Rebecca Gratz to Anna Maria Boswell Shelby Gratz - August 12, 1849

Rebecca updates her sister-in-law Maria on family news, reflects on the status of American literature in Europe, and describes governance issues at the Orphan Asylum following the fire and the efforts of the Central Phrenological Society of Philadelphia.

A personal letter from 'Pe.' in Berlin to 'Elie' dated June 26, 1999. The author expresses strong agreement with Elie's judgments on Kosovo and columns in Dagens Nyheter, crediting Elie with teaching him a lot over 20 years. The author is finishing a stay at Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, planning to travel to Sweden, and recently visited Jerusalem. He mentions Michael potentially becoming a leading political figure and another student of Elie's making an impact. Enclosed are two speeches by 'Andy' (on Sweden and 'deniers') and 'Jamine' (on war/mass murder), which are academic versions of ideas the author worked on in the 90s, inspired by Elie. Pe. conveys deep personal affection, missing Elie's voice, humor, encouragement, and moral strength, and frequently quotes him. The letter concludes with hopes to meet soon and shares family news: his oldest son, John, is marrying at the Swedish Embassy in Paris on October 27th. He also sends love to Marion and asks why she hasn't called, providing a phone number.

Frances thanks her sister Rebecca for her letter and writes to share and inquire about the family's health.

Following her brother Ben's visit to Philadelphia, Rebecca thanks her sister-in-law Ann for bearing with his absence and recounts the reunions he and the family enjoyed. She also urges Ann to visit and updates her on the Lexington acquintances who are staying in Philadelphia.