Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 11 Arniston Place, Newington, Edinburgh
Gives his reasons for not having time to come to Edinburgh. Remarks that he may not be as busy during the winter. His mother is very ill. Describes his religious thoughts.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Warns her not to rely on his coming to Edinburgh this autumn. States that he is becoming more and more involved in public and private work of all kinds. Discusses his future career. Wishes that he could devote himself wholly to the course of religion. Speaks of his father being ill. Describes his feelings towards doctors. Sorry to her of the death of Mrs. Cleghorn's child.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Sends his Christmas and New Year greetings. Remarks that his parents have been confined to the house.
Apologizes that there was no time to send a gift. Describes his lectures to the literary society on the scenery of Nova Scotia. Asks Margaret to be careful about what the wafers say. States that a small note is enclosed for Margaret's father from Mr. O. Dawson. Hopes to get to Scotland before another year.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Mr. Crerar is leaving from Britain in fifteen minutes. Sends a few American books with Mr. Crerar for Margaret's nephews and nieces. Has not had time to find anything for Margaret. Remarks that his parents are ill, but that it is not serious.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Comments on Margaret's letter of September 2nd. Has heard news that gossip says Margaret has a husband. Speaks of attending a Church meeting. His father has just finished his harvest.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Appreciates Margaret's letters. Speaks of his father's love for his farm. Remarks on meeting a girl who was sailing to the United States because Pictou was dull and the wages were low.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Remarks that his last letter had not been answered, but that the original terms of their correspondence was that she never promised to answer any of his letters. Hopes to visit her next year.

Letter from John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh
Discusses Margaret's lack of confidence. Comments on her views regarding the differences between life in Pictou and life in Edinburgh. States that he was called to Halifax about a month ago to give some information to the Legislative committee about the coal and iron deposits. Also speaks of lecturing to the temperance societies.

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
States that Margaret's mother is almost as dear to him as his own. Comments on seeing Dr. Kennedy.