Patchin’s thoughts about his various professions. A majority of the documents focus on his teaching and farming career.

These letters written to Patchin’s mother and sister document his daily activities and current occupations. The letters provide insight to the period before Patchin’s writings became more eccentric.

Patchin’s teaching notes are mostly of a reflective nature about daily issues as a teacher, such as student behavior and lesson plans, as well as personal reflections. Of particular note is a record of Patchin’s various teaching jobs around Marlborough, New York.