Rebecca Gratz to Maria Gist Gratz - January 12, 1832

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria about the health and future plans of family and friends, the newest literature, and progress in transportation. She also mentions her nephew's excitement about the visit of Maria's children.

Writing to her sister-in-law Maria, Rebecca discusses the engagement of her nephew, Benjamin Etting, and the heartbreak of her niece, Ellen Etting. She also details the scandal and subsequent legal battle between two Philadelphia citizens over one's conduct with the other's wife.

After reading Harriet Martineau's latest book, Rebecca shares with her sister-in-law Maria her concern over foreign visitors' focus on slavery when discussing the United States. She also gives updates on her nephew Horace's current geological work.

Rebecca asks her sister-in-law Maria to assist a divorcee from England during her stay in Lexington and to visit Philadelphia during the winter. She also promises to send her a copy of Walter Scott's Fortunes of Nigel.

Rebecca continues to persuade her sister-in-law Maria to visit Philadelphia after the death of her eldest son, Benjamin. She also informs her of the marriage of Ben Etting, her nephew, to Harriet Marx Etting.