Writes about her feelings during the time following her brother Nelson's death; recounts the last days she spent with Nelson Lloyd.

Talks about assessed value of some land or property and makes reference to Lloyd Brothers and Co.; speaks of crops and the effects of the weather; mentions how road being finished would provide trade with those on the other side of the river; township will vote on how to acquire additional funds to complete the road; mentions the whig convention and how they now represent such a small minority of people.

Talks of spring dresses and bonnets; mentions hearing address by William McDonald; discusses opening of a shoe and book manufactory; speaks of beating "the 'Yankees' with their own men;" family news; religious advice; mentions use of telegraph.

Discusses agriculture and effects of weather on crops; talks of visiting New England and of dislike of their attitudes; expresses extreme negative opinion of 'Yankees.'

Family news; mentions work at the store; discusses events around town. Including poem? written in Latin on both sides of envelope. Locks of hair also enclosed.

Discusses crops and agriculture; describes Illinois scenery; family news; inquires about trip to Capron Springs; mentions "Uncle Richard's" card selling tour.

Discusses Congressional race; mentions Cassius M. Clay of Kentucky and his visit to Illinois; talks about rise in crime; family news.

Discusses confusion about having joined the church; religious discussion; some family and neighborhood news.

Inquires about trip to New England; mentions "Alexandria Sentinel;" family news.

Discusses climate and busy season of Christmas; debates issue of Civil War and effects; gives religious advice; family news; Robert Young Conrad.

Discusses problems due to political and financial situation of the country; talks about boils on his hand; family news; mentions kindness of Mayor Turner.

Nina's eighteenth birthday; discusses the weather; talks about sleighing and skating; mentions "Pickwick Papers" and describes hunting interest; makes reference to several literary works.

Talks of trade being slow; election of a Mr. McFadden as "Justice of the Peace"; mentions sleighing and the weather; describes hayride in snow and people he went with.

Discusses his indebtedness to his father and his financial situation.

Discusses political situation and "imminent danger of Civil War"; comments on government involvement and troops in a war; mentions social life.

Scope and Contents Discusses the imminent war and that it will be the third one in her lifetime; talks about effects of a war from past experience; family news. 3 pages. letter signed. Including note signed from "grandmother" Catharine Powell, Bellevue, Va.?, to Rebecca Powell, Winchester, Virginia, 1861 January 20, inquiring about being able to paint for her.

Describes his dog and its habits and actions; talks about a fight at a warehouse; family news.

Discusses pros, cons, and possibilities of a war; talks about being able to cross North/South Line if he comes to Virginia; describes weather; mentions indoor winter activities; refers to marriage and courting habits; family news.

Briefly discusses the Navy; describes wedding of Nellie Hall and a Mr. Kellogg; family news.

Information concerning troop movements around Harper's Ferry; mentions a Col. Bowen, superintendent Barbour, and a Col. Moore.

Discusses explosion of armory at Harper's Ferry; speaks of united Southern forces; mentions involvement of friends including Powell Grady; Powell and Holmes Conrad; family news.

Suffering from inflammation of eyes; discusses possibility of Illinois and Virginia residents being separated during the war; Virginia's succession from the Union; Democrats opposition to the war with the South; talks about surrender of Fort Sumter; confusion about whether to leave or stay in Henry; some family news.

Discusses Colonel Robert Lee and movement of troops; mentions Georgetown Heights, Alexandria Heights, and the Valley counties; some family news; mentions Rockingham Rifles.

Blockade established at the mouth of the Ohio; Southern trade suspended; some family news; inquires about situation in Virginia concerning the war.

Discusses a proclamation of Lincoln; politics and effects of the Civil War; dominance of Lincoln's party in Louisville, Kentucky; some family news.