Rebecca Gratz to Benjamin Gratz - January 21, 1861

Writing to her sister-in-law Ann, Rebecca expresses concern that she has not been updated on the whereabouts of Ann's stepsons. Also, in mentioning a novel by Susan Fenimore Cooper, Rebecca remarks having no interest in the works of James Fenimore Cooper, Susan's father.

Rebecca tells her niece Miriam of the final days of her friend Julia Hoffman and entreats Miriam not to send her son Gratz to the Confederate army.

Rebecca thanks her brother Ben for his recent visit to Philadelphia and updates him on family members in the city.

Writing to her friend Rebecca, Slowey shares her sadness about her own sister's departure while rejoicing that Rebecca's sister Rachel moved back to Philadelphia. She also reflects on the death of Charles Fenno, a brother of Rebecca's friend, Maria Fenno Hoffman, and comments on some pro-Napoleonic sentiment in Boston.

Rebecca tells her friend Maria about local society news including a ball attended by Joseph Bonaparte, discusses various literary events, and tells of her work at the Orphan Asylum. She also expresses her wish to see again Maria after two years.