Written at Lexington, Virginia to his sister in Washington, Litchfield County, Connecticut. Topics include commencement at the Virginia Military Institute and a speech by the governor of Virginia.
"This was my first sight of a real Gov. and it did not give me a very good opinion of the race."

Written at Lexington, Virginia to his sister in Washington, Litchfield County, Connecticut. Topics include description of communion at a local church
"You would like to see them partake. A table is made in front of the pulpit and all that can get round it set down, then the minister at the head of the table cuts the bread, and blesses it, and gives it to another priest who takes it on one side of the table and passes it to each person and says 'may this emblem of the dying savior be blessed to your sanctification.' Thus a minister on each side of the table goes through with his ceremony and the same motions over the blood, or wine, then the head priest gives a short exhortation and a prayers and these rise and make room for another table full. Thus they go it till all have had a bite. Then they call upon the colored brethren, or part of the ministers do, to come down out of the gallery. In some of the churches they climb up to the gallery by a ladder on the outside and go in a the window."

Written at Lexington, Virginia. Topics include a detailed description of teaching at the local school, including a discussion of the curriculum and his discipline methods.
"Mary if you go into teaching begin right at first. Make them know that you are the master. If any thing comes up that you don't know never let the scholars see that you are at a loss. Give your opinion freely and if they show you a book different declare that you are right and the book wrong."

Written at Lexington, Virginia. Topics include description of the town's response to rumors of a slave insurrection.
"You had better believe that it made some stir. The militia was called out and they now parade the streets from night to morning. It is curious how quick the people of this country can be roused to a state of watchfulness for their all depends upon this."

Written at Lexington, Virginia. Topics include the murder of Virginia Military Cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles Christian, a local law student.
"You see how nice a sense of honor the southerners have. In law here if one man calls another a liar and he beats him almost to death for it the law does nothing with him for it is considered sufficient provocation."