Rebecca Gratz to Maria Fenno Hoffman - November 29, [1814]

After a trip through New York state, Rebecca tells her sister-in-law Maria about the natural sights she saw, her visit to James Fenimore Cooper's mansion, and her reunion with James Paulding and Washington Irving. She also reminisces about her time at Canewood and wishes she could be there with Maria's family again.

Mary Riggs, Ben Gratz's warden, tells Rebecca of her life in Lexington and comments on her latest readings. She also shares news about the family of Rebecca's brother Ben.

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria, whose sons, Bernard and Howard, are staying with her. She updates Maria on her sons' activities, advises against travel in the winter weather, shares how her brother Jo keeps busy to deal with his depression, and acknowledges her and Maria's differing political views.

Rebecca updates her brother Joseph on news of their family and friends while he is Hamburg, Germany. 

In her letter to her friend Maria, Rebecca expresses her opinion on Maria Edgeworth's treatment of intermarriage in the novel, Harrington. She also discusses the serious illnesses of mutual acquaintances.