Miriam Gratz Moses Cohen to Rebecca Gratz - February 18, 1839

Rebecca writes to her brother Ben after hearing a rumor that her nephew Cary is engaged. She reflects on the death of Washington Irving and updates her brother on the health and travels of family and friends.

Rebecca tells her sister-in-law Maria about her nephew Benjamin Etting's journey to China and his delayed return, the effects of her neighbor's death on his widow, and shares various other updates about family and friends.

Rebecca praises her sister-in-law Ann for her active and productive life, shares news of friends and family and discusses the works of several writers.

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria, discussing the current social scene in Philadelphia, the financial difficulties of mutual acquaintances, and giving family updates.

Writing amidst the Cholera epidemic, Rebecca tries to alleviate her sister-in-law Maria's fears and shares advice on diet, including a recipe for rice pudding. She also tells of the dramatic circumstances under which an acquaintance gave birth.