Letter from John Patterson Osterhout to his wife, Junia Roberts Osterhout, September 28, 1879. John began his letter with bad news. A fire broke out in Belton, Texas and John wrote of the difficulties he and his sons had in trying to save some of his books and papers. Otherwise, John says he and the children are in good health and mentioned work that Paul had done work in a telegraph office recently. Included is an envelope addressed "Mrs. J. P. Osterhout" and an article titled "Fire in Belton!" The article lists the losses incurred from the disaster.

A postcard from Ann Farman to her sister, Junia Roberts Osterhout, expressing Ann's desire to see Junia before she returns home. She told Junia she could not visit yet because her mother was feeling ill and she was disappointed that Junia could not visit.