BLACKWELL FAMILY KITTY BARRY BLACKWELL 1874 BLACKWELL, ALICEAunt Nettie Uncle George FBB — Flrence going to Cornell Agnes Ethel Aunt Marian Bl— Edith Grace Pirate — Kitty Uncle Sam Aunt Anna Pic — AliceI[?]G Hodg[?]s J. Parker Sondheimer David Crawford Louis Shores W Linahan Harry R Snowden [?] Jane Rogers Towers Jean Paradise Ford Hecht Zelda Haber E [?] Ripin Elizabeth P. Sternheimer Emmanual Priedman Philip Knapp Bob Gilday53 E. 20th St. New York. July 9th '74 My dear Pic, Your's of the 7th came this a.m. just as I was starting for the Dr's, so I read it while sitting in the Purgatorial Chair awaiting Dr. Ridder's pleasure. How tempting your picture of what I am losing by remaining here is! It quite made me feel as if I must go on to you directly. Well if it is any comfort to you, I know that I feel like a fool to be going out to Somerville instead of home to Boston!! Gracie went down to Rockaway yesterday to see the children I's to come up Saturday in time to go out to S. with me. By the by — no letters havebeen forwarded to me from S., So I suppose they are being kept till I go out. No need therefore, to be anxious Monkey. I attended the D. five times last week. I have been every day this week. Tuesday he kept me five whole hours in purgatory & informed me at the end that I was "the most nervous little person" he had ever come across. Nervous indeed! justifiable nervousness I should say. I never felt more miserable in my life or came nearer crying, from a combination of nervous irritation and violent toothache. I told him next day that I had come very near losing my temper altogether, at which he laughed and remarked he "didn't believe it"!!!! Perfectly true never=the=less! Well, thank Heaven! I begin to see the prospect of an end to the torture. Only three more to go! Hurrah! (Hurrah!!!! Uncle G. and I kept house last night, and our subject of conversation, as usual, was the heat. Today at dinner Aunt E. asked if Alice's letter tempted me to go on to Boston. I energetically replied in the affirmative adding that it was not merely the place I was eager to see but I ached to see my Betrothed! Uncle G. demanded — "What it was wh. so attracted me to Alice? An unanswerable question that. At least I did not feel prepared to suspend my troubled efforts at mastication to find an answer. "Floy is just the Lame Age & Somerville is nearer Kitty. Why won't F.answer as well as Alice." For reply I gave a grump significant of great contempt & proceeded with my Dinner. The weather is moist and hot. One has to take a bath twice daily in order to keep from larding the lean earth! I saw the procession on the 4th. I was quite displeased to see how they have changed the dress of the 'boys' I formerly knew. I wish to post this for 2 p.m train, so excuse scrawl & brevity. Love to all without exception. Who is the exception in your letter to me? R.B? Affy the Bethrothed. P.S. D.V. I've decided to start for Boston July 31st! I wish it were tomorrow! R.B. Somerville. July 13th 1874. Read this through yourself, era imparting any of its contents. Mia Carissima Sposa, Having yesterday received the 7th letter from you this month, I think it full time I attempted an answer. I gladly accept the position of Safety Valve — You will tire of it sooner than I shall. Why my pic, did you direct your last to Mrs. A.S. Blackwell? Aunt Nettie naturally opened it and felt uncommonly gratified that you should send her a six sheet letter!! When she saw the dear Kitty, she knew what such a lengthy missive meant tho: Last Friday I happily finished with Ridder. He patted me on the head at parting and said I was a "model little patient". There was a reward for all one's sufferings. Uncle G. that same evening, when we were having a parting talk before going to bed, & after I had been saying with a sigh, that I wished I was going to Boston next day instead of to Somerville, remarked: — "you really are in love Kitty." [Wh??] soft impeachment I wd not and could not deny.It is hot here, almost as hot as in New York, but life relieved from attendance on Ridder, seems so peaceful and agreeable that I really cannot complain. F.B.B. is supposed to be studying & reciting daily to her Papa, with a view to Cornell in the Autumn!!! She shares the quiet of the spare room with me, as a study. This a.m. you wd have been amused to see us. Enters F. in an airy costume of slippers, one white skirt, and a nightgown. K.B. is soon arrayed in a ditto costume. When K. falls to work on English letters, & F. on her Virgil & Horace: We have a visit from Agnes [and] who brings some raspberries, then Ethel comes, & finding the quiet of two students not at all to her taste goes away. Edie visits us but finds us just as uninteresting as the baby. We hail Agnese, and have some water from the spring brought to refresh us. Of course we exchange occasional remarks, especially about the heat wh, has become something frightful. 2 F.B.B. is really going to Cornell. At least all thoughts and family plans tend that way. I can't help having a weakness for my first Baby, tho' she is in many things far from what I should like to have her. She is not a bit of a student, so that I feel as tho' it were quite a waste of money to send her to Cornell. She is a bright, active, kindly, social little soul, and if she only had the right opportunities, might be a nice little woman, and someday marry a man we should not be ashamed to own as a cousin: — but now? The chances for a cousin we could adopt are few I am afraid. Edie grows upon one the more you see of her. Let her have her own way, and feel responsible, and I think she could manage the household, and do it very well too. She is thinner thanbefore the attack of measles. I should dearly like to steal her, and carry her off to England with me. Uncle G. is not altogether wrong about Grace. She certainly has been in large towns. Several of them, but it is astonishing to find her so very