Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Thanks her for her well-wishes; fears being a "nominal christian" and has fallen in love with the "christian character"; believes there was not a better man than the pastor of her church and fears the "lukewarmness of his flock... will shorten his days, the recent dissipation seems to give him so much pain"; did not go to the vice-president's, John Tyler's, party the night before because she was tired and sleepy and the weather was damp; gives news of all the people...

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Has just returned from a trip to Northampton County, accompanied by his cousin Miss Wise; saw many young ladies in Northampton that he (BFG) is not acquainted with, mentioning Miss Neale, Miss Wilson, Miss Ellen Upshur, Miss S. Parker, Miss Mary Tazewell, and Miss Skipwith; mentions that having an "excellent heart... is the estimable quality in a young lady"; is "anxious to see the Alumni Association put into full and complete operation" and believes that "a glorious...

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Has been participating in a whirl of social events which she has enjoyed, but later questioned whether the social events were all there is to life; has been taught "to enjoy with liveliest zest the pure outpourings of disinterested friendship, & the exalted sentiments of the upright, cultivated mind"; has made some new acquaintances and would set him up with one, except that she is eighteen months older than he; informs him that Ma and Pa are expecting him this...

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Is upset to think that distance has caused their friendship to falter; mentions that "once more the Star of my Destiny beamed on the horizon of my brightest dream" by the appearance of Fanny, with whom he is in love; believes he will be surprised to learn that "Bat" (?) is engaged to a wealthy and accomplished girl; will help him in any way he can if he wishes to relocate to Mr. Jones's neighborhood, and believes that his chances of success with a girl of Mr. Jones's home...

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Informs him that they are now debating the convention question and assures him that the bill will be defeated; hopes to be home by the 20th as they are trying to adjourn by that time; has much interesting news to share with him about "the Whig and Democratic Conventions and other incidents of the season"; informs him that "The Assembly has helped the bill relative to the Bruton Parish fund, according to the wish of York, and she is now entitled to demand and recieve (sic)...

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Scope and Contents Has had little time to write as what time he had "has been devoted to some fair lassies... a courting man should never be held accountable for delay of this kind"; enjoyed the time he and Conway had at Old Point; was prevented by rain in "executing my designs upon Miss ---"; has been convinced to go to the South this winter, which will prevent his return to college; encloses $10 in thanks to him; asks for all the news from college.

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Informs him that his friends in New York are seeking some oysters, asks about the "prospect of their gratification."

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Will explain the neglect of his not writing when he comes to Williamsburg on the third; expects that he will come to stay with him at least a month; details the diversions in store for him, such as "an introduction to the belles of Petersburg & the neighboring counties, a trip to Nottoway, a visit to some of my prettty cousins in Greensville, and frequent discussions on politics"; informs him of his [RE] mother's death; asks to be remembered to their mutual...

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Explains that he forgot his diploma and his certificate in Williamsburg and gives him directions on how to procure each and where to send them so he will have them before Isle of Wight County court begins; explains that they were required of Ruffin before they would allow him to qualify; describes some people he has met in Smithfield already; is not sure of his prospects there as yet.

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Describes his trip to Richmond; informs her that "we had the most exciting session by far we have had this winter. The democrats made the whigs back out fairly from the election of a United States Senator"; describes party he attended for Miss Hill and Mrs. Ashton at Mr. Parishe's; was ill from the food at the party but is now recovered; informs her that he saw no one at the party "as handsome & to my eyes as sweet as my own Laura"; called on Martha but found her...

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Scope and Contents Writes to inform him that he is to be married on the 25th of June to a "splendid woman in every attribute"; has been very busy going to three to four parties a week; invites other members of the Garrett family through this letter; implores him to come to wait on him at the wedding.

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Has neglected to write as he has been very busy with his tax accounts; informs him that there is nothing happening in Smithfield and "so you must content yourself this time by simply hearing of my dreadful melancholy and despairing thoughts"; mentions the rumors that he is courting Mag again as having started at the wedding in Surry and denies any truth to them; describes the lady's anger at him as being so great that "I do not even visit Mag nor even walk the street with...

