Blackwell Family Kitty Barry Unidentified205 Vicarage Road [*France*] Leyton, Essex Jan. 20/ 1904 Dear Miss Barry Thank you very much indeed for your nice long letter and pretty scarf oh so very kind of you to think of me. I had wondered whether I should ever hear from you again. Still I shall always feel that you were very much and true to me. It was so interesting to hear of your little Susan poor little mite I do feel sorry for her, when I read your letter I longedto see my little darling, at least, once was for a time. I try to think it was the Wiling of Providence that - she had to be taken from me There is one thing, I feel that I always tried to my duty - to the child had she of been my own little darling I couldnt have done more for her. When I look at the photograph with her arms round my neck I feel rather sad and it gives me a nasty feeling towards Mrs. Harvey which I try to banish from my mind. I like you cannot understand why she was done God knows what is best for us and I which think she must of been for some good that I had the child for a time. I will try not to blame anyone, although I was very much shaken in which Mrs. Harvey acting as she did. I was very pleased to hear of Mr Harvey 's promotion. I wish him every success in life, he works so hard and is worthy of every encouragement. Isn't is sad about our good Queen's failing health? I do hope that it wont be serious I am afraid this war has been too much for her. She must feel it for many men being killed. I was sorry to hear about Dr! having sprained her hand but glad to hear that she is well of her self. Please give my kindthat wasnt well. I stayed there until the end of August. When I was there my sister wrote to me to ask her if I would come and stay the Winter and keep house for her, and I dont know whether I told you that she has a little girl five years of age, so that she has been very nice company for me. New years with we had a childrens party I was busy and when we had another one so that we spent a Happy Xmas. I must not forget to tell you after I came here I had two letters one from Mrs. Hobberton wanting me to go to her daughter at Bexhill, she wanted a nurseMrs Hobberton is the Lady that Mrs. Harveys parlourmaid went to live with, I thought it was very friend of her to think of me. however I had to refuse as I had promised my sister, I am not thinking of going out just yet. I don't know what I may do later on. It has been a great change being here but I am very comfortable, only there is a lot to do, I am glad the Summer is coming as we have had such a wet Winter. I hope that we shall have fine weather, I must hope now it is supper time With every good wish Believe me yours ever gratefully and faithfully Nanaregards to her. I am glad that you spent a happy Xmas . I know that you and Doctor take a pleasure in thinking of other people happiness I am glad that [????] is still with you please give my love to her. I must write to Polly as I owe her a letter I meant to write to her long ago, how kind of you to think of her Mother and Aunt just the same as if [you] Sarah and Holly were still with you. Poor Sarah we little thought a year ago that she would be gone from so far ever in this world, I will now try and tell you about myself. After I left Walton I stayed with my sister at Powell [for?] a month. And then went to Preston to stay with an Aunt [*Lillie*] Billing Road Saturday. My very dear Kitty Thank you so warmly for your kind letter about our dear Mary. Dear Kitty I have not seen either my sister- in law or any of the children since I had a note from Mary's nurse yesterday & she had moved from one bed to the other the baby will be 2 weeks old next Tuesday.they have been taken ill. Now have I been inside the house - I have met the eldest girl out of doors who is about 15 & gone for Country & town walks with her she has not had it & is quite well worn rather against Jacks will as he was nervous about it - but I felt she was lonely poor girl - I see the Father out of doors sometimes but he is quite an old gentleman - but Jack really asked me not to go with Eleanora last week so I have not - I will write to her by post this morning telling her I am hoping to go to Mary's . so dear you don't think there is any fear. I do not think I shall be able to go to my own Libbies if all is well before the christenng for Jack's feet are so bad he cannot put either heel to the ground, so he does not like to be alone--and there is no one now to come & stay. It has been a great grief to me not to be with my darling sister, but I have told my greifs to Jesus so I will trust He will make a way out of them. I thank you dearest from my heart for your loving thoughts & care for dear Mary & dear D. too. With kindest & fondest love to you both Your very loving Lillie[*Excuse this writing; but it is this or nothing & I know how you like conversation*] 120 