Rebecca Gratz to Benjamin Gratz - August 01, 1855
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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.
Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria after the legal battle between her brother Ben and the city. She also details the marriages of family friends and gives updates on health and travel.
Rebecca tells her sister-in-law Maria of the deaths of Becky Cohen, her cousin, and Joseph Marx, her niece's father-in-law, and comments on the meaning of suffering. She also remarks on the portrait of Eliza Blair, Maria's sister.
Rebecca expresses concern over her sister-in-law Maria's health, her feelings about her nephew Horace leaving home to start his career, and gives updates on other family members and friends. Her brother Jo leaves a note for their brother Ben, detailing the prices of falling stocks.
Rebecca reflects on her correspondence with her sister-in-law Maria, the busyness of the season, a number of international events involving the Queen of England, the Onís-Adams Treaty of 1819, studies of the British Monarchy, and discussion surrounding unidentified Indigenous people and fashion.