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Asks him to write when he can; describes the "grand celebration here on the 4th" where he gave the address on the subject on Texas, Oregon, and the Mexican War; received many compliments on his address; has decided to speak on every occasion due to the successes he's had in addressing the Court and the crowd on the 4th; mentions that business is slow and has only four suits this term; is anxious for success; has not called on any ladies but will write to Susan if he does...

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Has not written before this because she has been very busy since she [LAW] left; shares news of many acquaintances and their goings-on, including weddings and courtships.

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Received the articles and letter she sent by Mr. Wheeler containing peaches, dried pears, and honey; has paid off her account with [?] N's store; informs her of several deaths, including that of William Bayly from an illness resulting from hemorrhage of the lungs, Mr. Marshall from worn-out constitution, and Dr. Yerby's youngest child from consumption; believes Mrs. Leah Bowden will not live much longer as her health is declining rapidly; mentions that Rose's cousins, Mrs....

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Describes the efforts he has made on his [JHP] behalf in writing to various people; informs him that no apology is necessary as he was glad to serve his constituent and friend.

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Escorted Mrs. Orgain to City Point on his way to Philadelphia; asks that he tell Miss Lauretta that he delivered her package to Mr. Ryle in Baltimore safely; felt "very quer in being surrounded by my black fellow citizens, and in seeing the deference and respect shown them. They are the priviledged (sic) class -- the aristocracy of the Quaker City... my wrath has cooled, and I endeavor not to notice these sable gentlemen"; describes a case he is currently working on with...

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Informs her that Ma has put off her visit to the Eastern Shore until Van comes to visit his home, since she will be able to stay longer if she waits; is relieved that Aunt Charlotte is much better now; explains that Miss Mary Sherwell is to go to New York for a few weeks because her health is bad; expects Professor Garrett and his bride later in the month.

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Has written Mr. Nottingham in regards to the bond he owes and will write to her as soon as he responds; expects to lose at least half the amount due from Mr. Shellan's estate; shares news of family and friends.

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Has been very ill for a long time; wanted to return to Northampton the next day, but as she is still too weak to dress, she will have to wait at least another week; mentions the death of Uncle Tom Nottingham after a long illness; informs her of the activities of other members of the family.

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Has been better lately; has been diagnosed by Dr. Page as being worn down from "nervous depression"; has been advised to travel a bit in order to recover fully; received an invitation to visit with a family in the Blue Ridge section of Maryland and will go there in a few days; expects to travel to Northampton later in the season; informs her that Miss Lucie Jamison (the sister of Cousin Carie Nottingham) is quite ill and is expected to pass away soon; has been informed by...

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Thanks her for the wonderful Christmas presents she sent; mentions that the whole family misses her a great deal; informs her that Mr. Wharton went to Norfolk for the holidays and has a new suit of clothes; cannot understand the extravagance of Mr. Wharton unless he is seriously debating matrimony; mentions that they have received a letter from Julia in which there was enclosed a photograph of Rob; was upset to hear of Uncle John's poor health and hopes Cousin Comfort is better.

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Will be very accomplished when she returns home as Dr. Tabb has been teaching her how to eat fish, play whist, and boil eggs; asks for news of Winder; mentions that she is fast becoming a brunette and enjoying it; describes the pleasantness of being near the water; asks for news of friends and family and sends greetings to many.

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Has been asked by the editor of the Cleburn Chronicle to reply to an attack on Governor Coke by the Galveston News, and to condense some articles from the New York Herald; has yet to take out his license to practice law; describes the town of Cleburn as being "a tolerable little country town, with a population of about 1200, and growing quite fast"; informs him that the prairie lands in this area will produce 20,000 bales of cotton, which will sell for $50-$75 per bale;...

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Took the hair that was sent immediately to Madame De Vourges to be made up as soon as it was received; informs her that Mary Garret's (sic) hair is so tangled that it would not be worth making is up, and the same is true for Mrs. Vest's; misses Comfort a great deal, but knows she will be happier being with her father; fears Comfort is sick; shares news of the family.