Dexter, a student at Andover Theological Seminary, relates the course of his studies and asks that James send him Taylor's Mental Philosophy.

Dexter relates more of his studies. He writes exhuberantly of the return of [Edward Amasa] Park (1808-1900), Bartlet Professor of Sacred Rhetoric, and repeats several examples of Park's brilliance. One of the stories is described as "one of Park's Parkest."

With appended letter to Horace James from Mrs. Mattie Johnson. Dexter writes hastily because examinations are upcoming. Mrs. Johnson writes chattily about her family and church.

Dexter advises James that he cannot attend the General Association, but invites James and his wife to visit him and wife.

Dexter tells James that Mrs. Johnson is ill with dysentery. He expresses concern that she may die.

Dexter and his wife awaiting the completion of their townhouse and their new church, invite James and his wife to visit. Dexter sends regrets for not writing and asks James to convey them to Mrs. Johnson.

Dexter informs James that he cannot find a book James has asked for.

Dexter advises James to take an assignment in Worcester on grounds that he has advanced as far as possible in his present pastorate.

Dexter writes of the illness of his wife's family. His father-in-laws has chronic diarrhea and his mother-in-law has dysentery. Dexter also advises James that he has recommended him as Chaplain of Psi Upsilon convention to be held in Cambridge the following week.

Dexter is following a regimen to reduce eye strain in hopes that his eye ailment will improve.

Dexter asks James to give a private reading to a letter from John L. Seymour, who wants to go to Kansas. Dexter writes approvingly of him as experienced with Indians and squatters, and as one who would be a good missionary.

Dexter tells James of a confidential letter he has published in the Congregationalist in very general terms, hoping that although he has "transgressed a little" perhaps the content of the letter will not "get back to him".

Dexter asks James for a half column article on "freedom or Kansas" to be published in the Congregationalist and which will be circulated to "nearly every minister in New England".

Dexter plans a trip to Gloucester. with James and asks for four articles to be published while they are away.

Dexter asks James to help "Adams of Malden" [Massachusetts] find a new pastorate. Dexter identifies him as "one of "our" kind, and (of course) a good preacher."