Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), regretting that he is not there to greet her (at an unspecified location), as he is attending the queen at 'Nonsuch'; but invites her to 'command & dispose of house & all that is in it even as you would of your very own'.

Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) writes to her husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, accusing him of forgetting 'your none [a pet name for herself]', as he has not sent the plumber she requested and the provision for beer and ale have been so poor of late. She mentions 'a letter of all the news I received', which she asks him to return once he has read it. Also enclosed are 'some lettuce and butter'.

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 say that he is sorry to hear she is unwell and he thinks it long since he has seen her. He plans to travel to London soon.

Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) writes to Lord Thomas Paget, reprimanding him about persuading her son Henry to negotiate an agreement with unspecified contemptible parties, which has been to Henry's disadvantage. She asks Paget to 'stand the more [Henry's] friend' for the conclusion of the matter.

Edward Manners, third earl of Rutland, writes to Bess (countess of Shewsbury), to recommend the bearer, one Mistress Higgens, who was servant to Manner's late aunt (Lady Gertrude, the former countess of Shrewsbury). Manners asks Bess to show Mistress Higgens 'good furtherance' (that is, help or aid) and to consider her claim to 'aparaunt' (that is, her right to remain employed in the family's service).

Richard Cavendish writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), asking her to take his niece into her service.

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.

Arthur Curzon writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) concerning a warrant dormant (i.e. a blank one to be filled out with names and/or particulars when needed) he had been given by her husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, which the latter now withholds. Curzon had given to Shrewsbury a gown in tawny cloth lined and trimmed with 'lukkes velluet' (i.e. velvet from Liège in Belgium), and also lent him money in a card game, and asks Bess to now help him claim his due.

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.

An unidentified author ('John') writes to advise Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) to look into the legal matter of William Vaughan's outlawry, which will result in confiscation of his lands, and thus possibly Bess's financial disadvantage. Further, he is waiting for Bess's instructions regarding proceedings with one Cole.

Gilbert Talbot writes to his father, George (sixth earl of Shrewsbury), and his stepmother and mother-in-law, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), reporting that he and his brother-in-law, Henry Cavendish, have arrived safely in Padua. He assures them that since 'we are now well settled in so convenient a place [. . .] we doubt not but to employ the time that we tary here according to your honours' expectation of us'.

Henry Cavendish writes to his mother, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), and her husband, George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, from Padua, with a report of he and his brother-in-law Gilbert Talbot's travels in Europe; asking to 'know your honours' pleasures, either for our further travel, abode here, or return'.

George, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, writes to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), asking her for advice regarding the appointment of one Anthony Barlow as a pursuivant. He also asks her to keep her promise to be with him 'within a fortnight at the furthest', and therefore to let him know when to send her horses.

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'.

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'.

A correspondent 'Jo.L.' (perhaps John Lenton) writes somewhat cryptically of a matter concerning Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) and 'Master Pierrepont', himself acting 'as a mean between the two parties, loving both so well as none better'. He has heard that Anne Pierrepont is in love with one Teverle Teyvle, which leaves Bess's 'hope of Master Chaworth that ways daunted'. Master Pierrepont has a book of his called 'Galen in physick', which has assured Pierrepont that 'wedlock helpeth and hurteth not that thing'.

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.

William Cecil, Lord Burghley, writes to Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) to report that one 'Hersey Lassels' has been implicated in dealings with Mary Queen of Scots and claims to have been doing so with Bess's knowledge. Cecil asks Bess 'to let me understand the truth of such matter'.

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.