Laura complains about not receiving a letter from Judith this morning.

Laura complements Judith on her horse, and will call for Judith at 10:00 tomorrow if she wants to visit Mr. Guille.

Laura was going to pay a surprise call on Judith this evening, but after so many visits in the morning she felt ashamed of doing so. She went home instead and retired to her room. Emma and Catharine are entertaining guests downstairs.

Since Laura can't think up an excuse to see Judith this morning, she asks Judith to send a short note instead. Emma sends her love. Laura and Emma have calls to make in the evening so Laura won't be able to walk with Judith.

Laura doesn't know if she'll go tonight since Judith won't be there. She thanks Judith for the nosegay and the present. Emma sends her love.

Laura is recovered from the indisposition which prevented her from going to Mrs. Turner's last night with Emma. She will wear Adeline's bouquet when she goes out this morning to see Miss Robertson. Laura is looking forward to their ride this evening.

Laura doesn't want to go to the party this evening, but urges Judith to go, even though Judith's brother Charles is sick.

Thanks Judith for the oysters. She is in mourning, and sends her love to Harriet. Asks Judith and her other friends to come and stay with her for a few days.

Kate lost her milk, Eddie wouldn't take a bottle, and Kate couldn't find a white wet nurse. She now has one who is a treasure. Eddie is doing well. Willie is much better and expects to walk with crutches soon. Kate is reluctant to go north.

Sally is sending several bundles to Mr. Myers, she thinks he'll like the contents. She hopes Miss Georgy is feeling better.

[letter sent in care of Miss Mayo] Julia inquires about Miss Mayo's health. Offers to make purchases for her or to help in any way she can. Fanny's fever has broken, she's "perfectly comfortable for the first time since her attack."

Scope and Contents

"Christmas season" Judith discusses the sudden death of her friend, Mary Whitlock. She was comforted by the receipt of Mary's music from her aunt, Mrs. Brokenbrough. She thanks her uncle for his Christmas gift and letter.

Letters from L. G. Allan, Caroline Barton, Julia M. Barton, W. M. Blair, Julia Lawrence, Joseph Marx, Rosa Marx, Kate Mayo, Catherine Myers, L. G. Patterson, Ann Tazewell, Sally Tazewell, Laura Henrietta Wirt (daughter of William Wirt).

Rosa writes to her sister Judith, about Frances giving birth to a daughter, she seemed well afterward but suddenly sickened and passed away.

Caroline is curious about Mr. Myer's escape. Mrs. Jones, one of her closest friends, is dying. Little Joseph conducts himself well. Julia has returned from visiting her uncle. John Marshall (Fanny's cousin) has smallpox, the townfolk are afraid.

Judith sister is better. Miss Georgy looks better than she has in years. Mr. Myers visited on Saturday.

Scope and Contents

"at the Hills" Has been busy entertaining Mary's new relations. Went to Williamsburg to attend church, shop, and visit relatives and friends. The Hagner's child is very ill. Dr. R. was elected by the City of Norfolk to the house of Delegates.

The Myers went to Witchduck. Miss Georgy is feeling better. Mrs. Myers and Virginia returned to Philadelphia after visiting Judith. Mr. McBlair is away. Sally's mother would like some English calico from Philadelphia if Judith goes shopping there.

[sent in care of Lieut. William McBlair] Mary is in delicate health and frequently confined to her room, an attack of dysentery almost killed her.  Julia returned from a week in Capon, Virginia and the new baby is well.  Mr. Barton will be away for six weeks.

Julia is concerned about the letter she wrote to her father upon his remarriage. Caroline hopes to become like a mother to Julia. Julia is studying music at school, Caroline stresses it's importance as an accomplishment for young ladies.

Caroline hopes Julia is doing well at school. She will see her in the spring. Asks if Julia is caring for her shoulder properly. Caroline's niece Virginia wishes to become acquainted with Julia. Sends her respects to the Nelson family.

Caroline stresses the importance of schooling to Julia. The Bartons will be in Richmond for another month. When they return home she will send Julia the book and writing paper she asked for. They will see Julia in the spring. Cousin Virginia sends her love.

Mr. Nelson is carrying this letter to Julia.  Caroline stresses the importance of being methodical.  She tells Julia to attend to her grandmother's advice.  Richard's health is improving.  Joseph is 7 months old and has one tooth.  Father sends his love.

Caroline scolds Julia for not writing. Baby Joseph has six teeth, getting plump but isn't talking yet. Father is well and constantly busy, he left for Winchester. Asks if Julia's sewing is improving, and if she is taking care of her shoulder.

Caroline's mother died. Father is away from home, Aunt Eliza is staying with Caroline. The new baby is 5 weeks old. Little Joseph isn't talking yet. Mammy returned home with Sister, they now have a white nurse. Also discusses Julia's black dress.