Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Remarks that he would like to have her opinion on his abandoning the pursuit of wealth for the ministry. Speaks of his desire to visit London.

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
Received the parcel of seeds that she sent along with her letter. Describes the beauty of spring.

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
Comments on receiving Mr. (Peter) Bell's letter. Describes a recent visit to Prince Edward Island. Remarks on the arrival of Mr. (Charles) Lyell and his wife in Pictou. Describes his geological excursions wit Mr. Lyell.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, Edinburgh, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street
Sends Margaret and Marion a few stuffed birds. Gives detailed instructions on how to display them.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, Edinburgh, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street
Discusses gardening. Describes her letters as beautiful.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, Edinburgh, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street
Describes the wreck of the ship Isabella. Remarks tat a cargo of several tons of West India conches was brought into his father's wharf.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, Edinburgh, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street
Has not heard from her in four months. Describes fireworks in Pictou to celebrate the Queen's baby boy.