Rebecca Gratz to Maria Gist Gratz - January 09, 1839

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria of the precarious health of her nieces Becky and Sara after giving birth and of a difficult child the Orphan Society is trying to take in.

Writing to her sister-in-law Maria, Rebecca shares her thoughts on Sukkot, reminisces about her grandfather, and discusses the character and sermons of two Christian religious leaders. She also tells of her niece's perilous sea journey through hurricane "Racer's Storm."

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Maria about her nieces and nephews receiving the Smallpox vaccine and reflects on mortality and her grief over the loss of multiple family members in the past.

Rebecca writes to her sister-in-law Ann, commending her plan to have her daughters educated at home and updates her on the health, travels, and whereabouts of family and friends.

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.