Rebecca Gratz to Joseph Gratz - March 31, 1810

Rebecca urges her friend Maria to bring her entire family to Philadelphia after the death of Matilda (Maria's step-daughter) and promises that everyone will be taken care of.

Rebecca expresses her disappointment to her sister-in-law Maria that her son, Ben, is not coming for a visit. She also details the mental health treatment of her nephew, Gratz Etting, and discusses the political implications of a local execution.

Rebecca assures her brother Ben of her improving health, reflects on the Crittenden Compromise, and updates him on his son's business and the efforts to restore the hair of their niece Miriam.

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 friend Maria of the frenzy around a famous actor performing in Philadelphia, her family's search for a new house, and muses ironically about creating purpose in her life.

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria, outlining the Orphan Asylum's preparations for the impending Cholera outbreak in Philadelphia and gives updates on family and friends.