This manuscript letter opens with Rigby given Owen an account of him taking his wife to Stratford-le-Bow to catch a train. En route at Hackney Wick lightening struck and 20 sheep were killed, the telegraph wires melted and the building shook. Since the event Rigby has been complaining of pains in his head when thinking too much or reading.
Despite the discomfort, Rigby writes he "must report" of his progress with errands and tasks he has been carrying out on Owen's behalf. This mainly concerns the delivering of parcels to various individuals, including arranging for one to be shipped to "Robert the 2nd" [Dale Owen] in America.