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"I do not believe the Genls Mother [Mary Ball Washington] ever had her likeness taken by any one"; if she had had it taken it wouldn't be in hands of strangers. "Mr. L[ewis] was her favorite Grandchild, more with her than any other - he never saw or heard of any likeness being taken." Thanks for Andrew Allen's inscription to memory of 1st wife. Sorry her appearance "shocked and horrified" him when they dined together last. Learned from Col. Humphreys to repeat his verses when he lived at Mount Vernon. Visited Mrs. Hamilton in Washington who though 93 or 94 is quite active.

Nelly speaks of a portrait taken at 25, after 8 years of marriage. Intends to copy her old verses into blank book for her only child [Parke]. "My Boys and E. [Lorenzo's wife and sons] are well but miss their father." Mary Lee and 3 children there now, and expects Sister [Martha Peter] and 3 grandchildren this week. Mary Lee has a son at West Point "worthy of his Father" [Robert E. Lee]. Disappointed in Root's likeness of her [a daguerreotype], but preferred him to Brady. Oscar Lafayette wrote of death of "my faithful friend and Brother" [Georges Washington Lafayette]. Description of Edmond Lafayette, who resembles his father and grandfather.

Nelly expresses her devotion to her old friends. Recommends remedy for Elizabeth's headaches. She finished a piece of worsted work for little Lewis Conrad and has 9 more to work. Gives her daily schedule. Mentions her old friends. Conveys news of Parke's children and the Conrads. Esther still delicate after 2 months confinement in winter.

Nelly expresses her gratitude for Elizabeth's letter of sympathy on Angela's death. She has outlived 6 of her 8 children, but Angela is the only one she was not with at the time of her death. She hadn't gone to Louisiana because Angela begged her not to come in summer heat. Had remained with Mr. Lewis at Woodlawn waiting for work on shelter for the sepulchre at Mount Vernon to be finished. Angela died of congestion of the brain which destroyed her senses and her life. Hopes to go on 13th or 14th to Louisiana. Charles Conrad and Angela's two babies to come to Woodlawn in the summer. Esther Coxe Lewis has another boy [Charles C. Lewis].

Her visit to New Port was prevented by a visit of Parke and her children and two Conrad boys. Parke's 2 daughters to be left at Miss Margaret Mercer's school near Leesburg. Miss M. is daughter of Coll John Fenton Mercer of Marleborough, a second "Jane de Montfort," has devoted herself to restoring brother's property. Lewis Conrad has been ill with catarrha fever and inflamation of the lungs. Robert Lee has been ordered to Mexico; Mary and their seven children will remain at Arlington.

Parke went home in November, expecting Butler to depart for Mexico. Governor of Louisiana appointed him Major General of militia and he expects appointment by Mr. Polk of same rank. She mentions Mr. Williams' death at Monterey [America Peter's husband]. Anxious about Robert Lee who is with General Wood. Charles and Lewis Conrad with their father in New Orleans. The unexpected death of Miss Margaret Mercer will not close the school. Woodlawn sold to Messrs. Gillingham and a company from Philadelphia for 25,000 dollars. Lorenzo thought it best for his childrens' interests.

Nelly writes of Parke's children. Charles Conrad and his 2 children arrived safe in New Orleans. Children have been with Parke since December nineteenth. Descriptions and stories about Angela's 2 children [Chas. A. and Lawrence Lewis Conrad]. Hopes they can all come to Audley in Spring. Mrs. B. Bordley [wife of Elizabeth Gibson's nephew] writes that her husband has gone to Savannah.

Nelly's family is well. Parke devotes herself to improvement of her daughters. Introduces Mr. Henry Daingerfield (nephew to Dr. Henry Daingerfield) and his daughter. He intends placing his daughter in school in Philadelphia.

Nelly took Angela's children to meet father, Charles Conrad, on his way to Europe. He will be gone a year and left boys under her care. Saw Britannia Peter, now married to Capt. Kennan. Mary Custis Lee and 3 children at Fort Hamilton, where Robert Lee is in corps of engineers. 2 of the daughters with their grandmother [Mrs. Lee?]. Parke's eldest son Edward George Washington Butler is with her now. He is to be a student at George Town college. Angela's remains moved from Pass Christian in June and "I had the comfort to see them properly deposited near the Tomb of Washington where a monument and iron railing will be erected as soon as possible. The railing will enclose space enough to contain Mr. Conrad and our precious Boys".

Recalls days of her girlhood in Philadelphia. A clergyman's wife to open school near Parke's home, children can attend. Grandson [E.George Washington Butler] in school at George Town College. Seven grandsons here have colds. Letters from [Charles Conrad] now in Europe. Mary [Custis] Lee has new son. Britannia [Peter Kennan] has a daughter.