Marnia S.L. Oct 10, 94 Dearest Kitty, I thought of writing to you; [but] and then thought perhaps I could see you as I hope to be in Hastings tomrw morng for [some] a visit on my Mother's account to Mrs Payne at the C.H. (who I hadn't time for yesterday) & could tell you if [I] you have time to see [you] me. It is this--that tho' I think this 'place' perhaps nice for a servant, they only give £10, and that would not suit Sarah's neice (was it?). I say perhaps because I findMr. Goodwin does not have the same socialistic ideas about servants as I do--& they do not "meal" with her. This seems unkind--of course it might be said to be right for the class of servant she gets (I should say no, it is unkind--except that she has a son growing up & perhaps it makes the maids familiar to associate with them); and I do not see any yielding in her to alter her rule for a better maid. Tell that to S. if you like, or we will leave it to them to settle among themselves if her people interview Mr. G. That was all; but now you have written to me, and it seems ungracious if I dont find a moment to write to you. Yes,--and I can tell you such answers about your [deleted] (notice new name for you!) C.P's confidants (I did not meet the lady tho' I was to, & so her judgment of me could not have been fair! But this could'nt be helped) I hope that complications haven't arisen from my repeating whatprobably C.P. said in joke "If Kitty allows it". (It is an unwise plan to repeat things even what one sister might remark of another.) I had better say further what C.P. said-- no, I can tell you tomorrow --if you can be at the Homeopathic Home at [11:45] 12. & walk a little way back--that is if you find me ruffled up from having received some tiresome communication! let us hope not. Please understand I never wanted you to invite (I knew he had only to announce when he chose to go to R.H. I did not think of asking you to ask him) C.P. on P.S. To amuse you-- I read your letter in the wrong light at first!! The result was I turned "white as a sheet" as poor people say, & exclaimed to myself--What on earth does Kitty mean--think I am not worthy to be come an acquaintance of her C.P. because I haven't been 'presented'? Does he even go to a Drawing Room Leon I mean? Let me know you laughed at this Kitty! Not that I abuse my girl & other friends who [have do] have attended Drawing Rooms & levees: perhaps it makes them social saints. No!I do not think you capable of snob-ism. Real saints can't be. It is I that am. But I can't get on to that subject on paper. Like all true Xtian Socialists (I am only one at heart) I am a great snob. I would snub one side of my family and possess [these] this side only which can boast of ancestors!! What for?--for the sake of some dozen of my friends who are of good birth. Do not think because I have indulged you with all this scrawled conversation on paper that I am not calm in my thoughts of C.P. and in peaceful friendship with him. If he is with you on Saty or Sunday, will you bring him to tea here if you are in this direction & care to. Tell me tomorrow if you will. Not more than 20 min. will I trouble you to stay--it isn't good for my patient. If you send C.P. awalk I fear it must be of Pevensea not Winchilsea, unless you will come & take my place here!! Tear this epistle up. I hate the body of it--in fact any way of writing when one would rather converse. Any account (or out of kindness to me) it would indeed be selfish & unladylike to thus demand a companion for a walk. He Mr. H., suggested that, and also I never said anything about his going to Hastings till after he told me he wanted to come. All this is in confidence; but I know it is unnecessary-- you did understand me? Did I thank you for L.'s biscuits nicely --I fear [nod] not--I had much to think of yesterday. Also theother day I meant to have said to your maid Sarah "Mr Claude will probably be here next month, but I hear you have another young [master] gentleman now of whom you are equally proud." [where will Mr Claude] That, advisedly, because I should not like [your] our face[ti]tious old Sarah to think I was a friend of C.P.'s. Friendship you know in C P.'s eyes is so far greater an ideal than any poor people can understand - that I much Chelsea gossip to go thro'. X That tho' is very natural & I take no notice of it. But it struck me when I had the misfortune, in talking of this maid Polly to say "Let me see, tomorrow is Saturday, in an absent-minded , & did you hear Sarah's reply 'The week is'nt up yet, Miss Jessie!" It was just a coincidence, but I how awful if Sarah were to know I X and I don't want you to have the same,had your C.P. [?] a friend & misunderstood the friendship! I told you before I don't [?] that Sarah doesn't "know her place," but I hate a servant you have to be comfort with. O, I haven't time to write more, how badly I can express [it] this conversation. I have [written?] it. I will tell you how A. is tomorrow. The part goes Yours truly Jennie Leo is explained in the enclosed: please give it me back tomorrow. I hope the day will soon be happy. I don't regard him as human.