The earlier letters in this file are written by Thornton from the Russell household, whilst William is away in Paris. He conveys news of the family and wishes from William's father [Lord Russell, future 1st Duke of Bedford] as well as mentioning some national news and keeping William informed of the progress of his horses which are due to be sent from Rye to France but continue to be much delayed by poor currents and unfavourable sailing weather. Thornton also spends much of his letters to the young William warning him of the temptations of his age and location and heeding him to stay virtuous.
The second group of letters are written after the death of Lady Russell's husband William, Lord Russell, now as an old man with a shakier hand, Thornton keeps Lady Russell abreast of news from her father-in-law and Thornton's long-term employee the Duke of Bedford, whose health is turbulent. He also makes frequent mention of Mr Hicks, who resides with Lord Tavistock [Lady Russell's son Wriothesley] whilst he is at university in Oxford and updates the family on his progress at university. There is also mention of Lady Roos [possibly Catherine Wriothesley Noel, daughter or Lady Russell] expecting a child [possibly Dorothy Manners] and Lord Tavistock travelling abroad, in the last two letters in this group (CS1/10.9 and CS1/10.10).