Rebecca Gratz to Benjamin Gratz - August 14, 1861

Rebecca expresses her sympathy to her sister-in-law Ann, whose son, Jo Shelby, has been taken prisoner of war. She also shares news about her nephew Howard's business prospects.

Writing to her niece Annie, Rebecca talks about the death of Robert Griffith Hays, the son of Sally and Isaac Hays, and praises an author's tribute to Washington Irving after his death. She also gives her updates on the health and travels of family and friends.

Rebecca offers consolation to her sister-in-law Ann after the murder of her brother, Charles Boswell. Still mourning the death of her nephew Isaac Moses, she also comments on how the early loss of his mother affected his life.

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.

Writing to her sister-in-law Ann, Rebecca tells her of her son's reaction to the death of his infant brother and of the life and writings of the Scottish poet Anne Grant who corresponded with some of Rebecca's friends.