They also provide comments on such events as the proclamation of Washington Territory, the disaster of the steamship Golden Gate , and the Vancouver fire of 1859. There are frequent lists of wages, prices, and available goods for the entire decade of the 1850s. Discussion of politics and religion occurs throughout the letters. Two early 1855 letters discuss the various churches to which the settlers belonged. The letters of John Biles often comment on both national and territorial politics.
Indian relations are another important topic of discussion.
A May 1852 letter by John Biles describes the Indian attack on Port Orford and includes a sketch of the battle. In addition, there are frequent references to Indian servants and farmhands. The papers also amply document the reactions of family members to their changed surroundings and circumstances. Apparently neither wealthy nor well-educated, the Malicks were initially delighted by the new territory. The letters of the mid-1850s document a series of difficulties for the family, including the deaths of George Malick and Rachel Malick Biles and John Biles' departure from the Territory.