Rebecca Gratz to Anna Maria Boswell Shelby Gratz - July 29, [1857]

Writing to her aunt Rebecca, Miriam expresses her relief at her uncle Hyman's seemingly improving health and gives updates on the health, travels, and activities of family and friends.

Rebecca tells her sister-in-law Maria about the activities of Maria's husband Ben and their son Howard who are on a visit in Philadelphia. She also updates her on other family and friends including Maria's niece's visit to Cuba for health reasons and mentions a community meeting about aid for the imprisoned Jews in Damascus.

Rebecca writes to her brother Ben about the character of Sylvester Larned, a pastor, who is romantically interested in Maria Gist Gratz, Ben's future wife. She also updates him on the health and travels of family and friends.

Writing to her sister-in-law Maria, Rebecca discusses the engagement of her nephew, Benjamin Etting, and the heartbreak of her niece, Ellen Etting. She also details the scandal and subsequent legal battle between two Philadelphia citizens over one's conduct with the other's wife.

Rebecca expresses her excitement to her sister-in-law Maria about the family's plan to visit Philadelphia and updates her on the education, travels, and activities of family and friends.