Rebecca Gratz to Maria Fenno Hoffman - October 28, 1812

Margaret (Peggy) writes to her friend Rebecca with the primary purpose, as she makes clear, to receive a letter from the latter in return.

Following Nat Turner's Rebellion and the subsequent racial violence in Virgina, Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria about the immorality of murdering innocent Black people, and expresses her belief that Maria could be an advocate for them, despite being a slaveholder.

Rebecca reports to her sister-in-law Maria on the health of family and the wider community; recent news from their social circles in Baltimore; and a recent, highly publicized duel that resulted in the death of one participant and the trial of the other.

Rebecca tells her brother Ben how much she is looking forward to the prospect of seeing him and his family. She also updates him on the latest family news.

Writing to her sister-in-law Ann for the second time that day, Rebecca shares details on her niece Rosa's accident. She also comments on the Ward trial in Louisville, in which two brothers were tried for fatally shooting their school teacher.