[*G.C.*] Geneva Sept 25th -96 My dear Kitty - Your welcome & most interesting letter of Aug. 23rd reached me at Interlarken where we spent a month waiting for it to clear so that we might go about a little & "do" more of the excursions, we were quite missed but at last , & more than half frozen, we came to try our luck here, stopping two nights at Berne on the way to see the dear bears - Poor dear Don, how truely you must miss him & how sad that he3 Stacy & we are at Spa. Belgium, but may return to Paris any day, of course it all depends upon Mrs [Ayer?] - This is my first visit to Geneva, & I have enjoyed it greatly inspite of the cold & rain which still keeps with us - One old friend of mine who married a Swiss this time - Mrs [Als???] a daughter of the late Richard [B??me] [?] 2nd are New Yorks - I dare say you remember the family - your sister 4 used I think to attend Mrs B- in the old days - it has been so pleasant seeing her again & going about with her - So you have had a visit from your dear "Paul" & his bride to be as she was then did you go to the wedding- it must be a great comfort to you that he is so happy - Mrs. [?] Lady [S?] must be crazy - This [?] matter is too terrible - Stacy writes me that the - I forget the name of the society - but I think it is the [Microscopical] of N.Y. has endorsed [?] vivisection - I fear it will take many, many2 should have sufferd so at the last - the house must indeed seem lonely without him I know how you ^ the Doctor must feel - as you say a dog is just a dog to most people & there is no use in trying to make such understand, how we who love them truly feel, it is a waist of breath - we ask what I expect to do this fall & winter my present plan is to go back to New York some time in November, just when I dont know yet - we expect to go to Paris next week & then I hope to stay until I sail - 5 years to open peoples eyes to the wickness & horror of ut - it seems like the question of Harry in the old times before the war ,almost hopeless, but every word said against it helps or may do so - I met a De Wylie an Oculist, & alas! a woman from Boston at Interlacken, who expressed much surprise[d] when I told her that Dr. Blackwell was opposed to vivisection & doing all she could to prevent it, if women take this view, what can be expected of men - Dr. Wylie evidently approved if it herself - but did not7 ugly look on all sides ot seems to me - To change to a more pleasantsubject, Mrs Hussey writes me that her peahen, - she has a pair of peacocks - has laid two eggs & that on old woman here is sitting on them , she expects soon to have two baby peacocks will not that be nice - Mrs H. also speaks of the trouble that they have had this summer, While I think of it, did the Doctor get the little tract of Johnnie's I sent her , & also the one on vivisection - poor Johnnie is still living in the same way 8 away from his family & thinking it not right to take money for honest work. I dont know how it will all end - - Please give a great deal of love & sympathy to the Doctor, she knows that I can feel with her, in her room for poor Don, & so do you my dear Kitty - poor But why should he he blind nothing ever happened to his eyes - I had a letter from Sebella Jones lately, she said she had not had as much to do this summer, as she would have liked - but seemed cheerful & happy - it is so dark I must stop - with much love affec G.C.6 care to [?] discuss the matter with me -- Yes the U.S. seems is a bad way, my nurse [?] Benjamin takes a very gloomy view of things, but not so bad as your Uncle - he thinks if McKinley gets in things will be much better, on the other hand I met a man from Dalas Texas the other day who said if McKinley was President the South & West would join hands & that there would be war - which is nonsense of course, but still things have a very[*I hope you got my last letter all right*] HOTEL KILMER, ARGYLESHIRE 15th Dec 08200 Dear Miss Barry Blackwell To wish you a Merry Xmas & Happy New Year I hope you are keeping well. Dugald sends you a Card in his own hand writing, he sends his love & many thanks for the John Martin Magazine which giveshim so much pleasure he dearly love that monthly magazine & loos forward to it very very much so do all the other little boys at School & they read it over & over again with great delight. how I wish you could just see their happy faces reading that book it would delight you. I know. & I want again to thank you so much for sending it to him. I forward it on to school & January one I will read to him at home he comes on Friday the 19th for 3 weeks & I am just heart sore to see him now. he get a weekend once a month & has been home 3 weekends this term. but I miss my boy terribly Dugald will write you a letter himself when he comes at Xmas He has made wonderful progress for the first term & has such nice little manners. Larchfield is a fine boys school & after they are 13 years old they go to Glenammon there are 16 boys from Larchfield just now at Glenammon. Ours is a small family this winter. James is now married & returns to India on 17th January. With love from all Jenny.St Andrews Villa Southampton. December 30th - 1876. My very dear Kitty, [*Kindest regards to D & yourself from my Father & Mother & [?] of the season.