Rebecca Gratz to Anna Maria Boswell Shelby Gratz - February 26, 1861

Rebecca updates her sister-in-law Maria on her nephew's mental illness, the blossoming social scene in Philadelphia, and shares her thoughts on Napoleon.

Rebecca tells her niece Miriam of Miriam's husband's visits to the grieving Hays, Etting, and Minis families in Philadelphia and Baltimore. She also updates her on other family news.

Rebecca writes about her brother Benjamin's recent travel accident, the on-going Gratz - Cohen family legal dispute, her own legal suit, her intellectual interests at the moment, new housing for friends, the missing delivery of household goods, and news of the health and death of various family and friends.

Rebecca thanks her niece Miriam for writing an obituary for her sister Richea Hays, commends Miriam's son Gratz for his poetic talent, and shares family news.

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria, answering her questions about Jewish religion, and warns her of false myths about Judaism. She also gives updates on the health, travels, and marriage plans of family and friends.