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Letter from John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston. Was only able to send 10 pounds because of the "great difficulty of procuring cash in this country"; mentions getting cash from "Uncle Tom" or tobacco from "Anderson" and converting that to cash; tobacco prices; discusses the loss Kentucky will feel at the death of Colonel Christian.

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Letter from John Preston to "brother," Francis Preston, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia. Discusses business dealings with Anderson tobacco, and obtaining the necessary materials and the carpenter recommended by Captain T. Smith to finish their house; wants to compare prices between the Academy at Botetourt Town and William and Mary; gives details of building a new academy at Greenfield and the prices which would be charged.

Scope and Contents Letter from John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston, Williamsburg, Virginia. More discussion about the constructing of their house; expresses concern about a possible suit against them for a debt unpaid, unless they raise money from Anderson's tobacco; tells of neighbors anxiously awaiting his Francis's return so that they might "profit from your knowledge," referring to Francis Preston's license to practice law, and so that he can be considered...

Scope and Contents Letter from John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston, Williamsburg, Virginia. Sends news of large amounts of mail for him, mainly on the subject of friendship; election day has been moved to an earlier date in April, requiring him [FP] to come home earlier; hopes this doesn't interfere with his studies; gives itinerary and details about coming home; discusses the other candidates and the main issue of the campaign--the division of the country;...

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Bill is for fabrics, clothes, and notions for "Sally B. Campbell," later Sarah Buchanan (Campbell) Preston, wife of Francis Preston.

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Letter from John Preston to "brother" Francis Preston. Short note discussing the election and political side effects relating to it.

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Letter from John Preston, Mr. McDowell's, to "Frank," Francis Preston, Montgomery County, Virginia. Discusses land transactions and the upcoming change in the Judicial districts west of the Blue Ridge; mentions the end of the Indian War and the government being settled.

Scope and Contents Letter from John Preston, John Breckenridge's, Lexington, Virginia, to Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Comments on the reformed behavior of B. Smith, a commander at one of the frontier posts, who has "abandoned both women and wine forever"; discussion of affairs with the Indians--treaties, not trusting them, and hopes of continuing the war with them; General Wayne, however, has orders only to defend themselves, not attack; mention of land prices connected with investment...

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Letter from John Preston, Lexington, Virginia to "brother" Francis Preston, Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia. Business discussion about an unknown matter.

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Emancipation certificate of John Broady, Negro servant of William Campbell, father-in-law of Francis Preston. Signed by Francis Preston.

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Letter from John Preston, Richmond, Virginia to "sister In-law," Sarah B. Preston, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mention of her domesticity; gossip of a rich widow, Mrs. Thomas Randolph, who has fallen in love with John Brown.

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Letter from John Preston, no place, to "brother," probably Francis Preston. Gives election news of senators and governor; details about a duel between General Wood and W. Thomas Madison over the election of Governor Brook which led to defamations of character.

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Letter from John Preston, no place, to Francis Preston, Congress, United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Concerning attention paid to brother William by General Wayne.

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Letter from Bishop James Madison, Botetourt County, Virgina, to Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Discusses power of attorney between H. Smith and himself; and business matters dealing with land.

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Letter from John Preston, no place, to "brother," Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Discusses business transactions, including buying some horses; shares feelings of wanting to be married.

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Letter from John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia, to "brother" Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Discussion of business transactions with Governor Shelby.

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Letter from John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Expresses concern over their brother "Tommy" not being able to attend school due to insufficient funds, and asks if Francis might be able to help in this area; mentions William and Mary as a good choice for Tommy to study law.

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Letter from John Preston, Horse Shoe Bottom, to "brother," Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Discussion about horses and John's son cutting teeth.

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Letter from John Preston, Blacksburg, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Family news; grandmother has died; is still looking for the book, EVirginians Millwright, sent by Francis to use as reference for their spring water problem.