A letter to a friend about the author's wedding.

Lucy writes to her younger brother Eliakim while he is attending boarding school. She praises him for his "good hand and a very good letter," urges him not to displease his master, and reminds him that "without religion we are no better than the savages of the wilderness." She cannot visit him at school because she is opening a millinery shop.

Lucy writes with personal and social news. Their sister, Elizabeth Richards, has come to help in her successful millinery shop, as she is in a state of "constant hurry"; they "make out very well."

News regarding the death of author's mother. She is pleased Elias Hersey has been appointed trustee of her mother's small estate. Elias Hersey (1766-1796) is Susan Hersey Richards' father.

Joseph Richards and Elizabeth Richards look forward to their brother's upcoming visit to Boston, Massachusetts.

Susan Hersey Richards' mother, Susanna, writes a lengthy letter to her sister regarding the death of her husband, Elias Hersey.

William writes his brother, Eliakim, asking for advice. The cow he cares for cannot be kept over the winter and he needs to know as "quick as possible what to do with her."

A friend requests assistance to secure an apprenticeship, noting he would prefer an "English store" to an "India[n] store."

A short letter likely written before their wedding in 1811. Knowing they soon will be traveling with Elizabeth Lincoln, Susan tells Eliakim his choice of transportation should be a "hack" and not a "jacket" or a "chaise."

In a letter of 23 July Elias Hersey discusses his activites during the War of 1812.

In a short letter of 7 January Levi Lincoln, Jr., a physician, discusses financial affairs and Susan's health, suggesting "if the pain in her side continues I should advise her to be bled without delay."

In a letter of 31 March Elias requests "by first packett" four barrels of clear shear pork and inquires "what can good cheese be bought for by the hundred."

In a letter of 22 July Abel Hersey writes to Susan about his thoughts on marriage.

In a letter of 14 June Elias describes the environment around his new home in Sandwich, New Hampshire.

In a letter of 24 September Abel requests "two hogshead of rum," insisting "that there is no whiskey mixed in with the rum," and "two barrels of Southern gin" to sell in Saco, Maine as "they are daily advancing in price."

In a letter of 24 November Elias explains his move from Portland, Maine to Sandwich, New Hampshire, was a result of "the cursed war" [War of 1812]. He is concerned there is a "great lack of society" to help pass the winter months, but remarks he has found country life completely the reverse of his expectations of "dull, lonesome, and disagreeable."

In a letter of 4 March Abel jointly writes to Eliakim and Susan discussing their recent loss of money on their rum purchase and his recent marriage, stating he is not "under petticoat government" and Susan should not take credit for "driving or persuading" him to marry.

In a letter of 17 November Elias and Abel jointly write Eliakim concerning their business dealings with "Mr. Lincoln" (Levi Lincoln, Jr.).

In a letter of 16 January Mary, Abel's wife, writes of personal news to Susan.

In a letter of 6 July Abel and Mary jointly write of the much improved health and activities of their "sickly" son (John Hersey).

In a letter of 27 October Abel reports to Susan he is surprised that Elias intends to marry.

In a letter of 18 October Elias describes his trip by stage carriage from Boston, Massachusetts to Portland, Maine.

In a letter of 22 May Abel expresses concern for his sister, Susan, who "is again unwell" and expresses his grief over the death of their grandmother in Hingham, Massachusetts.

In a letter likely written shortly before her death from tuberculosis in 1819, Susan, who is recuperating in Hingham, Massachusetts, hopes to return home soon "fat and hearty," as she has a good appetite and her "friends do everything in their power" for her.