Rebecca Gratz to Anna Maria Boswell Shelby Gratz - May 21, 1850

Rebecca tells her brother Ben how the family copes after the death of their two brothers, Jacob and Hyman. Their brother Jo adds a note, sharing the successful sale of some of their lands.

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria, joking with her about phrenology and discussing the new building of the Orphan Society, developments with David Seixas, and Henry Clay as presidential candidate.

Rebecca tells her sister-in-law Ann that the clothes Ann ordered are still not ready and updates her on news of the extended family.

Rebecca tells her sister-in-law about her visit to an elegant reception hosted by the Blight family. She also comments on the latest literature and the precarious state of book publishing in England.

After a visit from her brother Ben, Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Ann, expressing relief at his safe arrival home. She also updates her on the health and travels of family and friends, discusses the current memoir she is reading, and reflects on the state of France before the French Revolution.