Mary Leslie Newton writes to her father about a variety of social calls, illnesses, her grandmother's recent fall, and other local news.
Mary Leslie Newton provides an account of Christmas gifts given and received, as well as several local deaths due to illness. She signs her name Dorothy Q.
Mary Leslie Newton writes brief letter to her father discussing a carpet delivery, the dining room table, and a postscript about potential locations to move to, including Cleveland.
Mary Leslie Newton provides an account of the heat, a humorous description of the many types of errands she has been asked to run, the repair of her watch, and an update on Halley's health.
Mary Leslie Newton writes a humorous introduction regarding the "business" of moving, in which she discusses when she will go to Ooltewah, the clothes she has, and what books she has and needs for teaching.
Mary Leslie Newton describes her surprise on hearing her family react to good news in a letter from her father, which is evidently that the family was to move to Ooltewah and that a teaching position had been secured for her there.
Mary Leslie Newton offers meta-commentary on her letter, describes the arrival and drowning of some kittens, and discusses repairs to her watch. She describes weather and church, noting that she disapproves of women preaching. She closes by talking about flowers and asking about renting the house…
Mary Leslie Newton describes her disappointment upon not receiving the teaching job she applied for; the letter she received and her original letters of recommendation are included. She asks whether her father might retain a position for her in Ooltewah.