unobserving as she certainly is. Doubtless she reads; but you know my dear, there are different ways of reading. Now, Grace reads, but without understanding a great deal of what she reads. She could not, I am quite sure if called upon, read so that a child younger than herself would in the least understand her. And she is nearly eleven!! Agnese is a very bright, metty little puss, but much too fond of teasing. I think that is why you do not like her. Both she and Ethel 3 are very affectionate. They cling round me in a way. Wh is, this hot weather, almost too much for even my patience. Poor little Souls! The weather is very trying indeed it makes every body snappish. Floy sits with me most of the time nominally studying. I can't say much for the study, but when she sews she manages to get through with a good deal of work. She is preparing for Cornell. I don't like the idea of C. for F. but as both her parents and she have made up their minds to it, I suppose nothing can be done to stop her going. Edie made a truly sisterly remark today — that "perhaps Floy could not pass the entering examination, and so would have to come home."July 17th We have had two fearfully hot days & The children going about as nearly in a State of nature as is admissible, & even with that relief, getting irritable and making one another howl. F. & I have taken to our nightgowns. Uncle S. has just come up from the Village. I asked Grace if there were any letters and She answered, "One for Mrs Alice S. Blackwell, but Mamma is taking a nap so I can't give it her."!! To G's surprise I exclaimed 'Why that letter is for me!! The ink is not quite dried up but my energy for letter writing is very nearly. I should have no objection to saying I'll come in a fortnight, but as F. goes away the first week in September, I feel it is best to stay here now that I have 4 arrived. I have read some parts of yr comments on the U. Neth. aloud here to the great amusement of yr Aunt & Uncle. They tell me that it is the "best way of taking Motley". I approve of the comments, but I don't intend to let it answer instead of reading the U. Neth. I found the 1st Vol at Interlaken last summer and got part way in the siege of Antwerp when it was carried off by the owner. I am quite ready to admire Prince Maurice but when he forgets all his Father's teaching and persecutes Barneveld for difference in religious views & does him to death, why I think I had a right to turn sick. He, the son of the man who believed in religious toleration, to murder one of the noblest of the Netherlanders! You know I've not read the U. Neth. and only a review of the 3d part, [of the] called I think, [O] "Passages in the Life of Olden-Barneveld", so perhaps I ought not to judge the Prince, but I am muchafraid that spite of Motley he is not all he should be. I suspect that it was not because he was shocked by Barneveld's views, but because B. stood in the way of his personal ambition, that the Prince killed him. I don't believe the Prince had any special religious leanings. Poor Harry of Navarre! He was undoubtedly a great sinner; but he had excuse for his sins if ever a man can have. What a wife was Margaret of Valois! She was not likely to inspire him with a lofty idea of womenkind. She, and Catherine di Medici did their very best to ruin him, body and soul. Don't take Motley's judgement of him as final[ly]. I fancy Motley is rather one sided; don't you think so? Do you suppose we cd get Sully from the Library when I come to Boston? I should like to reread it and I think 5 you would enjoy it also. At anyrate it would give you another view of Henry IV and of the times Motley deals with, I think you will like Sully for his outspoken way. He never lets Harry go wrong for want of a shove in the right direction, & Harry takes it all, to his credit be it said, in the most amiable way, tho' unluckily, there are always ten to push a Prince in the wrong way. Where there is one Sully who against his own interest trys to make the Prince do right. I know very little of Duplessis Mornay, but long to know more of him, as I fancy him a kind of Robert Gould Shaw. A man who if there was a right, but unpopular movement, would be sure to take that side. Is this atall his character? By my side Pic are the 8 letter wh you have sent this month.this is a stupid reply to your lively, and always welcome letters. Remember, they can never be too frequent for your Pirate's happiness. So in this at least do not believe those who tell you otherwise. A letter from Aunt Marian dated Paris June 26th tells us that Aunt Anna had gone to London at last, & that she, Aunt M., was to wait in Paris till Aunt A's return, when they wd go to Wimill[?] Aunt M. seems to enjoy Paris very much & seems well. She says she always contemplates returning to America, & wd certainly come for a visit directly were it not for that "Detestable ocean" I hope, dearest Pic, I shall be able to send this off today, but I am by no means sure With much love, and many longings for the 31st Your faithful Lover, Robert Kidd How dare you address me as Mrs? Am I, or am I not the masculine member of the firm? Somerville. July 29th -74 My dear Pic: I am counting the hours now till I see you. I shall leave here on Saturday, & hope to get off by the 3 p.m. boat from N.Y. reaching Harrison Square Sunday morning. Hours are very irregular here however so I may not get into N.Y. in time to have my traps ready for the boat at 5 p.m. In case I don't appear on Sunday morning, I shall leave N.Y. by the 8.03 a.m. express & reach Boston about 5 p.m. Monday. Boston & Albany Station youknow. My trunk is Aunt Emily's so I am obliged to go up town before starting so I may miss Saturday's boat. Will you meet me in Boston? Don't if not convenient for I can find my way to the Old Colony. Shall not stop to reply to any part of your letter — answer in person my dear. I can't think what you mean by my being distressed