20 items.

Describes their Christmas which was spent at Uncle Fred's and Aunt Lute's; describes a Christmas ball and a New Year's ball in detail; says he has had some problems with dyspepsia; asks about cousin Kate's wedding to a senator.

Reports on Aunt Lib and Uncle R?'s new son, Richard; says he rented out their house in Henry; says he has been away from "home" now for three months; and will not go to New Orleans, Mobile, and Augusta; describes how he decorated Minna's grave, and expresses hope that her resting place will soon be Virginia; asks about their school; sends money from a large profit he made selling land.

Describes his visit to Louisville where he saw his cousins and went to many social events; says that the train ride from Kentucky was very rough; says he will be in Vicksburg in a week and then will go to Wilmington, North Carolina; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; and Memphis, Tennessee; asks about family and friends.

Describes his stay in Vicksburg, and his visit with Mr. And Mrs. Eilbeck Mason and Miss Louisa Fox; says that he did not see Cousin John Russell while in New Orleans; discusses his travel plans; asks about Hatty's teaching.

Expresses joy that she is well from the influenza; says he has recently traveled to Portsmouth, Va,, the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi; says he will now go to Texas; discusses travel plans; asks her to pick out one of her friends for him; discusses Charlie's new job in St. Louis.

Scope and Contents Describes St. Louis and the Virginia House Hotel; inquires about the new scholars the family has taken on; harasses Nina for not writing. Including note from Charles L. Powell, St. Louis, Missouri, to Nina Powell, Winchester, Virginia, 1856 May 4, concerning his happiness about Nina joining the Church.

Describes hard times in Illinois; intent to move back to Virginia when business picks up; family news.

Speaks of influenza and other illnesses prominent in the town; reports the death of Mr. Adies ?; Ellen Powell is in Washington Infirmary; house is being renovated; family news.

Says he just returned from Henry; says Charlie is on his way to Henry to start his new job in Uncle Fred's store; describes Henry and the house they used to live in; reports that Uncle Fred is building a house; gives new of Scholastics and Monsieur Carlo; says he will go to Pennsylvania next and then visit them.

Reports that Lloyd Powell is on his way to Virginia; describes their yard and home in Henry; yellow fever is not a problem this year in Illinois; he went to a concert given by the Baleis.

Inquires about the "weddings fair"; discusses his travels and the loneliness involved in his job; mentions his relief that the campaigns and elections are over; sends messages to friends at home.

Nina has begun studying Latin and learning how to draw; mentions the extension of the Chicago and Pern canal down to Henry; much family news.

Tells what each family member is doing; discusses religion and the duties of a Christian; gives news of friends who have joined the church; discusses Minna's grave; discusses letter writing; tells of recent marriages and engagements; gives her philosophy on why he should not begin to chew tobacco; news of family and friends.

Scope and Contents Makes reference to Valentine's Day and Washington's Birthday; mentions last year's parade and the marching continentals; reports of bad rain storm that tore up the railroad track and caused problems with mud and flooding; family news. Includes note signed from Charles L. Powell, Jr., Henry, Illinois, to Nina Powell, Winchester, Virginia, 1857 February 22, telling her to turn to their 'one friend' for strength and advice.

Scope and Contents Describes a storm which kept him in Henry, Illinois, unable to travel; gives recent travel plans, including a trip to Philadelphia by boat; gives news of friends and family in Henry; says many river towns are flooded.

Reports his knowledge of Lloyd's Powell return to Winchester; relatives are going to the Episicpal Church for Easter; reports Dr. Hoagland ? as being a bad tenant in their house in Illinois; mentions happiness that Nina Powell is joining the church today.

Gives news of relatives in Alexandria; tells his travel plans; says he finds the women of Virginia far more appealing than those of South Carolina.

Uncle Fred? and Aunt Lucy? are leaving for Virginia; sending his mother his daguerreotype, a photograph; reports that Lloyd is in St. Louis; Bridget, a past boarder, had a little girl; family news.

Describes the family vacation and adventures; describes the baths; mentions the parties they have attended; family news.

Family is on vacation; describes activities and scenery at Capon Springs; family news.

Speaks about taking inventory at the store; family news.

Says they just got back from Capon; asks her not to take silver nitrate for her headaches; says they have all improved their health by the visit to Capon; says "brother" Nelson is now there hoping the springs will help him; says they did not get the house that they wanted to rent; gives news of friends; says Rebecca, Hatty, and Lloyd are there. Including letter from Charles L. Powell to Nina Powell. Says that he misses her and wishes she could have been at Capon; asks about her headaches.

Describes his travels from Baltimore to Henry; mentions shortage of money due to bank failures; gives detailed news of the town, including improvements being made; news of Henry relatives; mentions that the bank failures will result in fewer land dealings and therefore, less work for him; asks about the young ladies of Winchester.

Inquires about Mr. Waler's? lectures; attends the Methodist Church now; reports of the adventures during hunting season; mentions the new idea of pavement sidewalks.