Rebecca Gratz to Julia Williams Rush Biddle - April 07, 1862

Rebecca writes to her friend Margaret (Peggy) about the social scene of Baltimore, announces the birth of her nephew Edward and discusses the rise of summer residences in Oakland outside of Baltimore and Germantown, PA, due to the fear of Yellow Fever.

Rebecca continues to tell her sister-in-law Maria of the activities of Maria's son Howard while he attends school in Philadelphia. She also recommends some books she is reading and the effects of the economic depression on some family and friends.

Miriam writes to her aunt Rebecca, worrying about the health of her sister, Becky, after she gave birth and reflects on her brother Horace's plans to go to Russia. She also gives updates on her benevolent activities and the health and travels of family and friends.

Writing to her sister-in-law Maria, Rebecca compares her own and her niece's outlook on life and tells of a Christian woman's hope to convert her. She also commends her brother Ben for purchasing two female slaves to remove them from their dire circumstances.

Rebecca tells her sister-in-law about her visit to an elegant reception hosted by the Blight family. She also comments on the latest literature and the precarious state of book publishing in England.