William St. Loe writes to his wife, Bess (Lady St. Loe), from London, complaining of the cost of staying at court; asks her to send towels and other things; advises her on the use of horses at Chatsworth; and describes how the queen has complained about his previous absence from court. He mentions an 'extreme pain in my teeth'.

Elizabeth Wingfield writes to her half-sister, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), to confirm that her husband (Anthony Wingfield) has delivered Bess's venison to the queen and spoke with her for 'a long hour', during which time the queen expressed her 'love and affection' for Bess and her husband George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury. The queen is looking forward to seeing Bess. On the overleaf, in Bess's hand, there is a list of noblewomen and noblemen.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), thanking her for her letter, and for venison and puddings she sent. He describes a conversation he had with the queen (Elizabeth I), in which she hinted at her trust in him, which he suspects to be connected with Mary Queen of Scots (for whom custodianship has yet to be determined). He hopes to be with Bess, his 'greatest joy', for Christmas. The plague rages in London and the queen therefore intends not to go to Greenwich for Christmas as was previously planned. Lady Frances Cobham wishes Bess were there. He's been up late playing cards in the Privy Chamber. In a postscript, he asks Bess to tell his daughter Mary to write to him.

Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) writes to her husband George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, letting him know that the wine he sent is no good, suggesting they get someone else to buy it before it is undrinkable. She also discusses details regarding several servants of their household.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), to confirm his receipt of a flagon, 'conserve of roses' and '34 dozen [woolen cloths]', 20 of which he has delivered to Mary Queen of Scots, who thanks Bess for them. He also writes that he plans on sending 'one up with my tame stag [a horse] if you will have any letters up in haste'.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), that he intends to send her horses to bring her to him, 'for I think it long until you come'. One 'Kyrkle the Receivers man' has come for rents, saying Bess called him 'knave' - George tells her, 'I paid the knave your rent'. There is an outbreak of measles in the house and his 'colic is grievous'.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), and confirms receipt of 'the letter of your girl's hand' (that is, penned by a female servant of Bess's) that sets out her requests for supplies. Shrewsbury lists the various goods he sends in response: a book, a dozen pigeons, plate (basins, ewers and trenchers), a biliment (that is, a kind of French hood or head-dress worn by women, often richly elaborate) which cost twenty-one pounds, pheasant poults or chicks, venison pasties, beer, ale, boxes of comfits (that is, preserved sweets such as sugar-plums or sugared almonds), lemons and oranges.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), addressing her requests for 'iron [from] my smithies' and 'oats for seed'. Also relates how 'this lady [presumably Mary Queen of Scots] has been sick since you went'. He too has been ill as 'I have been too bold with herring which has made me sick all night'.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), about the offal (edible animal parts) he sends her weekly and conflicts between their building works due to scarcity of workmen, which she tends to keep for herself. He also welcomes her son (which son is not specified) and his wife's upcoming visit, and asks her to take orders for linens which are currently missing in the house.

Gilbert Talbot writes to his stepmother and mother-in-law, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), regarding the state of the Goodrich Castle estate and thanks her for the furniture she has given to him and his wife, Mary (Bess's daughter). He also writes at length about various provisions of fabric.

Elizabeth Wingfield writes to her half-sister, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), describing how well the queen liked the garments sent by Bess and her husband George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, and how it 'has caused her to give out such good speeches of my lord and your ladyship as I never heard of'. A postscript reports that all are well at Hackney.

John Kniveton, a servant, writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) to confirm that he has 'delivered the venison [pies] according to your ladyship's letter'; however, some of the pies were mouldy and 'not worth the giving'. He has also spoken with Master Sackford who, having heard 'evil speeches' about the earl of Shrewsbury (Bess's husband, George Talbot) in court from tenant 'inhabitants about the forest', plainly told Kniveton how 'hateful a thing it was before God and men to distress the poor'.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), in reply to a letter in which she has asked him to 'send up again', which he fears will not be permitted by the queen (Elizabeth I). He will send the wine she has requested and some of the money. He also expresses his best wishes for 'the great belly', i.e. Bess's pregnant daughter Mary Talbot (née Cavendish), and suggests that they do Elizabeth (née Cavendish), countess of Lennox, wrong by not having her at Chatsworth for her sister Mary's delivery.

Edwin Sandys, archbishop of York, writes to thank Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) for her 'courteous letters', a 'fat stag' and an 'honorable offer', the latter of which he does not answer for reasons entrusted to the bearer of the letter.

Lady Dorothy Stafford reports that she has presented Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury) and her grand-daughter, Arbella Stuart's new year's gifts to the queen. The queen has said she will 'be careful' of (i.e. act favourably for) Arbella and has sent her a token, albeit not as 'good as her Ladyship deserveth'. Lady Stafford asks Bess to keep the contents of the letter secret.

Edward Talbot writes to his stepmother, Bess (dowager countess of Shrewsbury), chiefly regarding his stepbrother and brother-in-law, Henry Cavendish's disgraceful debts and words spoken by Henry's wife, Grace (née Talbot; Edward's sister), in private to Edward's servant, who thought such speeches 'should not have proceeded from her'.