about Floy. She certainly is not ill — very flourishing on the contrary! That is so, I am anything but sick. We are jointly Yours affy K. B & F. A.B. (+ Antoinette) Somewhat over 2.000 miles out. Steamer "Lamaria" 7 days out. Nov. 27th -74 Cara Sposa Mia; Here am I seated in my stateroom just - before dinner, at wh meal I intend to make my appearance for the first - time since Sat: 21st at breakfast! However, to begin at the beginning I give you the 'log' of Capt Kidd's doings. Friday evening after you left I retired to No 3-2 & put such articles as I had with me, in ship shape for the voyage & then began urgent appeals to stewards to know when the trunks wd be brought aboard. At last, to my dismay, a small box very like mine was brought into the stateroom & then followed mine. I'd never shared a room & began to screw up my mind to that point of politeness wh wd enable me to receive mycompanion with a good grace. I arranged my things, then lay curled up in the corner by the light. Waiting for "E.D. Rice" — the name on the box — to put in an appearance. Nine p.m. came, I got tired & melancholy thinking of you, & took myself to bed. There was a great noise till quite-late, but I managed to dose. At what seemed to me the small hours of the morning I went dimly conscious of a masculine form in the room & am waking next a.m. to my great delight the box had vanished, & I had the place to myself. Saturday 21st. As I was hastily dressing in a very dim light, to my great disgust I became aware that we were really off! I had intended to send you a line. I rush on deck as fast as possible. The ship was being towed out by a tug, wh made an immense amount of noise over the business. A strong wind blowing & the Bay covered with white caps. I march up and down the truth to serve the hour "— Well, I don't repent, under the circumstances. Lay a heap of misery all day, drinking lemonade and eating crackers (English biscuits) at intervals. My door open most all the time so that I view the Captain going in and out. Monday 23d. I quite look out for the arrival of the post — "Mrs [Rou?th]" came this a.m. I'll cherish the flower. Still rough but clear, have had no fog. [?] Very cold so did not get-up on deck - but lay, decidedly better in my stateroom. Sea every five minutes [?] rushes in a clear blue mass by windows & up over the deck, & we settle down with a shudder into the trough of the sea. I don't like it! As I lay in bed after tea, I thought how I should like to make the voyage home from Genoa to N.Y. — Boston I mean — in a Cunarder. Even sea sickness cannot disgust me with the sea!! Tuesday 24th I made an heroic effort — I rushed on deck after breakfast. We are now in the Gulf Stream.the wind south — weather warmer than I ever knew it at sea before. I am informed by various people that the sea is "very smooth", but I confess I find it quite rough. I stick to the deck till darkness at 7 1/2 p.m. By advice of the Capt. I have all my meals brought up to me. Where do the Cunarders pick up the particular set of stewards devoted to the service of sea-sick ladies? It is always the same style of men — dapper — gentle — insinuating. He comes to a heap of misery curled up on the deck, and in the most amiable of voices rubbing both hands together request to know "what will you have Miss"? If you are very sick, he reads the bill of fare to you, dwelling with an inviting voice upon those trays wh he considers most tempting. It amuses me greatly, especially when his face suddenly becomes grave when you order only roast beef & the contortions of face he goes thro' with when you order lemonade without sugar!!! I watch the sailors with interest at their work. We go along at a fine rate. Wind in our favour. Get to Queenstown by Tuesday at this speed. Dear little Major! I am glad to have the lock of his hair. I'll put it in my locket when I get to England I am sure he is worthy of such an honour. I've discoursed politics to day with a young Bostonian. He is a Republican but glad the party was beaten at the last election. Don't know his name tho' he knows mine. Is on his first visit to Europe. Can't be more than 22 & is full of anticipations of what is before him. Miss Edith Fair is a young girl of 16 a little bit like Frances in personal appearance I decidedly like the old Frances in her lively, genial ways. She is quite popular with the gentlemen tho' not a [p] bit of a flirt. The young Bostonian is quite taken by her. No love affair my dearesta genuine boy & girl liking. My dear it is so rough I shall have to quit this. It is decidedly writing under difficulties. Fancy yrself in a swing going as high as possible & then an occasional motion to one side given you, how would you like writing under such circumstances? Makes my headache too awfully. At the present rate of headache I think three weeks of such weather would turn my hair Snow White!! Monday Nov: 30th Off Irish Coast - reach Q. at 8 p.m. My head aches so frightfully when I try to write that I can't continue my journal letter now. write by Saturdays mail on shore then enjoying it. Lots of love, thy Con- Kidd. & but for the feeling that I am leaving home for an unknown time I should really enjoy the prospect of ten days on the wild waste of waters. I watch the sun rising & lighting up the glorious hay-look towards Dorchester I wonder whether my Pie is in the bow window looking out for my good ship. We lay so long near some fortifications & a 2nd tug came out to us & [?ched], & then gave us three parting shrieks (to wh we gave ditto) & Steamed away up the Bay. I think you must have seen us. Did you? I went to breakfast 8 1/2 — places for only 10 people set. A small party on deck after breakfast — none quite out at see & very rough. I remained till nearly frozen & then went below [&] of course cruel consequences followed! Stewardess after breakfast brought me a note & pkt from you, Dear Pic.thank you very much. I shall read