Departure of the girls from the house, their expected activities, and MWB's loneliness; proposed activities of MWB during the summer; reports illness of two people; requests news of MWTB's family.

Peggy's visit and her subsequent stranded situation on the other side of the river because of the ice; health news of several family members; the boat was destroyed and a new one was built; the progress of the garden; activities of family members.

BDB's severe illness and recovery; Walker's serious illness; Aunt Lucy's improving health; the birth of a daughter to Uncle Robert named Edmonia Fitzhugh ? Tomlin; tell Sister Margaret W. Barnes that John Lawson is courting Bunny Braxton again.

Birth of a daughter to Henrietta and circumstances thereafter; schedule of forth coming events including trips, Judy's birthday party, and winter projects; serious condition of Judy at Retreat, Virginia and of her expected death.

Burdensome task of housekeeping and that work is done more out of duty than pleasure "as the members of the family drop off"; notes how changes have occurred over the last five years; trip to see Betty - reports on Betty's health, happiness, husband, and their fine living standards; message to Balsora via Margaret Barnes; invitation for MWTB and Peggy to spend the winter and see how Judy H. Tomlin Coalter's health has improved; events upon home coming.

Feel most kindly for George in all his sufferings; will see MWTB tomorrow.

MWB understands that Peggy is to make a "profession of Religion"soon; hopes to spend several weeks with MWTB; mentions weather conditions; reports in length the illness of several family members; visits of friends and family; inquires about Fanny and Betty.

Expresses sorrow to "Margaret"MWTB and "Peggy"MWB in their loss of Newman Williamson B. Barnes; MWB's forth-coming visit to see MWTB and "Peggy"MWB; sends love and prayers and sympathy. Also includes a letter by Aunt L?, Baltimore, Md., to Balsora Barnes, .

William Braxton has given up the estate for MWB to manage; with no one to manage MWTB's place MWTB should rent out and hire out the servants; news of family and friends.

Expresses sorrow to MWTB in the loss of a son, George, and glory in his heavenly home with the blessed savior; gives religious support in MWB's sympathy.

Expresses sympathy in MWTB's loss of a son; Betty's confinement and the circumstances concerning the baby; understands from home that all are healthy but Virginia; Fanny Bland is to be married in the fall; activities in Baltimore - church too far away to attend; general family news. Also includes a letter written on the envelope by ?, to "Ma."

Letter is written by Nannie for Harrison Barnes, MWTB's brother, because, HB has a lack of time to spare; HB knows of a position in Richmond that would be wonderful for Tomlin and encourages MWTB to use her influence to get Tomlin to apply: NO expresses her sympathy for MWTB's afflictions; the Springs have been deserted - only about 100 people on the grounds; thinks the position for Tomlin in Richmond is as an assistant with the Postmaster.

Circumstances are such that MWB cannot visit MWTB at this time because Betty is not doing well, but the baby is fine - Betty needs help so as to not become ill; Fanny is to be married this fall and must have assistance in the preparations of the wedding.

Mr. Dallam is ill and has been in bed for more than 3 weeks; have no idea when leaving will be possible; health of Betty and baby and Mrs. Dallam ; Fanny is to be married 11 November and Fanny Coalter is to be married 10 November to a Mr. Brown.

FBCB thinks of MWB often and would like to be of some service; MWB has seen so much trouble; religious information and instruction; FBCB has a good husband; Mama's, Judy H. Tomlin Coalter, health is not good.

Health of Aunt Judy; family activities; summer garden -strawberries and potatoes.

RTB has not gotten a position and sees no chances; please send pants and other summer clothing; RTB inquires about "the poor old place"and what Mr. Moncure has done with it: instructions to sod the graves. Also includes a letter by Peggy Tomlin?, Stanly, Virginia, to "Peggy"Margaret W. Barnes, . don't worry about Walker for he's fine; information about the family and everyone's health and activities.

A continuation of the pants as mentioned in 20 May 1859 letter; pleased the graves have been sodded; has "the place"been sold yet?; please write to RTB.

Please write to RTB; suffering with the heat and would like another coat; wants to know how family is and how the "black people are" hope " they have not sold my dear old home yet" mentions grave sodding and "how much I have thought of them".

Particulars of mother's, Judy H. Tomlin Coalter's last illness and her eventual death.

Glad to know your health and spirits are improving; reminiscences of younger days and activities; looking forward to your visit and bring cousin Balsora Barnes; questions about health of family members.

Anxious to see family and to know what Walker is doing; worn out, cannot eat, and is as ragged as a buzzard; needs warm pants and new shirts; some of you please write; allowed no exercise except drilling - "Oh that it may now be over is my prayer "; sends love to everyone black and white.

Activities during war period; information about Elega Willcox?, her husband's running away to avoid the war, and circumstances surrounding the situation.

Two things FBCB forgot to tell MWB yesterday so is writing again; Peronneau was quite sick; instructions for task to be done by MWB; news of friends and relatives.

Collection contains correspondence, chiefly 1820-1875, of Newman Williamson Barnes and his wife Margaret W.(Tomlin) Barnes of Richmond, Virginia and "Greenfield," Culpeper County, Virginia and to their daughter, Margaret W. Barnes. Letters concern life in Falmouth, Virginia and also concern Fredericksburg, Virginia. Correspondents are members of the Braxton, Coalter, Tomlin and Oliver families. Letters contain social and family news.