Charles E. Etting to Rebecca Gratz - July 14, 1861

Solomon writes to his aunt-in-law Rebecca, outlining his strong support for the insitution of slavery in the South. Miriam thanks her aunt for the books she sent to their children.

Rebecca tells her friend Maria about the doings and materials needs of Matilda and Ann (Maria's stepdaughters), and The Port Folio editor's interest in publishing Maria's work.

Rebecca offers consolation to her sister-in-law Ann after the murder of her brother, Charles Boswell. Still mourning the death of her nephew Isaac Moses, she also comments on how the early loss of his mother affected his life.

Rebecca informs her sister-in-law Maria of a religious disagreement among a few members of the Orphan Asylum, updates her on the health of family and friends, and shares the family's thoughts on the most recent literature.

Writing on the eve of Yom Kippur, Rebecca asks her sister-in-law Maria to forgive her for not writing sooner and updates her on the activities of family and friends.