a Princess of Thule with great delight & when I get ashore treat Aunt B. to it - with the view of getting her off the the Lewis next Summer. Come & join us my love - All the Harrison Sq family. The remainder of Saturday spent in a State of misery. Asked the Stewardess for soup at lunch, & she brought beef - tea with a fine top of fat! Ugh! u-g-h! I didn't take it but of course there was an end to my eating for that day - Moral - never ask for beef-tea on a Cunarder. Sunday 22nd Very rough. The ceiling is, half the time, where the left hand-side wall ought to be. Your ode to a departing cousin arrived per 81/2 mail this a.m. Many thanks my dear monkey. This is a very pretty attention. I remember when it was written - very well whatever. So I made you. "Sell the 136 Via Quattro Fontane 4oPo Roma. 6o Febbraio 1874. Mia Cara Amica; Your letter of Jan: 18th, and Papa's to Aunt Bessie came together today. Papa's p.s. was encouraging as he spoke of you as getting better. What do you mean Carina, by having bronchitis? It is highly improper of you, and I lay my commands upon you not to repeat the offence,- "tremblingly obey; do not dis-obey." Being "only a girl," you must be obedient to my orders. Uncle G., wrote on hearing of my attack of bronchitis at Florence- "tell kidd she ought to be ashamed of herself- only methodist minsters have bronchitis." If I have any good points about me, those you may copy, but I protest against yr having an early grey wig, being a blind bat, getting deaf, having rheumatism or adopting bronchitis. I can't change my wig, my ears, or my eyes, but I left rheumatism on the Simplon, & am wisely discarding the bronchitis. I couldn't put up with it amid all these glories of Rome, and under such glorious skies, such [unpeakably?] splendidSunShine. You must know that I am an enthusiastic Italian. I cannot speak Italian, but I now read well enough to get good from a newspaper. Aunty takes a little sheet called 'La Capitale," price 5 Centesimi; 1 cent U.S. money. It is an ultra liberal paper; advocates Universal Suffrage, free education, & is constantly asking pointed questions of the City Authorities & the Government as to thier doing this & omitting to do that. It is hated by the Church partly because it is for the suppression of all convents & monasteries. It is constantly engaged in lawsuits with one or other of the people in office, who seem a touchy set and easily offended by the Capitale's criticisms of their doings, wh I will say are richly deserved sometimes. In England & at home, the papers daily say far more severe things about the Governments than the Capitale does of the Gov: here, & no lawsuits take place. It is evident the Gov: doesn't know what "freedom of the press" means. In consequence of these lawsuits, the Capitale is frequently suppressed for a day so it keeps one in an excitement wondering "Will the Capitale be sold today, or has it written something objectionable & so does not appear?" The other day I bought Bulwer's think from what you say a book just suited to their ideas. Do you know, I am very curious to see Floy in the grown up stage? I've no doubt she will propound many things more surprising to me than her Anti- Women's Rights speech to you. Is it a comfort to you to know that I am an Italian Woman Suffragist? Perhaps you wd prefer me to differ from you in this matter? You once said you should not like a worse-half who always agreed with you. Perhaps we shall have our first quarrel when I return. Who knows? I never quarreled with anyone yet, so perhaps I'd better try with you by way of getting my hand in! Three days ago, feeling rather glum because it was long past the time for a letter from Maria. we happened to pass the Piazza Colonna & I said "let us see if by any chance there is a letter at the Poste Restante from Maria." Accordingly we handed in my name & great was my amazement to have a letter from you addressed to the P.K. handed to me. The letter had been opened — it bore date of Nov 7th & 16th! Had been quietly reposing there for 2 months!!! It is odd how it came to be overlooked, for I received a letter fromyou with the same address a week before this missing letter arrived in Rome, & one ten days after. However, I now suspect the P.O. & shall favour them with a visit occaisionally. Today a newspaper sent by Maria about the same date as yr letter has [just] been brought to the house. When we explained to the postman that these two things had been at the P.O. two months, he opened his eyes wide, threw up his hands, and exclaimed — "Per Bacco!!" — by Bacchus. 7 Febb. — Today the Carnival opens, & for the next ten days Roma will be given up to all sorts of merry-making. Hundreds of hideous masks have appeared in the shops & the dominoes in all colours and of many kinds have also come out in force. Ten days revel before the fasting of Lent. We are blessed with the most perfect day. A soft warm breeze blowing & a sky brilliantly blue & absolutely without a cloud. Many a time as I come up the Spanish Steps of the Trinita de Monti, I think as I gaze up at the avenue of dark live oaks with the intensely blue sky above, that it is worth all the journey to Rome just to see that sky. I've been imagining that Miss Maria Barlow was ill, but seemingly she is all right, as she has turned up in Boston. I'm waiting for a letter from you with some impatience to learn what the news is which you have to impart. Mme Bodichon who has been spending the winter in Algiers is to return this month. She stays in Paris a few days on her way to London, and is very anxious to know whether she "can do anything about Pauli." If she can manage it, we have begged her to see the little man so as to report how he is. Also, (this is strictly private), Aunty has written to a Miss Mathilde Gatayes who lives near Mme Dronsart to beg her to keep an eye on the darling & write to us occaisionally how he is doing. Now, Miss M.G. is a