This epistolary novel begins with a letter from James at Mr. F.B.'s request. James tells him about America, but he also says that he wishes Mr. F.B. could have found a more educated letter writer. Mr. F.B. is a clergyman and a mentor to James. He responds with comments of encouragement, and then talks about the American concept of the equality of man.
They exchange again, and James tells about his community and the nature around him, telling about the differences between Europe and America. He celebrates the American ideal of independence and the autonomy of the individual. He says America is defined by humility and the genuine willingness to help others. James tells in his next letters about Nantucket. There, he sees unique customs that strike him as odd. He is especially intrigued by the fascinating ways of the Quakers, who are religious mystics in the area.
One day, James sees a slave dying after being left in a cage. He writes about his second thoughts, his reservations. He writes about how that changes his opinion of America, deciding in his letters that slavery is evil, that it is contrary to American ideals, and that it should be stopped. Mr. F.B. asks him to tell about the local snakes, so James tells a few stories of his encounters with snake. A visitor comes from Russia. James writes about the man and his life as a botanist. He writes about the Revolutionary War, and his escape to live with the natives.