*] I must write again to you this year, it will so soon be out how; but I don't think I shall finish or send you it before I hear from you; and you say in your last [welcome?] letter that you will "write to Lillie after the Christmas time to say how you spent it." I wish I was spending the New Year where you are & I should so enjoy it I am sure. Now here it is pouring with rain and blowing so hard - last night I was going to a dance, but when the timearrived there were great looks of distress on my Father's face, who thought the cab would perhaps be uptipped - it was really a very stormy night. So it ended in my not going - I would have been all alone you must know, for Mary doesn't care for "set-dances" so she had declined. I see in to-day's papers that a Mr. G. Hill wrote to say that (at 2. 24 P.M. I think) for 24 hours all round the coast they must [?] precautions for squalls, also all collieries also. How amusing your description of the theatre nos. Have you still the same people at your Pension? From your description they must be so nice and sociable. Did I tell you that in the papers a week or so ago - there was a mysterious description of a vessel with Jersey masts (that is masts made out of any piece of wood [?] & stone) exploding off Portland & sinking at once - this was seen by the Coast Guard men of Portland & Scotsmen at once sent off to see if there were any survivors but no trace could be found, no appearance of the [?] even, which was quite [?] to show where the ship sunk. My brother when he came down from town said he had read a letter in the Daily News in which it quite cleared up the mystery by explaining that the [?] had gone out to see if there were any survivors (Capt. Mace the harbourMaster was in one the Father of our Mr. Mace our landlady's husband at Weymouth — & this supposed ship turned out to be an [in??ouse] unusual fish!! & the jury masts were fins!!! fancy the difference — I would not wonder if our old friend the deaf sailor had something to do with it. Do you remember my blue poplin? I am wearing it now as my everyday dress & I find the blue velvet is beginning to fade rather. How is your pretty grey? Ho dearest Kitty with every wish. for God's blessing & every other good wish for you & Jr in the New Year. & with dearest love in which Mary joins of course Always believe me your loving friend Lillie Faucet. Jan. 23. 1903 58, PORCHESTER TERRACE, W. Dear Friend You will wonder at my very long silence, but I have not yet been able to respond to many of my Xmas greetings & some from old friends of my very early days - one who I knew before she was born, sent me violets & two or three to whom I thought I was nothing at all, remembered me most kindly. Miss Cobbe came with a special likeness in a gorgeous frame, but it was the most trying Xmas I ever remember for the house was at sixes & sevens & we had the extra inconvenience & discomfort of having suddenly to change three servants & how I did long to be "in a cottage near a wood"where there should be no domestics to make upheavals, however that is over now, but I could not help contrasting our Xmas with your quiet & bright little party - that is why I have not been able to writeto you. Her many friends have been wishing to come & see me & I have not really been able to be hospitable or amiable - & now I [have] am employing a masseuse, for you know Mrs. Campbell has left London for the last two years - I have missed her very much - but the Mrs. Clark who is now attending me, seems to me very capable though not equal to Mrs. Campbell. But I think her an honest conscientious woman with a good firm touch & my head already feels better for her help, but for some little time I have lived almost entirely in my own den & almost dread going downstairs lest I should be invaded. Annie is living at high pressure as usual, but I really see very little of her as she is so occupied & at the call of so many. I do not know if you ever see "The Abolitionist" so I am sending you the last number - the leader is grand, I could hardly help crying when I read it first - Ionely wish I were wealthy that I could give more to it than I do & I have been trying to reduce some of my lesser subscriptions but so many of our societies touch on the same subject