great favourite of Aunt Anna's who you know dislikes Mme Dronsart so much & we do not wish that Aunt A. should [have] know that Mme G. has ought to do with Mme D. I believe that Miss Mathilde visits Mme D. If she does, I will interest herself in Baby without letting Mme D. know that we have inlisted her in the service. Why we may be kept informed of Pauli's welfare, wh will be better than nothing. I believe we shall leave Italy via Germany or Belgium avoiding Paris; wh I for one have no wish to go near under present circumstances. It seems likely, from what home letters say, that I shall arrive in the U.S. just about the timethat Uncle George will be starting in the other direction. I am sorry to say that I shall have to go through a regular siege with the dentist on my arrival. A filling came out a week or so ago & we applied to the American dentist here but he proves incompetent, so I shall have to call upon Dr Davis. This dentistry may oblige me to make for New York [more] earlier than I wish, but you will certainly have the first peep at me as I land at Boston. I hope ere this you are back in school, and quite resolved to give up bronchitis as a useless business. - - - A letter just come from Aunt Emily, says that you are "recovering" & one from Uncle G. says that Alice has recovered "[?]". I believe the last news because it is good. We are not doing much sight-seeing just now but are heartily enjoying this glorious Spring weather. Then too the Carnival is upon us & it is difficult to do anything while it lasts. You must know that Rome is devided into two Camps, the "Papalino'[s]" or Pope's party & as I call the other, the Quirilino party (the King resides at the Qurinale palace), or King's party. My teacher is a Papalino & so are our Padrone e Padrona. I. of "Rienzi". Have you ever read it? I am reading it to Aunt B. We retire to a quiet spot on a lower terrace of the Pension. Here are two seats on either side a pretty fountain wh falls into a round basin of grey granite. Around it are ilex palm trees, & the grass covered with tiny white daisies — the carriages & people constantly pass on the path below us & above on the upper terrace we see the people loitering about & accaisionly a note reaches us from the band wh plays there daily. Once and a while someone comes & sits in the opposite seat for a short time, but generally we have the nook to ourselves. A priest with a book or newspaper has once or twice appeared & enjoyed himself for a time, but soon flitted. Perhaps frightened away by us heretics, who may be reading something not favourable to Mother Church? Last evening when we were walking home after our two hours reading Aunty said "What red cheeks you have Kitty! What's the reason?" I replied "It's reading Rienzi — I am excited by it & yet the book is not new to me, for I read it ten years ago, & remember it perfectly." Enthusiasm is infectious; especially when it it roused by such a cause as that for wh Rienzi fought. I believe you have a copy, if so, do read Rienze. Perhaps tho' you might leave ittill I return & let me read it to you. I am as fond of reading aloud as ever & it will show you that my health is flourishing when I tell you that I read yesterday, for two hours & today for three & didn't feel tired, or choke in the least. Just now we and all the United Kingdom of Gt. Britain &c are excited over the dissolving of Parliament, & the unpleasant fact that the Conservatives seem to be gaining ground, & that probably there will be a Change of government with a Conservative [government] leader. I'm afraid Tom Hughes will not have a lead in the new Parliament. He is trying for Marylebone (our division of London), but seems to be considered too liberal in his ideas - he offers himsel, among other things, as an advocate of Women's Rights. His late Constituents treated him shamefully. Let us change the subject. I had an inkling of Floy's backsliding, because in her last letter she mentioned Miss Anthony's visit to Somerville, & that she had shocked Miss A. by saying she didn't believe in Woman's Rights! I can imagine that what F. said to you was just what she hears every day to school. I think Jersey School — boys - & - girls, & especially those in a neighborhood settled by the Dutch & wh retains many of their ideas, are not likely to be very liberal in their views as to what a womans sphere really ought to be. "Only a Girl" I should [*We shall be far from Roma la bella When this reaches you.*] 136 Via Quattro Fontane. 4o PO. Roma 10o Marzo 1874. Cara Amica mia; I did not "roll up the whites of my eyes" when, while eating breakfast came the postman's knock and he handed in your letter, wh I proceeded to read while drinking my "caffè con latte". No, my dear; I laughed over it & then told Aunt B. who was taking her breakfast in bed, that I had a "strictly private" letter from Alice. She seemed to think it a good joke, & to at once conclude that it was about the Vineyard. So you were 'Conscience Smitten,' when you read "tout ou rien". You once wrote me something as to yr particular interest in one of yr boy-schoolmates, and I, thinking of you as my own good, sensible little (don't let yr dignity be touched) Alice, laughed and said to myself, 'if she makes any wonderful discoveries as to boy's habits and natures, I shall probably have some amusing letters recounting them." The first of the amusing letters has come, only one thing do I object to. I don't know by what name to call this particular specimen. [by] Is it Robert? I suspect it is, as you are sofierce with me, for having "Bobbed" my last letter. I'm mild for a Pirate, am I not? I [ogt] ought to be very indignant, but I am not. Probably my utter inability to get up a squabble with you on this or any other point, is part of my punishment (according to Aunt A.) for former sins. My ship though, is really soon to sail for the port of Boston, and even my mildness may be ruffled, if you