Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Describes his recent excursions. Wishes that Margaret could visualize the beauty of Nova Scotia. Wonders when he will see her again.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Remarks that he was grieved by the news of Mr. Boyd's death. As b her request, he has destroyed her letter of December 1st, although she has no reason to feel ashamed of her sentiments.

Letter from Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh, to John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia
Encloses half a sovereign together with the list from Peter Lawson's catalogue, and would like Margaret to buy him some seeds, which she could send to him with Mr. Crerar or Mr. Purves. Speaks of an ingenious gentleman inventing a machine in which he proposes to fly to America in 24 hours.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
States that their letters could form a book of travels if the came into the hands of an imaginative bookwriter. Remarks on going to the little province of Prince Edward Island to attend lectures of the Divinity professor of his Church. States that he does not intend to give up geology because his love of nature is too great.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Has visited Halifax, the provincial seat of the government, with over 25,000 inhabitants. States that he gave three lectures there at the Mechanics Institute. sent one of his papers to the London Geological Society. Mr. (Charles) Lyell said that it excited some discussion.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Comments on the arrival of the New Year and his many thoughts and hopes to visit Scotland again. Remarks on lecturing on temperance and colours.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Speaks of his gratitude to his parents and if his determination never to desert them. His father is engaged in the harvesting. States that he does not intend to make love to anyone else until he sees her.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
States that Margaret's mother is almost as dear to him as his own. Comments on seeing Dr. Kennedy.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh. Wonders if he should enter the Church. Sends this letter, along with Master Howard Primrose, with a few examples of Indigenous workmanship. Comments on his geological observations and fossil collections.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Thanks her for the beautiful purse which she sent him from London. Comments on her trips around Britain. Hopes that her next voyage will be to the New World.