Rebecca Gratz to Anna Maria Boswell Shelby Gratz - December 13, 1860

Rebecca updates her sister-in-law Ann on her son Jo Shelby's education and shares how much she revels in the company of Lizzie Blair, Mary Riggs, and her niece Sara Joseph. She also comments on developments in the Mexican-American War and the signing of the Oregon Treaty to settle a longstanding territorial dispute.

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria about the scarcity of literary talent in America, wishing for an author like Sir Walter Scott. She also talks about her needlework and other household responsibilities.

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 writes to her sister-in-law Maria about a barely averted duel involving one of her nephews and updates her on the activities of family and friends.

Rebecca informs her brother Ben of the death of their nephew's wife, Frances Marx Etting, and updates him on the travels and health of family members. She also relays more condolence messages to Ben after the death of his wife, Maria.