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Letter from John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston, Williamsburg, Virginia. More discussion about the constructing of their house; expresses concern about a possible suit against them for a debt unpaid, unless they raise money from Anderson's tobacco; tells of neighbors anxiously awaiting his Francis's return so that they might "profit from your knowledge," referring to Francis Preston's license to practice law, and so that he can be considered an eligible candidate; offers to campaign for him in his absence; relates feelings toward a duel fought between their cousin, James Breckenridge and [?] Younghusband.

Letter from John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia, to "brother," Francis Preston, Williamsburg, Virginia. Sends news of large amounts of mail for him, mainly on the subject of friendship; election day has been moved to an earlier date in April, requiring him [FP] to come home earlier; hopes this doesn't interfere with his studies; gives itinerary and details about coming home; discusses the other candidates and the main issue of the campaign--the division of the country; tells rumor that Congress is about to "raise a great army, for what purpose, we know not."

Letter from James Blair, Abingdon, Virginia, to John Preston, "Smithfield," Montgomery County, Virginia. Blair's wife, Betsy, a cousin of Preston, is unable to appear at court in Botetourt County in a case involving Mrs. Elizabeth (Preston) Madison, because her son is ill, but has sent a deposition. Hopes that Dr. Humphries has inoculated Preston's sisters for smallpox.

Letter from John Preston to "brother" Francis Preston. Short note discussing the election and political side effects relating to it.

Letter from John Preston, Mr. McDowell's, to "Frank," Francis Preston, Montgomery County, Virginia. Discusses land transactions and the upcoming change in the Judicial districts west of the Blue Ridge; mentions the end of the Indian War and the government being settled.

Letter from John Preston, Fort Lee, Bluestone, to Governor Henry Lee. Explanation of Preston's actions taken in defending his posts by dispersing his men; also explanation of monies spent. Including document by John Preston, 13 June 1792, Fort Lee, Bluestone, Virginia, accounting for monies spent by him for his militia men.

Letter from John Preston, John Breckenridge's, Lexington, Virginia, to Francis Preston, Washington County, Virginia. Comments on the reformed behavior of B. Smith, a commander at one of the frontier posts, who has "abandoned both women and wine forever"; discussion of affairs with the Indians--treaties, not trusting them, and hopes of continuing the war with them; General Wayne, however, has orders only to defend themselves, not attack; mention of land prices connected with investment possibilities.

Letter from John Preston, Lexington, Virginia to "brother" Francis Preston, Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia. Business discussion about an unknown matter.

Letter from John Preston, Richmond, Virginia to "sister In-law," Sarah B. Preston, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mention of her domesticity; gossip of a rich widow, Mrs. Thomas Randolph, who has fallen in love with John Brown.

Letter from John Preston, no place, to "brother," probably Francis Preston. Gives election news of senators and governor; details about a duel between General Wood and W. Thomas Madison over the election of Governor Brook which led to defamations of character.