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Nelly writes of Parke's youngest son, Lawrence Lewis Butler. The eldest, Edward George Washington Butler is at Carolina College in Columbia. Polk offered Butler a Colonelcy of Dragoons, but had promised a Brigadier's command, so he probably won't accept. Washy [George Washington Lewis] is at Virginia Military Institute at Lexington. Nelly is doing needlework for grandchildren. She never goes out except for Church. "Dear Robt" [Lee] is with General Scott. "Our fears and anxieties are all for the noble Genl Taylor and his brave little band - may the Almighty be their shield. A halter for Polk and a scourge for Scott if Taylor is not safe ..." [Reference to Scott ordering away a large part of Taylor's small army and leaving him with scant troops to face Santa Anna. The battle at Buena Vista in late February was a victory for Taylor].

Nelly writes of Parke's children; her eldest son at Columbia College in South Carolina [Edward George Washington Butler]. Accepts condolences on Lorenzo's death.

Nelly thanks Elizabeth for the letter that arrived the day before her 69th birthday. Describes her ailments. Thankful her eyes and hands are still good. Angela's sons, Charles and Lewis Conrad, are at school in Alexandria. Boys here [Audley] under care of oldest brother [George Washington Lewis]. Esther manages estate well. Describes needlework she is doing for grandchildren. Death of Elizabeth Mifflin's mother.

Nelly sends Elizabeth a bookmark worked in silk given her by Martha Washington 57 years ago. Lorenzo's boys learn under a tutor. Washy [George Washington Lewis] very fond of farming. Charley and Lewis Conrad visit her but go to New Orleans in winter. Mary Custis Lee and husband Col. Robert E. Lee visited. Robert goes to Boston to meet board of Engineers.

This letter presented by her future son[-in-law, Charles M. Conrad]. Lauds his virtues and Angela's choice. "From that 'far South,' so dreaded, so stigmatized, against which my own prejudices were so strong that I could have almost taken an oath that none belonging to that region could deserve or obtaine my child's affection or my approbation, I have obtained a beloved son who would be my choice had I the whole world to select from." They will be married next summer. Parke expecting any day. [Lorenzo's] twin sons [John Redman Coxe Lewis and Lawrence Fielding Lewis].

Nelly writes that her orphan boys [Charles Angelo and Lawrence Lewis Conrad] were taken from her by their father, for health reasons, but will be returned to her in summer. Parke and children are well. Elizabeth's nephew, Mr. Bordley, his wife and daughter visited.

Nelly is sure that Angela has told her details of her wedding while she and her new husband Charles Conrad were in Philadelphia. Angela and Charles have arrived safely back at Audley. Expresses her gratitude to Mrs. Gibson for her kindness to the young couple in Philadelphia.

They have been at Bath for [Lorenzo's] ankle and E[ster]s health. Go to Sulpher Spring near Winchester soon. Encountered mutual friends there. "[The Nullifiers] are mad to all intents and purposes, and ought to be supplied with straight waistcoats." Waters at Bath helped Lolen's [Lorenzo's] ankle.

Disappointed Mr. and Mrs. Gibson didn't stop at Woodlawn on their way home from the Springs. Sorry she and Angela couldn't go to Springs with them. They went instead to Bath, Sulpher Spring and Winchester. News from New Orleans [Parke and Butler and family]. She and Angela will be delighted to stay a week with Elizabeth Gibson when in Philadelphia this fall.

Fears Lorenzo will go to Philadelphia too late for her and Angela to accompany him. Afraid Mr. Lewis won't pay promised visit to Parke in Louisiana. Mrs. Gibson's nephew arrived and copied picture of Washy [George Washington Lewis]; also does likenesses of Mr. Lewis and herself. News of various friends.