Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) writes to William Cecil, Lord Burghley, following the death of her husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury. She hopes that all quarrel in her family has died with George, and thanks Burghley for the favour he has shown her.

Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) writes to her daughter, Mary, countess of Shrewsbury, asking her to move her husband, Gilbert (seventh earl of Shrewsbury), to bring the murderer of Bess's 'cousin Leake' to 'due judgement'. Bess also warns to be wary of dealings with one Sir John Berrone, as the latter is thought to 'befriend' the man who committed the murder.

Robert Devereux, second earl of Essex, writes to Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) to recommendation the bearer, Christopher Hannam, who wishes to enter Bess's service as a gentleman usher. Despite the endorsements by Essex, Sir John Wingfield and Lady Kent, Hannam does not subsequently appear in the account books or wage lists for Bess's households.

Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) writes to William Cecil, Lord Burghley, regarding troubled negotiations with her stepson and son-in-law, Gilbert, seventh earl of Shrewsbury, 'in respect of my widow's part'.

A document containing several copies and/or drafts of letters: The first is from an unidentified author to Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) to do with the 'woods about Alton Park as are meet to be dispended in the ironworks there'. Following this are letters from an unidentified writer to Gilbert, sixth earl of Shrewsbury (Bess's stepson and son-in-law), and from an unidentified writer to an unidentified addressee, also on the subject of 'woods'.

Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) writes to William Cecil, Lord Burghley, in reply to his letter about rumoured plans to abduct Bess and her grand-daughter, Arbella Stuart. Bess assures him that she will protect Arbella to the best of her ability. She also tells him about one of Arbella's attendants, Morley, who she has dismissed due to his suspicious behaviour. The letter was penned by her son, William Cavendish, because her head hurts; however, no one else knows of the matter.

Susan Wingfield writes to Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) informing her that her search for a clerk for Bess has yet been unsuccessful; but recommends the bearer of the letter as a porter. Apologises for employing a scribe for writing the letter, but 'my finger continues so evil as that I am not able to hold a pen'.

Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) responds to one William Lacye who claims to have a right to receive 16 shillings a year, writing 'I assure myself there is not any at all due unto you'. She has arranged for a Master Barber of Bristol to meet with Lacye's counsel, should he contest the matter.

William Cecil, Lord Burghley, writes to Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury), commending the marriage between Bess's granddaughter, 'Mistress Pierrepont', and George Manners. He also advises her to 'visit your friends and children, and not live so solitary as it seems you do there in Chatsworth amongst hills and rocks of stones'. This letter is a copy sent from Bess, via her son William Cavendish, to John Manners. William writes that once Manners has perused the copy, Bess desires him to 'return it again'.

Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) writes to Lady Kitson regarding covenants drawn up to do with 'assurances of land' upon the marriage (in 1582) of her son, Charles Cavendish, and his now deceased wife, Margaret (Lady Kitson's daughter). Bess requests Lady Kitson 'to look up the said obligation and articles and to deliver them to this bearer' as there is now need of them.

Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) writes to Sir Francis Willoughby regarding a land mortgage which she finds expensive in comparison with others he has offered to others. She agrees nonetheless, not because she wants his land, but because she desires the 'security of them that are to disburse this money'.

Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) writes to Richard Bagot regarding a workman named Tuft who has 'dealt very badly and lewdly with me'.

Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) writes to Sir Robert Cecil, congratulating him on being chosen as the queen's principal secretary.

Sir Francis Willoughby writes to Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) regarding the value of lands, claiming she has received erroneous reports from the surveyors. He hopes that she will still grant a mortgage.

Sir William Cobham writes Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) to thank her for permitting certain 'black stone' for his building works to be retrieved from her grounds.

Roger Manners, fifth earl of Rutland, writes to Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) on behalf of the bearer of the letter, expressing the latter's thanks for her favour and eagerness to be of service to her. Manners also acknowledges gratitude for Bess's favour shown towards himself, 'and the more that no sinister practice can withdraw your good opinion from me'.

Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) writes to the earl and countess of Shrewsbury (her stepson and son-in-law, Gilbert, and her daughter, Mary), enquiring after their and the children's health and telling them of her own; advising them to come into the country where the air is better than in London. Also, she is assured that Master Winter has no right to 'the ground [he] pretendeth title to'.

Charles Cavendish informs his mother, Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury), of an upcoming visit to her, 'tomorrow at night', to be paid by Gilbert and Mary (Bess's daughter), earl and countess of Shrewsbury.

William Cavendish writes to his mother, Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury), about 'Basford's matter'; a visit to the Master of the Pells, who is ill; and Lady Arbella (Stuart), Bess's grand-daughter, being at Edmonton.

Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) writes to Walter Bagot, asking him to evict a widow Bagshaw who holds a farm unlawfully in Wetton and 'has used herself very disorderly and will yield to no reason'.