Lady Frances Cobham writes to tell Bess (Lady St. Loe) about the expected delivery of her child. She sends sewing materials: a 'bassted' sleeve (that is, tacked to the right width) and material for a 'caylle' (that is, a caul, a kind of netted cap or head-dress worn by women) following a recent courtly fashion.

William Mouslo, a servant, writes to Bess (Lady St. Loe) to inform her that her friend Lady Frances Cobham has delivered a son; gives details of the christening; and suggestions for a pair of gowns to be prepared for Bess's husband, William St. Loe, for Christmas.

Hugh Fitzwilliam writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) with news he has heard second-hand, as he himself has seen little of note. He writes about Bess's husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, who is now the custodian of Mary Queen of Scots; a Dutch ambassador to the duke of Alba; the duke of Alba's army; an allegiance between the kings of Sweden and Denmark; France and the 'house of Guise'; and other political news from around Europe.

Hugh Fitzwilliam writes an account of current news to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), covering politics and conflicts across Europe. He also writes of England and the court, chiefly to do with Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots and the Northern Rebellion.

Hugh Fitzwilliam writes a long letter to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), sending her the 'articles of peace concluded and proclaimed' in France, in French; and reporting in some detail the treason trials in Norfolk, as well as the earl of Leicester's furnishing Kenilworth with 'armour, ammunition and all necessaries for defence'. The writer also reports on military movements of 'the Turk' in Cyprus and Venice.

Alexander Gordon, bishop of Galloway, writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) regarding the removal of Mary Queen of Scots' chaplain and the allowing of Gordon's eldest son to remain in Mary's presence. He has spoken of the matter with Bess's husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, but writes for her approval as 'I will have all things concerning me obtained by your Ladyship's procurement'.

Hugh Fitzwilliam writes a long letter of news to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), including an account of events surrounding the discovery of the Ridolfi Plot: conjecture on why 'the duke [of Norfolk]' has been imprisoned in the Tower - namely to do with intercepted letters and gold meant for Scottish lords in support of Mary Queen of Scots; the discovery of letters and a cipher at Norfolk's household; and details regarding the examination and torture of those involved. Additionally, he writes of news from abroad (including harm done by 'the Turk'), and Elizabeth I's attendance at the marriage of William Cecil's daughter, Anne, to Edward de Vere, seventeenth earl of Oxford.

Thomas Kniveton writes to his sister-in-law, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), regarding the health of her husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, who 'is reasonably well but cannot continue'. He also reports on information sent to Shrewsbury regarding the taking of Edinburgh castle and the movement of Scottish lords, which may have implications for the safety of the Shrewsbury's 'charge' (Mary Queen of Scots). This letter is undated but was apparently written during Shrewsbury’s collapse with gout in June 1571.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife and 'sweetheart', Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), thanking God for sending her to him in his 'oldest years'. He returns a letter by Elizabeth Wingfield concerning his custodianship of Mary Queen of Scots, which contains rumours 'of this queen's going from me'; and forwards a letter by John Kniveton, so she may hear the rumours 'of the young king'. Thanking her for the 'fat capon', he sends along with the letter 'a pheasant cock'.

Hugh Fitzwilliam writes to ask Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) what her wishes are regarding a secret meeting between 'two parties'; also sending various news items, including how the 'queen mother is sick and in a frenzy' on account of her son the king of Poland's imprisonment, peace in Scotland and uproar in Ireland.

Gilbert Talbot writes to his stepmother and mother-in-law, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), with news from the court: how 'the queen stirs little abroad', of a 'proclamation of apparel' and a rumour he has heard that his father, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury (Bess's husband), is sick again, which has caused Gilbert to be 'somewhat troubled'. He sends 'hearty commendations' from Lady Frances Cobham, who thinks Bess her 'dearest friend'.

Gilbert Talbot writes to his stepmother and mother-in-law, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), but does not know what to say without repeating news in a letter already written to his father (and Bess's husband), George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, which was intended for the both of them. He writes about his sister Katherine (née Talbot), countess of Pembroke's recovery from illness; trouble with tenants, 'those lewd fellows of the Peak'; and rumours that Sir Jerome's (Bowes?) brothers, Edward and Ralph, are not in France as claimed, but still in England.

Anne Talbot (née Herbert) writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) that she has little news to report due to her infrequent visits to court. She promises to write 'after my old accustomed manner' and expresses fears that 'my sister of Pembroke's good delivery [. . .] will not fall out so well as I could wish'.

Gilbert Talbot writes to his stepmother and mother-in-law, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), with news of the earl and (his sister Katherine) countess of Pembroke's recent trip to Antwerp in a ship lent to them by the queen. His father (Bess's husband), the sixth earl of Shrewsbury, is 'in exceeding cholor of slight occasion' and Gilbert is troubled that 'he speaks nothing of my going to house', for 'I rather wish myself a ploughman than here [i.e. in Sheffield] to continue'. He sends wishes for Bess's good health on the behalf of himself, his wife, Mary (Bess's daughter), and their son, 'your ladyship's pretty fellow'.

Gilbert Talbot writes to his stepmother and mother-in-law, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), that her husband (also Gilbert's father), George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, is at Wingfield and that Gilbert's wife, Mary (née Cavendish; Bess's daughter) and their children are well. Otherwise, 'all things are so well and quiet that truly I know not anything wherewith to enlarge this letter'.

Richard Topcliffe writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) about various lords and ladies, chiefly Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, who was just at Buxton and is now a little troubled with a boil on his leg. Also mentions an 'old dead suit' regarding Bess's son Charles Cavendish, which Dudley will bring 'unto a new life'.

Gilbert Talbot writes to his father, George (sixth earl of Shrewsbury) and his stepmother and mother-in-law, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), reporting that Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, 'has written unto your lordship such news as is stirring, for my self I know none, but such as are common'. Nonetheless, he writes at length on news from the court: the visit of Johann Casimir and gifts given to him; about the queen's 'good usage of Monseiur Simier [Jean de Simier] and all his company'; 'of queen mother her coming into England'; an unresolved matter between the earl of Rutland and Master Markham; and various other news. The letter is also signed by Gilbert's wife, Mary (née Cavendish; Bess's daughter).

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'.

Charles Cavendish writes a long letter to his mother, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), with news of their suit at court regarding familial discord with Bess's husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury. His niece (Bess's grand-daughter) Arbella Stuart has received a positive reception at court. Just last week there was a rumour being circulated that gout had finally killed Bess's husband (untrue). Charles also sends news about events in the Low Countries, Scotland and France.

Gilbert and Mary Talbot write to Mary's mother, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), thanking her for lending them her litter, which they return after a safe arrival at Dunstable. They report 'such news as on the queen's highways we have met': about the queen's appearance in parliament, appointments in parliament, and prisoners in the Tower of London. A postscript by Mary mentions a Mistress Markham whom they left at Beskewood.