Rebecca Gratz to Maria Gist Gratz - May 17, 1835

Rebecca tells her sister-in-law Maria about the aftermath of Yellow Fever in the South and discusses the effects of slavery on rich Southern women.

Rebecca tells her future niece-in-law how much the family misses her since her departure from Philadelphia.

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 thanks her niece Miriam for entrusting her son, Gratz, to her care as she parts with him.

Rebecca shares family news with her sister-in-law Maria, comments on a controversy at Transylvania University and recommends new reading material.

Rebecca asks her brother Ben to sell the handmade items their nieces produced and shares her dismay over the family strife with their brother Simon.