This collection contains letters sent from William Newsum Jr. to his wife Sally, nee Cary, from 1804 through 1806. William Newsum Jr. was a William & Mary alumnus and studied law. They were married on February 1, 1806 and had their first child late 1806 or early 1807. The letters to Sally begin when they are courting and end in December 1806.

Included is one letter from William Newsum to an unknown Sir and a letter from William’s mother Mary Bassett Stark Newsum to her daughter-in-law Sally. One of the letters still has its envelope. Also included are miscellaneous poems, from Anna Laetitia Barbauld, St. George Tucker, and various lines written to Martha Waldron Skipwith, born 1724, married to Fulwar Skipwith and Sally Cary by H. Tucker and F. Carr.

William writes about his excitement for his upcoming marriage and later the birth of his child. He writes about his longing to be with Sally and how much he misses her. He offers condolences on the loss of her younger sister Jane Cary in 1805. He talks about the value of education and exercise, as well as his thoughts on literature and friendship. He also discusses the finances of William & Mary, his desire to be a lawyer, and some of his tasks as a member of a public office.

Topics include marriage, education, literature, love letters, condolences, government, William & Mary, finances, and family.