Holograph, signed with the initial "M."

Mary Anne Estlin was relieved of the anxiety she felt upon receiving Caroline Weston's letter and news about her; people in Bristol "stopped us on the streets to ask about you." Mary A. Estlin has been uneasy about her cousin Walter (Bagehot?). Mr. John Bishop Estlin at present has "a collection of disorders" due to cold and over-exertion." Mrs. Follen is now staying with Lady Byron. Mary A. Estlin gives local news. Anti-slavery work keeps up briskly. Although, through the absence of Miss Tribe, Mary A. Estlin has no helper. She has sent the "declaration of independence" and propostion for a new paper to about 50 societies and many friends. John Socble has been attacking Ed Mathews as a preliminary to his scheme to get hold of the Dawn Institute. E. Mathews has "all the documents required to expose him." Mary A. Estlin refers to Caroline Weston's "erroneous ideas we consider you have long entertained of the position of the cause here." She discusses Caroline Weston's "judgment of Mr. Mathews"; she contrasts her own difference of opinion, which is unaffected by her affection for and admiration of Caroline Weston. Caroline Weston's persistent condemnation of Mathews for the course he pursues is "not quite an evidence of impartiality." She refers to "that little sinner Mr. Kerry," who came to a committee meeting as a spy. The Ladies' Committee continues steady and harmonious. They are, however, reconvinced one who does not belong to them," and Mary A. Estlin thinks there is some truth in this conclusion. She tells of the reactions of different individuals. Comments playfully on the vanity displayed in a letter from Anne W. Weston.

Mary A. Estlin started this letter on Dec. 29, 1851, continued writing on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 1851, and finished on Jan. 1st, 1852.