Describe it as if you were explaining to someone who can't see it.

THINK ABOUT.
Is it handwritten or typed?
Are there stamps or other marks?
What else do you see on it?

OBSERVE ITS PARTS.
Who wrote it?
Who read/received it?
When and where is it from?

TRY TO MAKE SENSE OF IT.
What is it talking about? Write one sentence summarizing this document.
Why did the author write it? Quote evidence from the document that tells
you this

USE IT AS HISTORICAL EVIDENCE.
What did you find out from this document that you might not learn
anywhere else?
What other documents or historical evidence are you going to use to help
you understand this event or topic?​