Rachel Gratz Etting to Rebecca Gratz - August 04, 1809

After six weeks of silence, Rebecca urges her sister-in-law Maria to write. She also expands on her sense of loss after her niece Miriam got married and critiques the actions of trade unions.

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria, answering her questions about Jewish religion, and warns her of false myths about Judaism. She also gives updates on the health, travels, and marriage plans of family and friends.

Frances aplogizes to her sister Rebecca for her tardy reply due to a toothache and inquires about their sister Rachel's health.

Rebecca sends further updates to her sister-in-law Maria about her sons, who are staying with Rebecca, including about Bernard's tooth extraction. Rebecca's niece Sara tells Maria more about her sons and asks her to come back soon.

Rebecca writes to her brother Ben of their sister Sarah's (Sally) poor health, her concern over military action, and how it is affecting their friends in the South.

Rebecca writes to her brother Ben, sharing news of the sudden death of an old family friend, Ogden Hoffman, and a recent fire in Philadelphia.