are not very well conducted. Beware the wrath wh is approaching. Aunt Anna, now in Paris, writes that she thinks of running over to London for the last fortnight of April that she may see certain "wonderful spiritualistic manifestations" now going on there!! We, not beeing up in Spiritualistic news, have no idea what these manifestations are. It seemed tho', a dreadful waste of time and money for Aunt A. to go over to England for such reasons! Aunt A. I think, wd like to make a convert of me, for she has several times told me that both Uncle G. and myself were mediums. But I'm in no danger so long as I retain any remnant of common sense. Mr & Mrs Howitt here, are devout Spiritualists, but much dislike Aunt A's special theory - that we came back again and again to this world. I've heard nothing from Floy since the first small scrap in which she accepted the Vineyard plan, as being "very very nice". She has not poured out suggestions & queries as you have done. Maria has not yet written, but as her monthly letter to me, is due in a few days, I am expecting to learn the fate of our plan. If M. does not like music lessons in Boston, I fully expect the plan will be carried out. Won't it be jolly if we can go? I'm full of all sorts of plans for our stay on the island, but will leave discussing them till we meet. It does seem as tho' the good time were really drawing near. It seems too good to be true and I fear to count too much on it, lest something unforseen should prevent my going home. Mind Mme Kidd, I shall allow no fishermen or Capt: Louis to invade the Pirate's Hold. If Uncle G. is at home next summer, we will invite him if we are quite sure we can [well] [entirain?] him & that all will run smoothly. We should all be on our Ps & Qs while he was with us, & I am afraid, also feel rather releived when his visit was over. From home reports I suppose Uncle G. will cross shortly after my arrival & probably return to N.E. just as I amabout going to England. Aunt B. has once or twice suggested, that my going home should be so managed that I might cross at least one way, with Uncle G. I've rebelled. The idea of a ten or twelve days battle with shyness! Why the thought of it, is worse than even that of sea-sickness. It may be, that in some of my crossings it will be my fate to come with Uncle G., so on recount must he learn that the notion frightens me. When I visit the studios here, especially the sculptors studios, I always think of you, and also of my dear friend Susan Durant. Here it was, that in visiting the great galleries & artists studios, she first developed her taste for art, & resolved to become a sculptor. Everything I see in Rome reminds me of her. I have always had a hope that you wd become a sculptor. You seemed to me when a tiny mite, to show indications that you wd be clever with your hands. And often I wonder when I am visiting the studios, whether some day I shall be admiring just as beautiful work from your hands, and even perhaps in a Roman studio. Who knows? Have you ever thought of what you will be some of these days? Whether you be a writer or a sculptor - I want you to stand among the first ranks of your fellow workers. Don't let it be said of you as it has been said, & truly I think; of Miss Aleots that she began with great promise, but that succeeding works have not shown any improvement in style &c. Rather too late in the end of a letter to begin on such a subject. With much love, Yr's affy, Robert Kidd. Rome, March 28th 74 Mia Cara Sposa; A letter from Maria just received tells me she cannot go to the vineyard. The amount of money she is spending in music lessons is one reason, and another is that she thinks she shall be needed at home. Her Father has lost a very dear friend, a man who was in fact, almost a second son to his Barlow. M. thinks her Father will miss Mr Eaton more in the summer than now, & she is right; for they shared the work of both their pieces of land & were, during the summer, constantly together. I don't know whether we must give up M. V. altogether because M. can't come. We'll talk it over when we meet, and see what can be done. Mamma's letter has just come. Thank her very much for her invitation to make Harrison Square my headquaters. It is certainly the spot I should choose for my headquaters, for there is my chief treasure. This is not sentiment young lady, but sober fact. We are sight seeing, making hat purchases, & dressmaking. Some are pretty busy. Within five days we have driven ten miles out on the Campagna along the Via Appia (the street of tombs), seen endless tombs dotting that great desert, and the great acquaducts striding across the plains - We are afraid we should meet brigands but didn't happily [*your interests*]Have visited some picture galleries, trolled about to see the decorations in honour of the King's 23rd Anniversary, visited the Catacombs of St Agnese (tell you about it when we meet); toasted ourselves for a whole morning on the Pincian, a formation before us, palms growing round us, & a glorious view of San Pietro & the Vatican. Had my last Italian lesson, I said good-bye, with very great regret, to my dear Miss Hipplet; & this morning started for San Pietro in order to climb the Dome. Mass said we were too late so, wishing very much, to go up, we rushed hither & thither searching for the Sacristan in order to get a permission. He wasn't to be found, & as usual all connected with the Vatican were uncivil & very disobliging. However our, ideas of the vastness, the almost city-like extent of the Vatican were more than verified. I actually saw a baby and number of women within the holy precincts!!! I've quite a new idea of the ways of the Holy Palace. We were diving down a marble lined passage, where I dare say we ought not to have been, when round a corner comes a procession of Churchmen in embroidered gowns. The servant, [ehpyine?] me making straight for the Bishop, lifts his hand