This collection is made up of 4 letters that Joseph V. Bacon wrote to his sister Harriet and to his brother-in-law, concerning disputes over the inheritance of his parents' estate. He composed the letters in Boston in June and July 1855.
Bacon proposed specific legal actions to be undertaken by his brother-in-law, Mr. Eaton, including the creation of deeds for the disputed land. Though initially cooperative, the relationship between the parties rapidly deteriorated, and Bacon revealed his increasing frustration with the fighting between his siblings. He referred to several heated arguments, and reflected on his sorrow as a result of the rifts that developed from the disagreements. Though he admitted that the matter was complicated by his parents' vagueness and secrecy, he primarily attributed the family conflict to Eaton's actions, and finally threatened to take the matter to court. His final letter, dated July 30, 1855, relates primarily to legal matters, but also refers to a woman’s role in relation to her husband, and alludes to a wife's presumed lack of privacy.
