Rebecca Gratz to Maria Fenno Hoffman - March 04, 1809

Rebecca writes to her brother Ben about the increasing health struggles of their brother Joseph.

Rebecca writes to her brother Ben about the character of Sylvester Larned, a pastor, who is romantically interested in Maria Gist Gratz, Ben's future wife. She also updates him on the health and travels of family and friends.

Rebecca tells her sister-in-law Maria about the health of family members and friends, particuarly about Ellen Hays Etting, whose newborn recently died. She also discusses the literature she is reading.

Rebecca writes her friend Maria, expressing her sympathy for the husband of Harriet, Maria's sister, after the latter's death. She describes the effects that the annulment of an engagement had on a mutual friend and her family.

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, giving her condolences on a recent death in her family and updates on the social events her family is participating in.