This series contains correspondence.

Sissie (unknown last name) writes with birthday greetings, talks of preparing Kate's trousseau.  Sissie is low on funds so she can't send a gift and may have to cancel her trip, hopes she will be welcome in Kate's new home.

Etting says that Kate should use her own discretion in saving or destroying all or some of her mother's letters, and hopes Kate is feeling better.

Scope and Contents

Joke letter describing "tea cream" and "coffee cream" also recipe for both.

John is underway for England. Myers is assisting his father in the business, Southgate and Davies are expected in town. Mrs. Myers' nephew is visiting, the Richardsons are having domestic problems. Co. Mayo has satisfied his creditors. Mr. Owen received the boots from Moses.

Adeline attended a clarinet recital, Eliza Smith is ill. Parson Grigsby passed away. French Decrees have been removed so that John will be able to visit that country. The Davies and Sam returned to Norfolk.

Adeline has a new harp instructor and asks John to buy her a harp. She thanks John for the gifts. Mr. Sommervel is in town to claim his estate. Miss Mayo is seeking new conquests.

Will pay Barton a visit if he can get a leave of absence.  He's in the middle of the "Final Estimate," after this he'll either be sent out west or will remain in Virginia to attend to the laying of the track.  His best to Kate, asks why doesn't she write to him.

Stuart discusses his financial situation with Barton and doubts if he has enough set aside to see him through ministerial studies. Stuart is also concerned because he doesn't remember his Greek and Latin and doesn't know which denomination to follow.

Stuart has abandoned his idea of studying for the ministry. He and Mattie are living apart, it is very difficult, especially now that she is pregnant. Kate is also pregnant. Barton is working on the G.M.C.A. building. Robbie is living with Barton.

Congratulates Kate on her pregnancy. Asks to borrow $100 for his upcoming move to Kansas, they expect to leave any day now. Mattie and Robbie are well. Thanks to Cousin L for her sweet letter. Love and kisses to the little Baldwin.

Thanks Barton for the $100 loan. Wants to repay it within three months. REfers to his ongoing discussion with Barton concerning Stuart's desire to study for the ministry. Mattie sends her love.

Stuart complains that his letters and telegrams are constantly delayed and missent. He asks Barton for more information on the position he mentioned in his telegram. Stuart misses Mattie, they've been apart for 2 months.

Encloses a check for $85.96 from Uncle Joseph to repay a debt to Barton. Stuart is finding it hard to get by on a salary of $125 a month. A note for Willie Myers is enclosed. The family is well, the baby is teething. He'll send a photo of her to Barton.

Asks if Barton received the check Stuart sent several weeks ago, enclosed is another check for $17.54. Why don't the boys write to Stuart? He received Willie M.'s letter.

Discusses the sale of Mountain View and large gifts made by Capt. Clark. Agrees that Mack's guardianship should be changed. Stuart asks Barton to hold a $660 bond for him. Mattie has been ill. Stuart is considering a position in Kentucky.

Stuart asks to defer loan repayment until spring. Hopes Myers' railroad is proceeding well. Inquires about Myer's election as mayor. Discusses selling Mountain View Farm and suggests Capt. Clark should represent him in the sale.

Stuart asks if Barton can cash a bond for him.  He was relieved by his former employer and is still owed $200 in back pay.  He has taken a new position with the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.  Mattie thanks Kate for the letter, she'll write back soon.

Stuart thanks Barton for the check and the letter of introduction. He finally received the money owed to him by his former employer. Stuart is pleased with his new position even though the pay is low and promotion slow because it is a permanent one.

Stuart has just heard from Will that they have lost everything because of Capt. Clark's failure. Stuart worries about the security of his bond. Capt. C. gave large cash gifts to his children, could these be attached if sent after Capt. C. was insolvent?

Is sorry to hear of his mother's poor health. Discusses family's summer travel plans. Suggests his mother might benefit from the sulphur and iron springs close to Blacksburg, she could board with Mrs. Preston for about $20.

Barton was sick during the trip to Harper's Ferry. Lina and Georgy are also ill. They all expect to go to Uncle Jo's today. Grandma and Uncle Willie are to arrive in Uncle Willie's mule cart. Barton has a headache.

Marx recieved a letter from Mr. Douthat for Fred and Mr. Drummond. Marx also received a letter from his son with bond which Marx now sends to Fred. Says "Your brother Myer will give you the news stirring here. Business is very dull."

Says there is little prospect of making anything on sugar, butter or flour at this time. The market may rally when pork comes in. LIttle demand for cotton. Frederick is trying to convert everything he can into cash. It's safe to conduct business with Mr. Crosbie.

Daniel Foster's credit is entirely gone. Samuel thinks trying to collect anything from him would be a waste of time and money. Not much business except in cotton, which is selling at 10 1/2 @ 12. Tobacco coming in is of inferior quality.