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Hough responds to a letter from Anderson with news of the presidential election. He celebrates Lincoln's victory in New York, describes local reactions, and insists that the Federal government must be aggressive in responding to acts of rebellion, in South Carolina and elsewhere.

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News from Sligo. Teil says that two Williams daughters, Jessie and Jennie, have fallen ill with diptheria. The rest of the letter talks of Teil's journey South.

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Hough writes to Anderson mostly of personal and social matters. He mentions Jessie Williams' death from diptheria and his first meeting with Teil. He also describes the political climate in New Orleans, describing it as "equal to Paris during the 'Reign of Terror.'"

Scope and Contents News from "Retirement," with much on the local political climate. Hough writes of the secession conventions in Louisiana and Mississippi, saying that "before this letter reaches you I shall be residing in a foreign county." He also speaks of the militarization of the South: "It may be that it will be a peaceful revolution, but it will be an anomaly if it is & I expect nothing else than a civil war yet. The South are not idle but are forming military companies & arming them in the...

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Williams writes to Anderson of personal and political matters. He describes the hardships his family is going through, having lost four children in 15 months to illness. The rest of the letter talks about the secession crisis and Williams states, "it is better to separate peacibly if we can, fighting if we must."

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Hough writes to Anderson to discuss personal and political matters. He states that a slave insurrection "would almost [be] an impossibility" and goes on to say that a war fought on Southern ground would be difficult for the North to win, since every Southerner feels "it is victory or poverty and death."

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Hough writes to Anderson of personal and political matters. He begins the letter by talking about the school and other personal affairs. He then writes about the growing hostility and militarization in the South and mentions that many men in Natchez have joined military units. He further describes the South's readiness for war, saying it "will not be very easily whipped or kept whipped."

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Teil writes to Anderson of personal and political matters. He informs Anderson of his intention to return North and study law and describes the students he is teaching. The rest of the letter speaks of the secession crisis, with Teil wishing for an amicable settlement and a restoration of the Union.

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Teil writes to Anderson to discuss his plans to return North as well as arragments to find a new teacher for Williams.

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Williams writes to Anderson and shares his insights on the state of affairs before the war. He describes the cultural differences between the North and South, saying: "We are two distinct people in feeling, and institutions and interest, and hope will agree to disagree in peace."

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Teil writes to Anderson of his plans to return North. He also describes the political atmosphere in New Orleans after Lincoln's inauguration, saying "All the change I see . . . is a more thorough preparation for war."

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Williams writes to Anderson discussing Teil's plans to return North.

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Teil writes to Anderson describing travel plans for himself and the Williams family. The rest of the letter details the progress of Teil's students.

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Hough writes to Anderson to say that he has been bought out of his teaching contract and is on his way north.

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Teil writes of personal matters and asks Anderson to inquire about openings at local law firms.

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Teil writes of personal matters.

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Teil writes of personal and political matters. He describes his work as a law clerk and goes on to mention that the New Hampshire legislature is appropriating funds for the raising of militia in each county. He also shares his understanding of the stakes at hand: "Extermination for one or the other side is my notion."

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Hough writes of his affairs since returning North.

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Teil writes of personal matters.

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Hough writes of personal matters. He briefly mentions that a recruiter came to Groton and that "it won't be long before drafting will come into play."

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Hough conveys news from the South. He says he has received word that the Union blockade is "a serious inconvience and becoming more so every day." The letter also includes a description of the seminary.

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Williams writes to Anderson about finding a replacement teacher.

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Hough writes to Anderson expressing doubts about Washington's management of the war. The letter also includes an account of Hough's studies at the seminary.

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Hough writes to Anderson to catch him up on news from their mutual friends.

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Teil writes to Anderson detailing his life as a member of the 7th Rhode Island Cavalry. He describes life at Camp Sprague, and passes on news of the war, saying, "People look upon the result of the late battles as a success for McClellan, though he needs more troops badly. Drafting is looked upon favorably. The war is likely to continue now for a considerable time."

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Williams asks Hough to recommend a candidate for a teaching position at Sligo. He mentions that J. J. Hough (the recipient's brother) has already accepted a similar position at the Bennetts' plantation, "Retirement."

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Williams offers Anderson a teaching position at Sligo.

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Williams writes Anderson about travel plans and seasonal contagion.

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Hough writes to his former Yale classmate describing his journey to Natchez and the setting of the plantation itself. He notes the elegance of the plantation houses, saying "we live at Retirement like kings." He goes on to describe the students he is teaching and the mildness of the climate.

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Williams writes to Anderson to detail travel arrangements for Anderson's upcoming trip to Natchez.