Cornelia E. Boardman writes to her mother Mary Anna Whiting Boardman thanking her for the present of a New Year's letter. Notes their spring-like weather; describes preparations for New Year's that she and Caroline made including making new dresses and decorating rooms; notes they had between 250 and 300 calls for New Year's; describes the flowers, tale, cakes. Charles was unhappy to have to make the eggnog with wine as all ardent spirits were discarded; describes her nephew; tells her mother that scarlet fever has claimed many children; provides gossip about various friends and notes visits to family members.