imposed upon I would defend her the same as yet I would another woman.” Briefly comments on Lizzie’s mail carrier, a dream he had of her, and attending church. Discusses the fire department using men to pull their engines due to a livestock epidemic “…On the engine ropes you would see police men news boys boot blacks, fine dressed citizens, poor Irishmen, negroes and firemen.” Notes citizens’ quick responses and their hoping to avoid “a rep[e]titon of 1849 when this city was half burnt up or like two late fires, viz Chicago and Boston.” Mentions Fire Chief [Henry Clay] Sexton and the impact the lack of horses and oxen has had on businesses, including the hiring of African American laborers to "draw their wagons. Every thing that is able to draw anything is pressed into service.” References joining lodges and a Thanksgiving faux pas.

Writing to her cousin about family news. Notes cases of "putrid sore throat" in the community, including fatal ones among children. Neighbor, Mrs. Munson, recently died, leaving behind "a large family of small children." Details of local railroad accident on Christmas Eve, with over twenty fatalities and others suffering burns. Mentions New Years celebrations and attending a molasses pull.

Requesting they be ready to defend Seymour Winchell "in a bastardy proceeding." Winchell is accused by a woman who had previously tried to "swear a child on Mr. Makelely and failed" and has been "delivered of her third bastard child." Believes one of her other children is the product of "incest of the most revolting character." The mother took the stand against Hubbard's objections and swore Seymour Winchell was the father. Engaging Newkirk and Chace in the expected proceedings, especially as they were involved in the Makeley case. Written on J. C. Hubbard, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, stationery.

Has been in a serious accident on a horse-drawn wagon. Her sister has written a book. References Spiritualism.

Attends an Episcopal church, sings in the choir, and attends Sunday School. Notes the curriculum she is undertaking in the first grade, her parents' objections to homework, and her lack of desire to progress to high school. Has been growing quickly. Comments on Christmas gifts, including a canary "send you a quill of its tail to write to me with." Enclosing a piece of fabric from one of her new dresses (included).

Satirical story of the “Naval Contest” between the Internal Revenue Cutter Nellie Grant and the English Frigate Sartoris, with the Nellie Grant victorious. Referring to Ulysses S. Grant’s daughter, Nellie Grant (1855-1922), who married Englishman Algernon Sartoris (1851-1893) on May 21, 1874. Bawdy references used in describing damage done to the Nellie Grant, including references to “bloody se(a)men” and “two holes found in her bottom.” A clipped printed image of a boat is pasted on the top of the page.

Notes on social visits, giving business to friends. Trip to Boston postponed due to Judge Carter’s illness. Will mail her a newspaper editorial concerning the Beecher-Tilton Scandal, especially regarding Francis D. Moulton’s “last statement” and his “attack upon a lady he does not name—I suppose Miss Edna Dean Proctor.” Statements are believed to be falsehoods and warns that Henry Ward Beecher’s (1813-1887) “great change in his position” requires him to act against aspersions. Even though he is not guilty “a very large part of the community are ready to regard him as a vile hypocrite exposed.” Brief mention of their children.

Letter by Arthur Gilman, founder of Radcliffe College. Offers praises for Lucy Larcom's new book; he will give it to his daughter for Christmas. He request the author to write a few lines for his daughter so that he can place them in the book. [Note: Original located in the Duane N. Diedrich Collection]