Mary Keene Boswell Riggs to Rebecca Gratz - June 04, 1844

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Ann, begging for information on her brother Ben after the death of his son Cary in battle.

Slowey writes to her friend Rebecca about the recent Cholara epidemic in the city and reflects on the death of two of her siblings. In response to a duel involving Philip Minis, she comments at length on the practice and denounces it, in part on religious grounds.

Writing to her friend Rebecca, Slowey shares her sadness about her own sister's departure while rejoicing that Rebecca's sister Rachel moved back to Philadelphia. She also reflects on the death of Charles Fenno, a brother of Rebecca's friend, Maria Fenno Hoffman, and comments on some pro-Napoleonic sentiment in Boston.

Amid the calamities of Civil War, Rebecca writes to her brother Ben, updating him on the health struggles of various family members and the wellbeing of John Markoe, a Union captain and family friend.

Quoting parts of Rebecca's letter, Margaret (Peggy) reflects on their friendship and letter writing, thinking their style could fit the literary journal The Port Folio. She also comments on hasty weddings.