Rebecca Gratz to Maria Gist Gratz - [April 1840]

Rebecca reproaches her brother Ben for his lack of correspondence and updates him on the activities and whereabouts of their family and friends.

Rebecca gives extensive advice to her sister-in-law Maria on establishing an Orphan Asylum in Lexington in response to the Cholera epidemic that summer.

After her sister-in-law Ann's family returned from their trip to the East Coast, Rebecca writes about her impressions of Ann's daughters, their admirable qualities, and a doll Rebecca plans to send to her niece, Miriam. She also gives updates on the health and whereabouts of family and friends.

Rebecca writes to her brother Joseph to be cautious on his travels, tells him about celebrations in honor of George Washington's birthday, and shares news of family and friends.

Mary Boswell, Ben Gratz's warden, tells Rebecca of her vacation in Cape May and updates her on family news. Rebecca's niece, Sara Moses, adds a few lines greetings.