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Recently heard that Maria safely delivered her son, and sends congratulations to Dr. Logan and “dear Algernoon.” Includes a note: “The joy expressed in this envelope soon changed to mourning- but the sweet baby had a happy escape from all lifes trials.”

Is preparing to teach women. Lengthy description of outfitting her house with a variety of industrial, textile, and biological objects and apparatuses. Many persons wonder what she is doing in her house.

Letter to a friend in Florence, Alabama, including commentary on suitors, recent weddings, and her continued unmarried status. "… there are so many trials troubles and vexations in the matrimonial state that it is not to be envied. I expect my friend will think me no advocate for matrimony and I may say I am not a very strong one unless I could be very certain of bettering my situation of getting very worthy intelligent handsome gentleman I should never exchange my name of having peace ease and quiet a comfortable home sufficiency to live upon and be assured of having no little incumbrances under such assurances I might become Mrs Any Body." Notes the decline of LaFayette Academy's reputation due to "one rash impudent step of the inconsiderate unsuspecting doubtless innocent preceptor." Describes Christmas celebrations and a Presbyterian religious revival, including children's attendance, prayer meetings, and an extended preaching session from an aged man. "… going from morning until night never tir'd trying to do good reminding both great and small black and white that there is a God warning them intreating them to be prepar'd to him in holiness and righteousness in a better world…"

Miniature envelope and a "Broderie de Paris" label signed "E. R. Marsh" on the front and "Ellen Marsh" on the verso. Embroidery or fabric label includes illustration of a sailing ship.

Does not have money to spare to send home and is uncomfortable asking for a loan. Feeling homesick. Asks for directions on what to do with the hens, chickens, and hogs.

Applications for membership to the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Includes three news clippings relevant to the Martin, Bradley, and Parker ancestry (19th century).

Written to her fiancé, a parson. Inquires after the recipient’s health, noting her willingness to return if he continues unwell. Staying at home due to her mother’s rheumatism and cousin’s poor health. Comments on nursing her mother and the help offered by other women. References a disagreement that prevents Molly and the recipient from living together. Notes an acquaintance attending a lecture at the Pastoral Aid Society. Sending a carte of their “buckish friend whom you would scarcely take for a clerical but it was taken on his return from a town up the Nile-- & he has on his Oriental traps” [not present].

See also: "Mother" ALS to "Son," August 6, 1890.

Notes on their sister's will. Needs to purchase clothing. [Note: see also Mary Penrose's letter of July 13, [1838?]]

Forwarded $45, which she thinks she can afford, as she has "only had two dresses since I came home from the east & one of them a calico." Suffering from a lung ailment.