in so many openings, such as "The Personal Rights Assoc." & so on, that I do not like to close any - but I must do the best I can so that I keep my head above water. The last "Woman's Journal" you sent seemed most important, I only wish I could have several copies of it - I only heard yesterday that this infamousmeasure was at work in South Africa - I never quite believed in the Devil till now, when our Chamberlain is developing, so I have just got a parcel of the enclosed speech of Dr. Martineau which I intend to paste into his "Life" which has lately been published & will send some copies to some of our Ministers. Yesterday Miss Appel called to say good bye & started for India to-day - she is very anxious that some medical person shall be able to take her place on the L. B. T. Mr. Bell knows of no one & Miss Jane Walker is far too much occupied - I wonder whether the lady doctor at Hastings would feel sufficiently interested & be able to come up occasionally to a committee meeting - I do hope that the next letter I am able to send you will be less miserableScalands Gate Robertsbridge Sussex. S.O. When I was at Yotes I found that odious "Fairplay" It was sent not bought Mabel said she did not know how - she though as advertisement. I sent it to show you what was going about incountry houses. Perhaps Dover & Kent in general are worse that other places. I was looking at all their papers &c so I saw that My dear I am not an idiot! & I know the value of Dr E B & Mr Standfeld! No one better & I love them the 1st most of all I did laugh at your letter my beloved. I have had somebother here & shall have. I am very sorry but I can't help it. I do not think I am wrong what I am doing. I wish I were stronger Your affect BLSB.Jan 2nd Dear Madam Pardon the liberty I am taking asking you once more to to intercede on behalf of our dear pet the dog, it is fourteen weeks on Tuesday since this piece of petty tirerany has been put on our dogs all over Hastings. will you dear Madam write to our Mayor Dr Bagshawe and ask him to do so many a kindness by letting Mr Long knowthat our dogs here are healthy ours fretted so we dare not let it wear it. I creep out in the dark with it sometimes but am in constant fear of being seen by a policeman. We are hard working people, and a summons would mean much to us a dear friend died and begged of us not to let her faithful dog want I told her no not while I had a crust: poor thing she smiled her thanks and died afew hours after. England is supposed to be a free country. I dont think so while one man can have the power to annoy a nation with his whims, hunting dogs go free its unjust a law for the rich another for the poor with a vengence, look dear Lady when you are out at the poor things they look very miserable they are so sensible do you think maamif you wrote to our clever and kind Vet Mr. W Hill whether he can help us. what the society of cruelty to animals are thinking about it they have not defended the poor dogs. my wife works for Ladies who say they will give no more subscribtion to it as they think it has not done its duty so much the wors for them. you dear Madam being a docter perhaps our Mayor will listen to you. I will always be thankful to you. From a working man. S D and wife a disgusted Conservative a friend of J JSaturday God bless you dear Madam for your kind efforts on behalf of our dear dog and all others. this morning we saw a sentence in Observer telling you they could not insert it, but we think it will do some good. do you think Mr. Woodruffe Hill could help us. I know your dear old dog well and know your love for animals. we all said a little prayer for you for your kindness in noticing my Humble letter. hope dear madam you will have health and be spared. you have the Comfort at any time in health or sickness to know you have cheered a whole family by your kindness. again God bless you and yours From Earnest J J a disgusted conservative PS. surely if they compel us to torture our pets they ought to buy muzzles Mrs jj wifeThe Hut Ingatestone Dear Miss Blackwell I shd. be so glad to know if you have read Mr Starting paper - & whatyou think of them in "Medical Journal" I had heard so much of this question in France. that I am glad that English doctors are at last opening their eyes to these things. If you have time send me a line pray.Yrs. very truly [Delebrailes?]5 East Parade Hastings Octob My dear Dr Blackwell Barbara asked me personally to forward this letter to you & to explain that Miss Shore might perhaps arrange to let you have a room in the country in exchange for the occasional accommodation. Sherequires in London. She is an admirable person & prepares gratuitously, such ladies for the London University Ex. as cannot afford to pay for tutors ([she] in Latin & Greek) I leave Barking on the 31st & go with Barbara & the doctor to Ryde. The place is delightful. I am sorry you have not had a longer holiday in the country. Believe me to be With kindest regards Very truly yours M Betham Edwards I hear from Mr [?] Stepney once or twice a week & he has told me some interesting things about public feeling in Germany &c.Chamber of London, Guildhall, E.C. 6/2/1882 Dr. Mrs Druckwig Since writing to you I have found not by reference to the Lords' Evidence that Mr Hardman does not support 18 [?]