and waves me to one side, looking oh me! So cross, as did all the Churchmen. I respectfully and hastily retreated, & saw Aunt B. looking very dignified, as usual on such occasions. She walks along as if she had the stature of a 10 foot giant & cd crush the whole set! Lots of love to all, Affy, Robert Kidd. Shall I see the interesting school-fellow? I was amused and also gratified with the letter, & gratified that you do tell [M?]53 East 20th St. New York. 74 June 11th '74 Carissima [Pi??:] I felt unpleasantly choking when I saw the dear little grey figure moving away from me. I really wished to jump out and announce that I had given up going to New York & that the family might say what they liked about it but I should "Stick to Boston". Ah well dear Monkey, I'll turn up again on your hands like a bad penny. Maria came on at Worcester, & I knew her directly as she did me. We confabulated till we reached home. Ware seemed just as usual. Mr & Mrs Barlow gave me a hearty welcome. Maria seems to me very much more feeble than she used tobe. I have a kind of feeling that she will not live very long. I said nothing to Mrs B. about the Vineyard plan, as I saw from my talk with Maria it would be quite useless. M. had just received a letter from on of the Vineyard people, who informed her that Mrs. Stewart's house was rented to a New York family for four months. Yug!! There is to be a R.R. between the camp ground and Edgartown -- I hope the road will never pay a dividend to its shareholders!! Maria, as she was really too tired after taking her music lessons. She speaks of herself as quite an old woman, but after [after] having been betrayed into some silly pranks by Capt Kidd, she remarked '' "Really Kitty, if you were to remain here I believe I should grow quite young again". I left Ware yesterday (10th) at 10 a.m. Had a very hot and dusty ride, & reached the city of my birth about 3 p.m. I was cooly making for a 4th Av: car, when Uncle Georgie appeared and took possession of me. Aunt Emily had gone down to Rockaway he informed me, but Aunt Ellen was expected up that evening. Found Rachel's letter (wh you forwarded) & one from Aunt Nettie. Read both & gave them to Uncle G. to read. Uncle G. did the honors of the house, took me to my room, & said "if you want anything Kitty, knock at my door, which is opposite." It sounded decidedly comical to be told to regard Uncle G. as host! When I had made myself clean & respectable, I went down stairs to the parlor where I found UncleG. & you know that I talked, as was expected of the latest arrival. No Aunt Ellen appeared, so Uncle G. & I had tea & talked, that's to say I did. After tea, till bedtime, another talking bout. I hope the talk was satisfactory. I seemed to myself very stupid, & I was so nervous that I scarcely knew how to remain still. Funny, is it not, that Uncle G. frightens one so? This a.m. Aunt Ellen turned up looking, I thought, far better than I had seen her for years. First things, she demanded - "How do you like Susie?" I opened my eyes & asked Who is Susie? I found it to be the latest name for Baby No. 3. It appears the infant was in the house, they having only taken Nannie & Nina to Rockaway. Just think of Uncle G. never saying a word about the child to me!! Do you suppose he thought I should fall a victim to the toils of that 3 infant? He evidently dislikes Susie, or rather I should say, considers her an interloper, not wanted by anyone. I think the child rather pretty, especially her curly pate. She is however kept in the kitchen & not in the least welcomed by either Aunt Emily or Uncle G., so that as yet I can hardly judge of what the child is like. I feel rather sorry for little Susie, for, young as she is, she knows she is not welcomed by Aunt E. & Uncle G. & the little thing must feel very uncomfortable. Aunt Emily has only grown stouter & greyer, in everything else she seems just as of old. The house, neighborhood, & people all seem so natural I can hardly realize how long I've been away. I have the sitting room & bedroom opposite Uncle G's, which Aunt Emily callsAunt Marian's quarters. I am gently stirring, as the weathers moist & hot at the same time. I trust you will come out all right in the examinations. Only, don't get too much excited this warm weather. How is Major? My kindest regards to him. Tell Mike I am sorry I left without saying good-bye to him: - don't forget, as I understand he is very touchy as the omission of the small politeness. The house here I like very much - it is so old fashioned & home - like. Uncle G. calls me for a walk, so I must say adieu for the present. Love to Mamma & Papa & to Lizzie Hooper, Always your loving Betrothed Kidd. [*Na??il Nine are both being utterly Spoiled*] 53 East 20th St. New York. June 19th '74 My Dear Alice; My last letter finished by saying I was called for a walk. Uncle Georgie took me out to show me the improvements which have been made during the past four years. We walked up Fifth Avenue to the Central Park, & down again by Madison Avenue. We commented on the houses etc, & both agreed in disliking Fifth Av: The upper part of the Av: is not as handsome as the lower part; but, both upper & lower parts are being spoiled as fast as possible by the mixing shops, stables, hotels etc with dwellings. We quite agreed in liking certain parts of the Park, where great expanses of green turf are broken by pretty groups of trees. Under a group of suchtrees we sat for an hour talking! I'll tell you about it when I see you. Only this will I say:__ I was asking him how he had spent last winter & his account thereof made me respect him more highly than ever, for I saw how little of a home he had had here, & how entirely it was to help Aunt Emily, that he remained in the house. Of course we visited the Park Museum, & I had the very ugliest Monkey pointed out as my "ancestor." I went to Rockaway Sunday with Aunt Emily, & only returned here yesterday. Nannie