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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]

Imagines her mother and father smoking and talking by the fire, wishing she could be with them. Mentions eating turkey for Thanksgiving, but she prefers chicken. Jests with her parents. "Pa I want to know if you have killed and eat up all the chickens if so I certainly will not come and see you..." Comments on weighing a cap she made to send in the post. See also Ellen ALS to Mrs. Calvin Brewer, 22 June 1875.

Notes on family health and the death of a local child from diphtheria. Comments on postage for letters and having her mother "put on the number of our box" on her letters to prevent "another J. Watson" from opening their mail. Volney came to visit, describes trying to find him at the railroad depot. Would like her parents to visit. Gives advice on lengthening sleeves and tailoring clothes. See also [Ellen?] partial AL to Mrs. Calvin Brewer, 5 December 1874.

Satiric temperance tract. “Ought a young lady to marry a drinking man?” Outlines the "benefits" of marrying a drinker, including being able to pursue reform activities without leaving home. "Her sphere of action is most abusively narrow… her only opportunity of becoming famous is by being a martyr and marrying a drinking man."

Received the " 'Whig' & Sentinel the Whig gives account of great damage both on land & water." News of the children's health, including their daughter teething. E. Williams is in Philadelphia to attend to legal matters. Discusses attendance at the Tabernacle church. Promises to telegraph if their daughter's malaise is anything more than teething. Would like him to get a picture taken. See also E. Williams ALS to "Sugar," August 23-24, 1874; and Ras. W. and E. W. letter of July 8, 1874 in the Business and Labor Collection.

A hot, dry summer made for a poor oat crop, but the potatoes have survived. Family news, including the wedding of Eliza to David Coote, "he is a baker and has a country shop he lives below at the school we youst to teach in." Comments on sending money.

Letter from mother to son, including phonetic spelling. Uncertain who she will spend the winter with if not him, offering to tend to the baby. Notes the cold and difficulty keeping fires for just herself. Acquaintance retrieved medicine to deworm his horses, "I write this to you because you de[a]l in horses." Letter was kept in an envelope addressed to H. A. Robinson, dated March 31, 1876, with a return address of Sanborn & Co, produce dealers, of Brooklyn.