1 sheet ; 9 1/2" h x 15 1/4" w
This is pale buff stationery with a 3/8" h x 5/8" w embossed scrolled cartouche with the word "HOME" inside the frame in the upper left corner. Someone wrote "Feb. 28, 1861" in pencil near the top edge. Mr. Hayden wrote in cursive with brown ink. Mr. Hayden was attending the College of St. James [an Episcopal college in Hagerstown] during the time he wrote the letter. A friend or acquaintance had evidently renounced God, to the sorrow of his parents and friends. Mr. Hayden blamed the "degraded" village of Chaptico. Mr. Hayden discussed the lovely spring weather and then asked to be remembered to a long list of family and friends. He also asked for copies of the Beacon, when convenient. A transcription of the letter is included.