Rebecca Gratz to Miriam Gratz Moses Cohen - July 16, 1861

Horace updates his Aunt Maria on the health and travels of family members and friends. Rebecca adds a note, discussing the character of their niece's new fiancé and furnishings she bought for Maria's home.

Writing amidst the Cholera epidemic, Rebecca tries to alleviate her sister-in-law Maria's fears and shares advice on diet, including a recipe for rice pudding. She also tells of the dramatic circumstances under which an acquaintance gave birth.

Writing to her sister-in-law Ann, Rebecca announces the birth of her niece Sara's daughter, Lizzie, gives updates on family and friends, and discusses her readings, including Charles Dickens.

Frances writes to her sister Rebecca about the improving health of her family, of their brother Benjamin in school, of acquaintances and visits to Baltimore, and instructions for wigs for herself and Sally Etting.

This document comprises two fax transmissions. The first fax, dated October 6, 2003, is from Tomáš Kudrna of the Nadace Dagmar a Václava Havlových VIZE 97 (Dagmar and Václav Havel Foundation VIZE 97). It is a request for the mailing address of Mr. Elie Wiesel, as the foundation wishes to send him a letter from Mr. Václav Havel. The second fax, dated June 27, 2003, is a letter from Elie Wiesel, University Professor at Boston University, addressed to President Václav Havel. Wiesel thanks Havel for an invitation but expresses his current inability to accept due to health reasons. He explains that he recently returned from a journey to the Mideast and Europe, which he had to interrupt in Athens due to his health, and is now recuperating. He asks Havel to convey his regrets and explanation to Robert Reich. Wiesel concludes by wishing Havel and Dagmar a healthy and joyous summer. The letter is signed by Elie Wiesel and indicates it was dictated but not read.