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.

Letter from Paul Osterhout to his sister, Gertrude Osterhout, updating her with news from home. He apologized for not writing sooner and told her that for the Methodists had a three week meeting in town. He mentioned that he had been raising mocking birds and he planned to send one to an aunt of theirs.