Frances Gratz Etting to Rebecca Gratz - May 03, 1801

Rebecca sends her condolences to her friend Maria and Maria's husband, Josiah, on the death of his daughter Matilda who had been engaged to Washington Irving.

Rebecca tries to cheer up her sister-in-law Maria by telling of a prank their nieces pulled on the family. She also comments on the effects of the country's economic difficulties on family and friends and updates her on the presence of Small Pox in Philadelphia.

Rebecca opines to her sister-in-law Maria on the latest fiction, lists the poetry her niece Sara is currently reading, and updates her on the health of family and friends.

Rebecca tells her friend Maria of the safe birth of Rachel's son, discusses their friends the Hamiltons, and informs her on the death of a mututal acquaintance.

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.

Rebecca writes to her friend Maria, expressing sympathies after Charles, Maria's son, lost his leg. She also shares news of family members' health issues and Philadelphia's social scene.