. - We are not yet prepared to petitionas all our time is occupied with a very difficult report. What to publish & what to suppress is very difficult to know, particularly as we should have actions for libel if we told all that we believe, & indeed all that we know, but may not be able to prove in a Court of Law There is no very [?] necessity for immediate [petitioning?] until we hear what the Lords or the Govt. propose to do — Yrs Very Truly Benjamin Sarth [?] I fear Miss H it is not a very judicious person althoshe is very zealous in the cause for right. AvBrightling Place Heathhurst Kent 30 July 71 Dear Dr. E. Blackwell I will gladly join your Society for the improvement of the health of the people and assist you in any way in my power. If you put me down as a Sussex Correspondent please recollect that I am not Mr Asherton but Mr Henry Asherton, my elder Brotherliving at Brighton - you will kindly send me one of the printed papers; such as Madame Bodichon showed me, and I will forward my guinea subscription as a member when I know to whom it should be sent . Trusting that I may soon have passed I might almost say unheard, and instead of overwhelming me with gratitude for my thoughtful worry she has often made me feel that it was thrown away. I have told Alan this quite freely, and also that I have many times been on the point of going to see his uncle to disburden my mind, & have only been kept back by the thought that I should get no thanks for my pains, & very likely see myself into trouble. Alan understands all this, & himself things that my labour would have been in vain. I have not hesitated either to tell A. how sorry I am his mother cannot be told the whole thing from the beginning, but that of course I must respect his confidence, even if his mother were strong-minded enough to stand anything. (It may interest you to know thatthe chief mischief maker is not the one who has figured largely lately, but another whose name I mentioned, & asked if I was right. The answer was "yes." I have told Alan too, that I have given his mother opportunities to cross-examine me & that she has not taken them. I can give her these opportunities no longer. I soon heard that Mrs H. wondered what the Dr. & Rev. T. found to talk about. She has no faith in the doctor, is sure he does not know Alan's constitution, & that the treatment is all wrong. A. tells her bluntly she knows nothing about it, but that does not make for peace. For myself it is most difficult to talk to her, knowing as I do all the facts, without doing violence to my own conscience, or to the real love I feel for her as one of my dearest friends, or without acquiescing in a course which seems to be right, but which I know to be wrong -- & without making a "mystery" appear! I never felt such a strain on my tact & discretion & self- control before. I can forgive Mrs. H. if she feels at all jealous of me on account of the confidences she knows I have received; but to add to my discomfort I have incurred her anger for being more or less responsible for A's going out on two occasions, after one of which he had a dreadful throat for a week. I told A. I wished his mother would scold me, that I loved her quite enough to "take" anything from her; to which as you may imagine, the answer was "I wouldn't!" From all this you will see that having received the confidence of everyone, separately, I am now possessed of a good book of facts - certainly more than any otherone person. I cannot divulge where I have promised to keep silence, but I can use my knowledge for the benefit of all concerned if I am allowed to; & if only sufficient faith were placed in me I could do an immense amount of good. I have explained all this to Alan, but I have felt obliged to add: "Unfortunately your mother, from some cause or other, has not much faith in anybody." I think Alan understands the situation. I told him that I should certainly try my hardest. But I find it terribly tantalizing, & even painful to have the knowledge, the ability & the will to do so much good, & yet as yet can't. And the painfulness to me is increased tenfold when I hear Mrs H. say she has "no one to turn to, & no one to do anything", & wishes herJamaica Plain, 14-1-1907 Dear Kitty It seems as if a I observed a little girl & not a distinguished looking lady with white hair. My dear doctor Blackwell is not your sole property and you are not by her means entirely hers, I claim a part of you both to love & cherish