was the one to come forward & greet me, Nina holding back & opening her great black eyes at me. I believe she expected to see a great black cat, so cd not understand how "a big girl" was called Kitty!!! Nannie I think pretty, gentle and winning, with quite a sense of fun. Nina I am doubtful about. - Has she any brains? Will she turn out good or ill? She is very active & affectionate which I believe are her two good points. Nina at last, quite took to "Coosen Keetty," & Nannie wished "Cooseen Kitty, would stay, "all the times." Of course the present household have quite changed the aspect of things at Rockaway, but I never liked the place, & there are only painful memories connected with the place. I began my course of dentistre yesterday. As Dr Ridder cannot see me again till the 25th, I am going out to Somerville in the interval. Continue to send letters here. I am as eager as you to see the Vineyard. I shall consult the Somervillerelatives about it. We left a U. S. Army tent at Mrs Stewart's last time we were there. I'm afraid tho' it is all torn by now. Besides, we should need a stronger force than 1 Pirate (mild) & two young ladies, to carry out such a plan. In short we should need to enlist a strong crew. Harry & Charley! I will think it over, but I hardly imagine it will do, to live on mushrooms & blackberries however good they may be. Susie has gone down to Rockaway. I really wish Aunt Ellen wd look out for a good home for the child. Not even Aunt Ellen wants her, & the child is just a disturbing element & wearing Aunt Emily out with a needless care. For Aunt Emily has the care & expense without any affection to make those come easy. In haste, Affy, Kidd. 53 East 20th St. New York. Sunday Morning June 28th '74. Mia Cara Sposa: Aunt Emily went down to Rockaway yesterday leaving Uncle G. and myself to keep house. I am sitting by the window in the room called Aunt Marian's, which is now mine. I feel like a luxurious young lady with my bedroom and sitting room! A delightful breeze comes in the windows, and also an occasional odour of Ailanthus! I am enjoying all this, and also a raging toothache, the result of Dr Ridder's trying to kill a nerve ---- it dies very hard. Yesterday I too was in the hands of the D---and on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday next week shall also be in his clutches. It's worse than Purgatory. It is the very lowest circle of the Inferno!! I am afraid I am a very real person indeed. Just how I should be thankful to be an imaginary individual, so that I might escape the inquisitorial torture of Ridder. We were evidently born for each other. In your's of the 21st, you say you think Uncle G. resembles Harry East. Now, on that very day, at about 7 a.m. while waiting breakfast in the Visitors room at Somerville, the same likeness between my two friends Steve M Mc also. You are glad I "like Uncle George better". Why my dear Pie, I've had more than a liking for Uncle G. for many a year, as I have for all bearing the name of Blackwell. The only question was whether he liked me, and that is now settled; for Aunt Nettie told me that when last at S. (2 weeks ago), they were as king about me and he said "Kitty is no longer a girl, but an unusually sensible woman". I've had one or two complimentary things said to me, or of me, during my life, but never anything so flattering, considering who made it. (I have to finish this in pencil for both pen and ink are so bad that I lose my temper.) What has Harry of Navarre been doing to displease you? I know he was not perfect- & I received many a shock to my hero-worships, while reading Sully's Memoirs-Why don't you read Sully? You have Lamartine's 'History of the Girondists' which you would find interesting, if it is decently translated. Did you ever read Bulwer's "Zanoni"? It is a queer weird story, which I've just been rereading. I have not read the United Netherlands, so can't for the life of me think what the gallant Prince of Orange has done, which so schocksyou. Impart to me. I thought the Prince very nearly perfect, and with him dead, I cannot imagine who was to take his place — not prince Maurice. Don't fall in love with the latter or the tumble you will get when you read the 3d part of Motley will be fearful. I've only seen a review of part 3, but that made me feel quite sick at heart and caused me to believe that all men are faithless. Certainly Prince Maurice was faithless to his Father's precepts. I thought Floy very little changed outwardly, but 3 I am well aware, no one letter, that the character of the youngster has changed much. She is no longer a child in anything. None you are, and very long may you remain so my dear Pet. Edie seems to me an unhappy child. She is not, I think, pretty; & there is such an utter lack of any interest or motive in her life that it is miserable to see. Grace is my favourite. I don't know what it is, but there certainly is something very attractive about that pic. Agnes I also like. I think if she ever recovers her complexion, that she will be the pretty one of the family. She is very bright, and decidedly the most truly amiable of that household, but at present she is a very great tease. Ethel took to me almost directly.Uncle Sam remarked he "knew no one to whom the children cling as they do to Kitty." Ethel is a queer child. She seems to me not the least like the rest and there is a likeness to someone. I can't quite make out to whom, which puzzles me much. As soon as the D— is through with me I go out to Somerville again thinking it best to complete my visit there as I may not again return to New York ere sailing. Of course I prefer Boston, for it is far more interesting and also my heart is sair for Somebody. Somebody, write here if you write ere July 3 — after that to Somerville. Yous in the present agony of toothache and in the prospective clutches of Ridder. Doubtless all is a punishment for the Sins of — Kidd.