Concerning the gentlemen, Elliott, Lorman, and Patterson, recommended by Carroll and the fact that they "found no difficulty in executing the object of their visit to this place." [Possibly on Baltimore and Ohio Railroad business, as the road was chartered this year; Carrollton and Baltimore merchant William Patterson (1752-1835) were original members of its boad of directors.]

Concerning family and friends, including the deaths of his brother Michael and Eve Smith's son John, and the well-being of the Slater and the Vinsel families. He discusses the hard times and the prices of wheat, corn, rye, and grain crops; his brother's estate and John Slater's children in his estate; and, mentions an affair of Philip Vinsel.

Concerning the estate and his lack of communication on the matter with either William Slater or himself.

Concerning family and friends, including the death of Eve Smith and the marriage of Mary Ann Smith to John Short. He discusses the hard times due to produce not selling for anything, and the prices of flour, wheat, and corn. He comments on national politics and Anthony Slater still being a"'whole hog' Jackson man."

Concerning Jacob's and his safe arrival home, discussing their trip through western Virginia. He discusses the Fourth of July celebration at Harper's Ferry which brought some fifteen hundred persons from Baltimore accompanied by the Independent Blues and the Independent Grays and the Brass Band of Baltimore. He comments on hard times and crops--wheat, corn, and grass, and on his affection for Ohio.

Notifying his sister of the death of their mother and discussing the specifics of her illness. He comments on family and friends; wheat, corn, and grain crops; and, the sale of the Case property and slaves in November. There is also a letter from Mary Cogsil to Susan Slater, concerning family matters.

Informing his sister of the death of their mother, discussing the specifics of her illness and last days as well as the funeral.

Concerning the medical cases of two patients and the use of electromedical machinery in their treatments.

Writing of taking prisoners, one from Jackson's army, and relating the story of a specific prisoner and a visit from his mother. He comments on news from home including illness and thievery. [Note: the 106th New York (the "St. Lawrence County Regiment") was mustered into service in August 1862, and until June 1863 were on guard and provost duty in the defenses of the upper Potomac, during Stonewall Jackson's Shenandoah Valley campaign.]

Writing a discourse on his feelings toward the war between the north and the south; the [Thaddeus] Stevens, [Charles] Sumner, [Henry] Wilson, and company school of politics; and, state's rights and state sovereignty. He mentions wheat and corn crops and prices of butter and eggs, and the problem of high costs.

About family news; the prospect of wheat, corn, and grain crops; the prices of flour, bacon, and corn; and, hard times since the fall of 1864, with their barns and crops being destroyed.