Comments on leaving his purse at home and asks Francis to retrieve it and bring it to Botetourt Co., Va.; and discusses his trip, notes that there have been no accidents.

Discusses Francis' plan to sell a portion of his land known as "mouth of Kentucky", and informs Francis of a letter from "the governor" regarding a memorial battle for General William Campbell in which Francis is to participate.

Comments on Francis' upcoming trip to "the springs" and expresses her hope that he can take a "sea voyage"; and other family news.

Regarding a recommendation of Holmes to Earl Brownlow.

Leaving his estate to his wife Letitia Preston Floyd for her to administer as "she thinks proper for her support and that of the children"; witnessed by Cyrus Robinson and James H. Piper.

William advises Joseph of Major General Murray's assent to 'admitting the child to internment in the military burial ground'.

Stating that he wishes to be numbered among those who will refute "the calumnies against our so greatly injured colony."

Invitation to Dr. and Miss Pemberton to attend a ceremony for the "laying of the foundation stone of the new harbor."

Comments on Mr. Bryant's application for bounty land; discusses the Stansberry case, noting his displeasure at the House's actions and criticizing Andrew Jackson.

Concerning "young Mr. Johnston's" appointment to the military academy; notes that he can do nothing at present, but promises "an impartial and as favorable consideration as circumstances will permit when a vacancy shall happen."

An invitation to Mr. and Mrs. Holmes for a visit and congratulating Eliza on her marriage; asks for "particulars" of Letitia Preston Floyd's son; and comments on the welfare of Eliza's brother and the dry weather.

Discusses books to be sent to Holmes and possible collaboration on an article for the Southern Quarterly Review.

Regarding some scab samples [requested by Holmes?] and expressing sympathy for the loss of [Holmes?] child.

Congratulates Holmes on his recent articles for the Southern Quarterly Review and comments on the superiority of an English education.

Explains Hardemann's busy schedule; broaches the idea of creating, with Holmes, a "seminary of a high order"; asks about Holmes' German studies and comments on Hardemann's new child.

Details the new act of Parliament entitled "An Act for the More Effectual Suppression of the Slave Trade."

States that he has never dissected Negroes and whites to determine the differences between the races; informs Holmes that others who have researched the question "do not class the negro in the lowest scale of moral and intellectual beings."

Praises Holmes' work and advocates nationality in literature; expresses his belief that "America has always imitated the minor English writers and has always been ready to fly at the latest prevailing English poet"; and further laments the inadequacies of the American public mind.

Asks about Holmes "condition," salary; requests a list of Holmes' articles for the Southern Quarterly Review and other journals.

Recommends George Frederick Holmes for a chair in logic and history.

Informs Holmes that Holmes' election (to the faculty of South Carolina?)] is "very doubtful."

Requests certain testimonials which Holmes had secured from Preston; notifies Holmes that the election to the chair (at the College of William and Mary)] "will take place in 10 days or two weeks"; and assures Holmes that he is still being considered.

Requests that Holmes help him "raise this Academy to some higher order of school or even, with the help of Legislative funds to that of a college."

Informs Holmes that he will not visit Williamsburg in the near future: regrets "the occurrances of difficulties at William and Mary which induced you to resign your professorship in that institution"; and expresses his high opinion of the College of William and Mary.

Comments that, in his opinion, Congress will not adjourn before August; regrets that he cannot commit himself to take Mrs. Holmes to the mountains; notes that he is tired of the life of a Congressman and "should like to be free once more."