Speaks of liquor laws and problems with drinking; describes lectures; such family and town news; mentions other religious lectures.

Expresses desire for daughter Rebecca to return home; Minna Powell still having problems with headaches; family news; Fred? went to Chicago to see stockholders of the Peoria and Rock Island Railroad; asks for Rebecca to send asparagus seed and large lima beans; mentions Thackery's lectures, and gives her opinion about his books and religious teachings.

Scope and Contents Family news; "land business" will provide many opportunities for travel; Rebecca planning to go to Leesburg soon. Including note from Charles L. Powell, Henry, Illinois, to "darling," Rebecca Powell, , 1853 March 11, sending his daughter ten dollars and writing her as to how to handle her expenses and requesting her to bring home her Grandfather's papers.

States that even though he just left yesterday, she wanted to put a letter in the books to be sent to him; comments on their inability to see each other even though he is only seven miles away.

Mentions his job as a traveling salesman and how he hopes to soon be Uncle Richard's Lloyd administration; resolved in town meeting to build the Railroad Peoria and Chicago.

Scope and Contents Expresses her disappointment that she cannot see Rebecca before Rebecca returns to Henry, Illinois; describes the friendship between them; news of friends in Baltimore.

Tells of carriage accident involving Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dulaney, where their horses were scared by the Clifton Mill and threw Mrs. Dulaney; she and father attended Dr. Rutherford's lectures; emphasizes that ladies got to vote, as well as gentlemen, on whether they were satisfied with the lectures; new wharf boat has arrived.

Describes the towns of Rushville and Pittsfield; said he enjoyed Pittfield more, but that Uncle Richard Lloyd sent him an assignment for Rushville; says he will be there about a month; asks about friends and family.

Scope and Contents Rebecca has come home; Minna joined the church with her family; gives religious views; family news. Including letter from Minna Powell, Henry, Illinois, to "Brother" , 1853 May 11, referring to Rushville, as location of brother; tells of beautiful spring weather and describes scenery.

Will soon be coming home; complains of sore throat and headaches; has had scarlet fever; family information.

Gossips about "Miss Jane," a mutual friend; says he and Dr. Winslow found her in her parlor with a man; says the servant did not want to let them in and that it was an uncomfortable situation. Including letter written in margins from "Cousin" Jane to Rebecca Powell concerning religious publication, an Episcopal convention.

Expresses how much she misses him; discusses reading material.

Describes Aunt Ellen's Powell Gray recovery from an illness; much family news; describes wedding that she went to; expresses romantic interest in a Dr. Claggett; includes printed poems.

Describes physical appearance of "Llangollen" as well as her feelings towards the place; reminisces about when family lived in Virginia. Talks about old friends; family news.

Scope and Contents Tells her little sister Nina about old friends and family; gives details of things she has been doing. Including letter from "Hatty" Harriet Powell, "Llangollen," Virginia, to "Mother," Selina Powell, 1853 October 10. Concerning warmer clothes; advantages of "flannel draws" over a "wadded petticoat."

Scope and Contents Says she has been extremely ill and so have many in the area; says she has been traveling in order to improve her health; tells of her problems with Custis and his lessons; says Robert is still holding his office in Washington but wishes to leave; asks how she likes "the West" and if her husband is finding success; news of friends.

Reports Lucy's? death and grief everyone feels; Nelly? is to be baptized; other family news.

Tells of their Christmas and New Years celebrations. Also includes "Mother" Selina Powell, to Rebecca Powell. Expresses hope that Rebecca can be with her relatives in Baltimore; discusses the nature of receiving advice and making her own decisions concerning her travel plans.

Speaks of attending a party; mentions "matching up" procedures at party; family news; details Christmas gifts.

Mentions religious feelings; speaks of a railroad being built nearby; Virginia? had her annual get-together on December 26; of family members; mentions a friend's visit to the Crystal Palace; Mrs. Augustine Washington had the first male child born at Mt. Vernon recently; family news; mentions Rear Admiral Leven Minn Powell.

Mentions Brooks'? wedding; describes details of the wedding; much family news.

Tells of her day spent with Lizzie King and Jane Norris; describes a dinner given for a couple about to get married; news of other friends.

Mentions sicknesses of Nelson Lloyd and John Lloyd; speaks of a Douglas Forrest who attends Yale College; has to take a boat to Washington D.C.; gives price rates per acre of land at that time; gives prices for a lot of land.

Family news about cousins Nannie and Fanny?; mentions Uncle Nelson's Lloyd recovery; travels by omnibus.

Family news; describes her garden and its contents; Regina? was married; Mr. Livingston? requests influence of Charles L. Powell to obtain the consulship of London through General Baercel?; mentions Mr. McFaddin as being the mayor of Henry.