Margaret (Peggy) Ewing to Rebecca Gratz - May 02, [18XX]

Rebecca tells her sister-in-law Maria about the career of her nephew, Horace, and the new marriage of her niece, Miriam. She also critiques society's preoccupation with material wealth.

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria about the effects of Yellow fever, including the death of a New Orleans pastor, and tells Maria that their Philadelphia social circle desires to see Ben.

Rebecca commiserates with her friend Maria about the health concerns within Maria's family and shares her first impressions of Maria Gist Gratz, Ben's future wife.

Writing shortly after her mother's death, Rebecca tells her friend Maria that her niece was named after her mother Miriam in a religious ceremony. She also shares her happiness about Maria's step-daughter's impending marriage and inquires about other family members.

Writing to her sister-in-law Maria, Rebecca describes her recent trip to upstate New York and parts of New England. She also updates her on the activities and health of family members, including Rebecca's cousins, who are grieving their mother.