Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his wife, Junia Roberts Osterhout. John wrote his wife while she was away visiting family. He told her that their son, Paul, might be making progress in the telegraph business and that a local priest was conducting a protracted meeting. The county fair was about to begin, although John did not think they would take much part in it. He ended the letter by stating that he was not sure when Junia planned on returning.

Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his wife, Junia Roberts Osterhout, regarding the departure of their son, Paul, who left home in order to manage a telegraph office in another town. John continued his letter with local news, including the county fair, various persons who were on trial, and a Methodist protracted meeting at a local church.

A letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his wife, Junia Roberts Osterhout, discussing how family life had been since Junia left to visit with extended family. John let her know of local baptisms and poultry sales he had made at the recent fair. He and their daughter, Gertrude, were looking forward to Junia's return home. Included is an envelope addressed to "Mrs. J. P. Osterhout."

A letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his wife, Junia Roberts Osterhout, expressing his regret that the house felt lonesome without Junia and the three children that were away. He hopes that his son, Paul, will return to live with them if the telegraph company relocates him to an office in town. John then told Junia that when she was ready to make the return home, she should consider whether or not to purchase a second class ticket for the train.

Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his son, Paul Osterhout, discussing family life since Paul's departure to work at a telegraph office in another city. He told his son about the recent successful sales of poultry he made and that he had hopes for Paul's future career. John gave his son advice and hoped he would be able to come home and visit soon. Included is an envelope addressed to "Paul Osterhout."