you in my thoughts & feelings. I don't posess the gift of letter writing, as nature has not allowed me the power of language. Longcan state facts, whether they belong to business affairs, professional cares or friendship. One thing I am thankful to posess, namely true faithfulness for those I care and to all I undertake to work for. How you must have enjoyed to travel through the grand sceneries of Scotland with the dear doctor. I followed you in mind through all those places familiar to me, where I had seen good times in 1874 Unfortunately my health is so undermined, but I now intend to travel in order to try improving the shatter condition of my nerves. In spite of the Boston Climate which suits me admirably, I intend to leave for California in about 10 days just before I shall write to Dr Blackwell. The reason why I have not written before this, was just my nerves, which are in a sad condition as everything makes me hysterical, sleepless & generally shaky.This is all I want to say of myself, for I cannot describe it accurately without either enlarging or diminishing the horrible [?] my turns. I intend to return to J. P. the last week in April. My address will be care of Mrs. C. M. Ren[?]e 806 N. Adams St. Los Angeles Cal. although I don't intend to reside with her but near by not yet decided upon. Be sure to give me good news of yourself & my doctor, as I am in need of cheerful letters. Most truly yours M E [?]Dec 12 1913 2, Gower Street. My dear Miss Barry. I am very glad receive your letter this morning, conveying to me your approval of the proposal of [?] Dent to bring out Dr Blackwell's Pioneer Work in Everyman's Library. I consented to write an introduction, conditionally on your sanction and Miss Leigh Browne's.I have always felt that it was a most remarkable & deeply interesting book and I am extremely glad that it shd get in the hands of a larger public. Believe me. Very Sincerely yours M S Fawcett28th 7. 23. c/o Miss Grant 19 Ann St. Hillhead Glasgow. W. Dear Kitty Your very welcome 19 page letter of June 13th I duly received & read all its most interesting news with the greatest of pleasure. Yes dear Miss Grant - & I get along all right & are very happy! I intended writing you a few lines when at Kilmun, but what with friends coming in & our visiting out, & entertaining Mr McKinlay playing & reading to him there seemed no time for letter writing so I put off till I [**visited your dear Doctors grave, & [?] lovely flowers growing**] P.S. Kind love & regards to your cousin Alice who is so good a secretary to you all the time she will get her reward By & By!!2 I got back here to Ann St. We spent a most enjoyable fortnight with our dear mutual friend Mr. McKinlay, & your name was brought up almost at every meal. Miss Mitchell was kindness itself, what a treasure he has in her. He would not be living unless Miss M had nursed & cared for him so well. She is so good & kind to him but firm she has to be as a little irritability shows itself now & again & she is so tactful then. Just part of the trouble now & must just be put up with. When his pipe goes out & will not keep going he pitches it into the grass plot & his smoking cap after it! dear little minister he had been very brave all 3 along. Oh he was so happy all the time we were there & one day at dinner he repeated a whole line of poetry quite clearly,- & we all clapped our hands,- & rejoiced. We can't be too grateful for our speech & only when we see others deprived of it do we realize what a precious gift it is! We both paid a board for the fortnight we were with them but oh it was such a job to get them to take it. We had glorious weather very hot some days but we sat under the shade of the trees in the garden. We had a lovely drive to Benmore one day the four of us4. a beautiful sunny day, had our tea with Mrs. James Younger (widow of the late Coachman Mr. James Younger) she spent a day with us at Forestside & invited us all to tea with her. We had a most delightful time here through all the gardens & Vineries, & as we were driving home I thought of that last lovely drive you & I had to Benmore Gates. I shall never forget it- your hand clasping mine all the way! There was a "Sale of Work & Cake & Candy in connection with the "Parish Church Guild" a great success during the time we were there, The lady they had engaged to do the Fortune Telling took ill and was not able to be present, 5. [to Kitty] so I said to Mr. Harper the new minister if I feel well enough the morning of the Sale, I will try & come along & fill the fortune teller's place, I felt all right & did the fortunes charging only 1/- which I thought right as it was not right to have two prices & charged all alike, and what a happy time the young & old ladies had all getting husbands & legacies & presents Miss Muir (an old maid from Blairmore) came first into the tent, I did not do the fortunes