Letter from Diana Maray to John Patterson Osterhout discussing daily life in Athens, Pennsylvania. Letters had been received from other family members and her children were doing well in school. In the state of Pennsylvania, the temperance movement was working to get a prohibitive liquor law passed. She closed her letter by writing about what she felt made a real friend and hoped she would meet John in this life or the next. She included two locks of hair, one from each of her sons. Included is an envelope addressed to "John P. Osterhout."

Letter from P. M. Osterhout to his brother, John Patterson Osterhout, discussing news from home and slavery. After providing John with updates from those at home, he told his brother he was unsure whether or not he would want to receive something from the black Republican in Pennsylvania. He then went on to write about his opinion on slavery and he hoped his brother was not beginning to view it as a blessing.

Letter from Junia Roberts Osterhout to her sister, Ann Roberts, discussing the possibility of Ann coming to liver with the Osterhouts in Texas. Junia says that she thinks Ann would easily find a husband there.

Letter from Jacob De Cordova to Dr. Thomas Moore and Moore's son Hamilton. The letter discusses De Cordova's upcoming tour of Europe.