The writer addresses Mary Payne (Russell) and it seems likely the writer is Mary's sibling or sibling-in-law. Based on the woman-centered language and content of the letter, the writer appears to be a woman. (Mary [Russell] Payne had only two siblings according to available records: her brother Albert and sister, Dorcas [Russell] Bolles. Family researchers have speculated that James Russell was another sibling, though conclusive proof is wanting. Since both Albert and Dorcas are mentioned in this letter and the writer is probably a woman, it seems possible that Mary has a heretofore undocumented sibling, or the writer was an unnamed in-law). The writer denounces the South for the rebellion and for slavery. Later, the writer discusses the difficulty of living alone without any family member around to provide care. The writer closes by sending sympathies to Mary, Arnold, Albert, and Diantha, all of whom were battling illness.
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