Zilpah (Wadsworth) Longfellow mourned her brother Lieutenant Henry Wadsworth (1785-1804) after his death at the Battle of Tripoli in September 1804. It is said she wore this overdress, along with several corresponding pieces including a veil, bonnet, and shawl as part of her mourning attire. The overdress is all that survives of the dress itself.

The skirt is made from a slightly tighter weave fabric the bodice, suggesting the dress may have been altered later in the same decade. However, both fabrics are a sheer, black, plain weave gauze. A ribbon adds detail to the hem, but in keeping with mourning attire, there is little adornment. The overdress is extremely brittle.

Zilpah Longfellow (1778-1851) named her son, the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) in honor of her deceased brother.