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Writing for her husband, Varina Davis commends and congratulates Francis for receiving recognition from Congress for devising a method to corrugate the strength of the iron in a lifeboat without affecting its lightness: "I rejoice that your own country has at last added its recognition to that of foreign powers." Signed by Varina for Jefferson Davis.

Varina writes a chatty letter, opening with apparent sarcasm concerning a Mrs. Gilmer and her "sensational telegram", hoping that she and Mr. Davis will see Early in New Orleans en route to their plantation, and mentioning a friend named Minnie who is suffering from a bruised foot contracted at a dance.

Writing for her husband, Varina Davis expresses skepticism that Judah P. Benjamin wrote a seemingly scathing letter. Considering Benjamin's patriotism and intelligence, she writes "The charge is too absurd to require answer." Signed by Varina for Jefferson Davis.