This manuscript letter opens with Ironside asking Owen's permission to use his "model of a Community", so that it may be displayed alongside other models and paintings at the Mechanics Institute, Sheffield in February of the following year.
Discussion turns to the good progress being made with the building [Mechanics Institute] in Sheffield. The recent storm did not inflict damage - prompting one member to say "if we built it according to the laws of Physics and Nature, neither God nor the Devil would blow it down" and they expectation is the building will be ready [to open] "in 6 weeks". Owen is asked to make arrangements to go to Sheffield and open the Institute.
The letter closes with reference being made to Mr [William] Hodson's plan to establish a community at Wisbech. Owen is asked to write to [George] Fleming and tell him "not to throw cold water on Hodson's affairs" because of any ill feelings Fleming may have towards that part of the country due to the "termination of the Wretton affairs". Ironside feels "Fleming was more wrong...than [James] Hill" in that affair. Ironside also writes of visiting Hodson and of being impressed with the man's "boldness and energy", he believes "every encouragement should be given to Hodson".