Miriam Gratz Moses Cohen to Rebecca Gratz - December 31, 1854

Relieved that her sister-in-law Maria made it home safely after her visit to Philadelphia, Rebecca updates her on the health and activities of family and friends. She also shares some society gossip.

In writing to her friend Maria, Rebecca muses about the difference in the social and romantic life in Maria's family compared to her own and her single brothers.

Rebecca tells her sister-in-law Maria of the deaths of Becky Cohen, her cousin, and Joseph Marx, her niece's father-in-law, and comments on the meaning of suffering. She also remarks on the portrait of Eliza Blair, Maria's sister.

Rebecca sends further condolences to her brother Ben on the death of his wife, Maria, and updates him on family news.

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Ann, wishing her a happy new year, inquiring about the well-being of her children and step-children, and updating her on the health and whereabouts of family and friends. She also expresses her shock over the sinking of the steam ship "San Francisco."