Concerning naval matters; Vera Cruz; Paraguay expedition; Moncure Robinson; need to strengthen Navy and U.S. interests in Central America, Cuba, etc; death of his brother, John S. Whittle; action of the naval board; approach of the Civil War and trying to join Confederate Navy; Matthew Maury; Episcopal Church affairs; other family news. Includes letter of Elizabeth J. Sinclair Whittle. Folder 1 of 2.