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Scope and Contents Was sorry to hear of his brother's severe and painful attack; sends a prescription of living solely on oatmeal porridge for six weeks; did not send marble hearths and casings for the upstairs rooms because he feels that would be too expensive; discussses the possibility of sending his slave, John, to help his brother, "Say to my brother I am very willing, for him to have John as long as he wishes him, provided John is willing to go to the Western Shore,...I am perfectly willing, but cannot compel him to separate from his friends and wife...and if John is willing I am not only willing, but desirous that my brother should have him as long as he lives"; shares his views on the treatment of slaves as "conscientious"; owns no ploughboy of the kind that his brother would like, being that his other slaves are unsuitable, George is too young and Harry is too old; speaks of other furnishings for the house that he has procured for her; sends a total of the amount of money he has paid so far.

Scope and Contents Apologizes for not responding to her Christmas card earlier; describes in great detail what a wonderful, noble, and great gentleman her father was; is thankful for the friendship that her father showed him; looks forward to being with him again after this life; reminisces about Williamsburg and the happy times he spent there in youth; believes that education involves more than book-learning, and declares that "what you get out of people, places, situations, environment means more to the mind than in the formative period"; contemplates moving to St. Louis to be with his son, whose wife died 12-15 years ago and who is lonely now; regrets deepely that he was not able to be there for Cousin Letty's death, and that he was not able "to put her sacred dust away as I had promised her."

Expresses deepest sympathy for the loss of (her husband) W. Savage; was shocked by Savage's change in health when he saw him last; asks her to inform Dr. Garrett that he is to travel to Norfolk next Tuesday and will meet Garrett there; sends the love of the family.

Has just received the interest on her two bonds from the Messrs. Nottingham; has been expecting her to visit but realizes she does not know yet when she will be able to; hopes that her children have passed the critical point of scarlet fever and are now safely convalescing; informs her that he and Comfort are suffering from bad colds; shares the news that Hamilton Neale and Lizzy Smith are to be married this summer, and Robert Nottingham and Miss Byrd are to be married at length also; informs her that the new steamer Northampton is to make her first stop on this shore tomorrow, and on which one may safely and comfortably cross the bay.

Scope and Contents Received the articles and letter she sent by Mr. Wheeler containing peaches, dried pears, and honey; has paid off her account with [?] N's store; informs her of several deaths, including that of William Bayly from an illness resulting from hemorrhage of the lungs, Mr. Marshall from worn-out constitution, and Dr. Yerby's youngest child from consumption; believes Mrs. Leah Bowden will not live much longer as her health is declining rapidly; mentions that Rose's cousins, Mrs. and Dr. Hayes and two daughters, will come to visit her after their visit to the President as Mrs. Hayes is the sister of President Polk; is pleased to tell her that Charlotte's health is improving and will soon be well again.

Was approached by Mr. N.I. Winder as to the least amount that would purchase one half of Yardley that belongs to Nottingham, Garrett, and Lauretta; found the way Mr. Winder wanted to advertise the sale objectionable; has raised the purchase price to $11,000-12,000, subject to his and Lauretta'a approval; informs him that there are many people wanting to buy Yardley, and that Peter S. Bowdoin has offered more than a fair price for it; hopes to sell the whole of Yardley for $10.500 at private sale.

Scope and Contents Believes that Yardley will sell for $9,000 in August at public sale; is eager to sell the house, as is Lauretta, as it seems to be depreciating; informs him that this year's rent will be paid in grain; mentions that Lauretta and Charlotte are in agreement as to the sale of the plantation next to Yardley; informs him of the death of William P. Custis, who has given his entire estate, worth $80,000 to $100,000 to his widow.

Scope and Contents Writes to inform him that he is to be married on the 25th of June to a "splendid woman in every attribute"; has been very busy going to three to four parties a week; invites other members of the Garrett family through this letter; implores him to come to wait on him at the wedding.

Had written to him about the appointment as Physician for the Marine Hospital of Dr. W.P. Morgan; would like to add the amendment of his appointment in the event of the removal of the present incumbent; feels that his (ACG) compliance will place him under many obligations to him; asks about the rich Irishman that died in Halifax Co. without heirs; would like to know all the information as he thinks he will be able to find his heirs in Ireland through correspondence with lawyers in Cork, Ireland.