These letters discuss Bell’s continuing efforts to justify himself to the Colonial Secretary Lewis Harcourt over the Nigerian Mission issue. Other official subjects include finance and initiatives to revive the pineapple industry, improve living accommodation for the labouring classes, support mothers with young children, and to rationalise customs tariffs and establish free trade within the Leeward Islands. Bell also comments upon the economic plight of sugar planters and the question of race relations. Private subjects include his health, career prospects and the running of Sylvania (58 sheets).