Henry Washington covers many topics. Societal issues include the dangers of alcohol abuse, religious awakening, novels (Zanoni), self-knowledge of women, thoughts on whether women have culturally inferior minds, virtues of men and women, role of education, notes on Catherine the Great of Russia and murdering her husband, cattle show, elections, manners involving invitations to social engagements, philosophical notes on luck and special providence, role of God in the world, usefulness of prayer, beauty, money, and much more. Politics or law topics include tariffs and debt, martial law, Whig party, gaming law, legal and political question on single magistrate for all cases of petty larceny involving slaves, giving direction to juries, court case of Dabney for bank embezzlement, court cases involving just white or white and black participants, legislative power, the power of the states, and much more. He also writes about friends (Morson) and personal feelings such as being bored. Mentions President John Tyler's visit to Richmond and a discussion of his character, the dignity of the Virginia legislature, the corruptness of politics, and country life in Virginia.