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 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 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. 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.
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 Speaks of the election. Describes himself as one of the Reformers and comments on trying to convert the ignorant highlanders. Wishes her a good New Year.
Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh Describes his short journey to the East Ward of Pictou. Comments on 'The Daughters of England' by Ellis. Asks how Mr. Rose, the mineralogist, is getting on.
Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh Is sending some books, among which is Alcott's 'Young Women's Guide'. Master Clarece Primrose, a boy sent by is father for education in Edinburgh, will deliver them.
Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh Comments on Margaret's serious illness, and is happy that she is recovering. States that he has been writing some articles on agricultural chemistry. Remarks that he is sending gifts which she will be pleased to give the young Bells. Describes the flowers.