Mary Leslie Newton writes a humorous letter to her father, making up details to supplant the lack of news. She describes her own printing responsibilities, and asks if she might "set up as a boy" once her brother Don leaves home.
Mary Leslie Newton provides an account of recent events, including bad news about her sister Halley's vision, good news about her teeth, and a handwritten postscript regarding the type of envelope she is using.
Mary Leslie Newton recounts her birthday gifts, including a cloak and a subscription to Harper's; she notes but rejects her aunt's suggestion that, at 17, she is old enough to begin putting her hair up. She recounts some humorous mishaps, including her grandmother spilling ink and her own clumsiness…