Scope and Contents Bill has gotten married, spends great deal of time telling why he shouldn't have "don[e] the deed"; begs son not to go to Central America because climate not good for health; crops are doing well except cotton; inquires about "Ben's wife"who was lost on a boat which was sunk on 20 April 1856; has hired new help who is young and "don't know much"; other family news.

Scope and Contents Gives long philosophical and metaphorical arguments about the importance of good health; compares the "excruciating pain"of the invalid to the "vast freedom"of the healthy; will remain at College for 6 week break in isolation as few students have remained.

Scope and Contents Refers to a debt owed by Mr. Scurlock and to Mr. Scurlock's absence at this time; mentions a hired black man in the employ of Mr. Scurlock.

Scope and Contents Has not heard or seen [Theodoicus Joshua] Scurlock nor has he been in [Texas]; Has not the funds to pay the debt but will soon; refers to a boy [slave] who "has plenty to eat but nothing to do."

Scope and Contents Pleads with brother to stop his traveling, to buy a home and settle down; claims that hundreds of tears have been shed, thinking he was dead; begs [T.J.] to meet brother Billy in Marshall Texasand stay with him.

Scope and Contents Glad to receive letter and that he [T.J.] hasn't gone to Nicaragua; sorry to learn he has been "lying on the bed of affliction"; encourages him to go to Marshall County, Texas to meet brother Bill who has just married; sister has been married; sent 2 letters to different addresses; other family news.

Rejects Scurlock's proposition to buy his land in Nepsher County; would like $3 an acre; doesn't believe land in that area is selling for less.

Scope and Contents Hopes business better for Scurlock than himself; selling out and moving to New Orleans; enjoyed traveling from his town.