The collection consists of a three-page letter written December 5th, 1846, from Harriet of Sandy River Church, Virginia (a town in Prince Edward County) to "Miss Ruth H. Shootman, Big Lick, Roanoke, Va." The first half of the letter provides Ruth with updates on possible and past suitors in Harriet's life and details on plans for future travel together to Texas. In the second half of the letter, Harriet talks about recent ailments, local news, and her best wishes for Ruth and her family.