In a letter of June 17 Bradford angrily discusses a dispute in the family regarding a possible sale of property in Roxbury, Massachusetts.

The author, a friend, inquires after Rebecca's daughter Irene, who has married and moved to a "strange land" (Illinois).

The author, George Richards' sister, writes from Hillsboro, Illinois with news of Irene and George's new baby.

Kate is visiting Boston, Massachusetts, and hopes to visit with Elizabeth and her father, but understands "poor Ina" [Irene Huse Richards] is sick and Elizabeth has "the care of the children."

The author discusses innovations in transportation that allowed Bradford to arrive in Illinois after only a three-day journey and shares news regarding his purchase of Bradford's property in Roxbury, Massachusetts, which is now moving forward because the suit brought by Ellen Lincoln is nearing an end. He remarks that he is hopeful the suit "will be decided in January early or February [1859]," and is "unsure [who] shall be most glad to be clear of the lawyers."

Bradford's lawyers discuss the resolution of his suit at the Massachusetts Supreme Court and state he may proceed with the sale of his property in Roxbury, Massachusetts to Theodore Snow.

Martha shares news of family and friends in Boston, Massachusetts, with Elizabeth, who has recently moved to Illinois. She remarks there is "excitement here on the slavery question" and inquires after Frederick Whitney's family, slaveholders in Charleston, South Carolina.

In a letter of 8 January Martha writes she will send her father more newspapers from Boston and inquires what the weather is like "out there in the West . . . if mittens have been worn [?]"

In a short letter of 18 April, Brigadier General John S. Tyler discusses business matters and comments on preparations for war.

The author, a cousin, comments on the death of Bradford Lincoln and concludes she does not think "going west shortened his days."

In a letter of 11 September 1874 Martha describes her son's trip in a hot air balloon while working as a "news reporter."

Martha informs Elizabeth she has heard news of Ellen Lincoln's death. She remarks she died "very poor" and was "laid in a receiving tomb" as "the cousins" would not send a hundred dollars to have her buried "respectably."

Several of the entries on the leaves bear dates, which range from 8 May 1754 to 31 March 1765. The name "Martha" appears twice.

Includes "An Ode," written by Susanna Hobart Hersey to her "Sister Hobart" {Martha Hobart?], regarding the death of her husband, Elias Hersey, in 1796.

Likely made for George Richards' daughter, Alice, after her wedding in 1870.