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
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 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
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
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 Margaret A. Y. Mercer, 6 Windmill Street, Edinburgh, to John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia
Discusses her humility and lack of confidence. Expresses uncertainty in her feelings and desires. Comments on having a humorous chat with her mother.

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 Margaret A. Y. Mercer, Haddington, Scotland, to John William Dawson, Pictou, Nova Scotia
Remarks that she is staying with a wealthy Christian family. Describes the excitement of visiting.

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
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.