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Bayly discusses the handling of the case of Molly Butler and his lack of time for correspondence due to his work on the Foreign Affairs Committee and his poor health.

He writes a practice letter as a child to his mother and mentions a visit from Mr. Burke and his own desire to go out hunting chestnuts.

The Virginia Whig state convention has just come to its conclusion, with Mr. Fillmore as the first choice of the majority instead of General Winfield Scott who had not come out in favor of "the Compromise." The writer is afraid of a possible break with the northern branch of the Whig party due to their agitation against enslavement and support of "free soil." (April 17, 1852); George Washington Lewis responds that he has been very busy with his court duties but has read and approves of all the resolutions. Lewis also hopes that the North will be "compelled to execute the fugitive slave law faithfully and energetically" and opposes any movement of the Virginia Whigs to unite with the Democrats (1852 May 7).

Expresses his concern that Lewis had not received his second letter containing the papers which he returned since nothing more could be done with them at his office and he was afraid he would misplace them (April 6, 1846). Hunter plans on sending a letter to Confederate President Jefferson Davis with the valuable information that Lewis has sent. The Virginia generals expect the enemy to send troops from Fredericksburg to General George McClellan but will not know it until they receive the news through Lewis. He believes that McClellan is probably preparing for another effort but where he will re-organize his forces was a matter of doubt when Hunter left Richmond (July 8, 1862).

Carter, while declining to be a candidate for political office, expresses grave concern over the recent action by the United States, termed by him the "rapid acquisition of foreign territory by the proclamation of our royal masters pro-consuls? What has become of the Constitution, and those who were so zealous in its defense?" in his letter of December 10, 1846.

Agrees with the apprehensive assessment of Lewis about the state of domestic relations in the United States and abroad but fears the worst situation is at home. He points to the "spring occurrences in Kansas" and fears that the consequences will be dire. He also believes that "the North will send men, money and arms" to Kansas to promote a "bloody collision." Casey writes that he believes that the Martin Van Buren platform of 1848 laid the groundwork for the current state of things, interrupted briefly by the Compromise of 1850-1851. He believes that the only ones to benefit from the "Know Nothing" party will be the "Black Republicans." He closes with personal regards and news.

She writes while he is away for schooling, praises him for his progress in learning and promises to send both her sons money when they have some.

Assures her mother that all are well after their arrival at Willis Hill a week ago but are anxious to hear how everyone is at Port Royal. She complains that she has not received any letters from the girls since their return from "Albany." She mentions that John and Eliza go to school in town with Miss Judy Clark.

Sends a note saying that Willis and family have been delayed due to an accident to their carriage and sends personal regards from Mary Berkeley.