Holograph, signed.

In this letter, Joseph Ricketson gives news of the death and funeral of Mrs. Thomas Mandell (also known as Abby Osgood Mandell) and pays tribute to her character. Not yet very strong, Joseph Ricketson has been living very quietly. Ricketson comments to Deborah Weston: "Don't you think it would benefit you to make us a visit. Fanny will be glad to have you any time. We live very quietly, more so than ever if possible---have hardly been out of an evening this winter---It will do me good to see you---it will break up the monotony of my life to say the least of it--- ..." Joseph Ricketson reports on the health and affairs of various acquaintances. Wendell Phillips's lecture was universally liked. "Will Rotch says that Wendell is the only man fit to be President in these times." Joseph Ricketson comments on William Lloyd Garrison's "sublime lecture" in New York. He praises Mr. Potter, the New Bedford minister who is "as fearless & bold as Garrison himself."

Pasted to the first page of this letter are two newspaper clippings pertaining to the death of Mrs. Abby Osgood Mandell.