In this manuscript letter Dudgeon writes of his dissatisfaction with the current situation within British society. He feels there is "a spirit of domination that seems still to predominate amongst the Aristocracy" and at present little chance of "amelioration taking place amongst the great mass of Society"; adds the crisis has not yet arrived that will convince the "Rulers of Nations, that society must be formed on the basis of Charity and Co-operation".
It is against this background, Dudgeon explains, he has decided to leave his Falkirk home for a new life in America; asks Owen for letters of introduction he promised when the two met at Hamilton, Scotland the previous year; hopes to visit the Co-operative Societies once he is in America.