Rebecca Gratz to Benjamin Gratz - September 22, 1861

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria, expressing her excitement for Maria's family's upcoming visit, discusses Hazan Isaac Leeser's literary efforts and a fatal duel that occured in Philadelphia, and updates her on the health and travels of family and friends.

Rebecca writes to her brother Ben about family health struggles, thoughts about life in Kentucky, the departure of domestic help, marital engagements, and the death of a prominent Philadelphia doctor.

After six weeks of silence, Rebecca urges her sister-in-law Maria to write. She also expands on her sense of loss after her niece Miriam got married and critiques the actions of trade unions.

Writing to her brother Ben, Rebecca reflects on the political tensions in his and in the Mordecai family and shares news of their recently widowed niece Becky Nathan and her sons. She also expresses her hope that Ben's family will come for a visit in the spring.