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.

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'.

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.

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.

Bess (countess of Shrewsbury) writes to an unidentified addressee with advice on how to write a persuasive letter to one of her sons, suggesting that 'the more earnest and plain it is the more good it will do you'.

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'.

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'.

Bess, countess of Shrewsbury, writes a short message to Gilbert Curle, servant to Mary Queen of Scots, asking him to pass on her letter to the Scots Queen (ID 244) 'with that speed you may'.

Elizabeth Cavendish (later countess of Lennox) writes to her mother, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), to thank her for lending her a litter for a journey.

Bess, countess of Shrewsbury, writes a somewhat cryptic letter to Mary Queen of Scots, to do with 'your little poor creature' and other letters, which Bess has also sent. For the accompanying letter to Mary's servant, Gilbert Curle, see ID 243.

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'.

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.

Frances Pierrepont (née Cavendish) writes to her mother, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), with New Year's wishes, enclosing linen and a drinking glass as gifts.

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 Talbot, sixth earl of Shrewsbury, sends news to his wife, Bess (countess of Shrewsbury), regarding the health of 'this lady' (probably Mary Queen of Scots) and mentions others' health as reported in a letter from Elizabeth (née Cavendish), countess of Lennox. He advises that the latter be advised to eat fruit, 'which she loves well' (probably in reference to her pregnancy with Arbella Stuart at the time).