this time on the platform but in a corner of the Younger Hall, screened in by a large screen Miss Muir said she could "take a Man at any time"6 so I gave her a man, a motor car, and plenty money to keep her! And she went away very delighted, & told in the hall that she was so happy, so was up to the "seventh heaven"! Miss Sloan Blairmore a very pretty young lady was next and she went out highly pleased, Dr Robertson's daughter was after Miss Sloan, then a very interesting young lady with such a nice manner! I asked her name, she said Eleanor Shields, and it turned out I knew her father and her grandfather long ago in Kelso & she told me she was keeping her step father's house. (Mr Robertson Benmore Lodge Gates), the principal Gates & when we drove to Benmore that day her stepfather & she came out to welcome us & shewed me my own handwriting on a song I had presented to her father many years ago so it is strange how one meets with decendents of old & dear friends, she said she could shew me other things if I went into the house which would remind me of the past. The Guild made £150 by the Sale that day & we met all old friends there. Mrs. Younger Benmore opened the Sale & Mr Younger also spoke. It was such a crowd of people the best Sale they have had, they wish too get the church endowed, which will be a very great blessing in every sense.8 I was so glad to hear that your cousin Howard & his wife were so kind & attentive to you & their dear boys as well so gentlemanly & attentive to you. Mrs. Howard seems to have a very special constituted spine, I never heard of another case the same, but she seems a very model wife & mother! I am so glad the boys have such a good music teacher & I think the newer style of teaching will be on a more simple scale than the old, which is a great advantage. The Boys seem to be of a very enquiring turn of mind which augurs well for the future. I was quite[Elsie] (1) "Post Office" 25 George Street Hastings 8th December 1923 My dear Miss Barry, This comes to wish you the old old wish "May you have a bright & happy Christmas." & I. especially at this time of the year, when the iced cakes are on the scene. Yes we are still at P.O. 25 George Street as you will observe, the present owner having promised to take no further steps in the matter until June 1924, what will happen then I cannot for see, there is not one vacant shop in the whole of George Street, in fact the street is looking more prosperous than it has done for several years, many of the premises have had new shop fronts put in. Mr. Wright has made a fine place on the corner by the left, & opposite, where the Albion Tavern used to be is a large toy & fancy business. The tumbled down place next door to G. M. Smith's has been rebuilt, and is now a(2) splendid doubled fronted clothier's business. There are many other alterations, which would fill another page to describe. You ask me, do I ever see Daisy Elliott, no I am sorry. I cannot give you any information concerning her. The rector of St Clement's these days, is the Rev. Hugh Basil Cole, I believe a gentleman, who has seen much service in foreign lands. A man possessing a very strong countinance, and pleasant to serve, when he has occasion to visit our office. Miss Atkins has vanished from 12 Marine Parade, and has flown whither I know not. I should imagine you have a good friend and secretary in your Cousin Alice, and I am grateful to her, for the time she spends, on your correspondence, to keep you & I in touch. I am pleased to say we are all keeping very well, and little Ost is a constant delight to us all, he say's Dada & Mum, Mum, Mum, very distinctly. You ask for Sonnie's address, it is No 4 Mount Pleasant Crescent. Hastings. I hope you will like the enclosed calender, I chose it especially for you, knowing full well, the pictured (3) head of the lovely creature would appeal to you. How strange your hair should curl, since you had it cut, if indeed you have a photograph taken, may I please beg for one, you know I would always prize it. I think my favourite picture of you is the one taken with Kha Khi by Mr. Thomas. Talking of Mr. Thomas, I hear he now has a post office, in a place situated somewhere on the River Thames. Following quickly upon the death of Mr. Pearch Senr., the Pearch family experienced another blow, in the death of Mrs. Chatell, formerly Miss Gladys Pearch, one of his daughters. We have had a very sharp & frosty November. Personally I do not like to see such cold weather set in before Christmas, it makes the winter seem so long. I will now conclude. My Mother joins with me in wishing you, and all other occupants of the flat the compliments of the season. Yours as ever affectionately Elsie23 Cottage St [?] Mass Dear Kitty The sun is shining to day. So I am going to try and do a little writing. Yesterday it was dark and gloomy. I just could not write. Not one bit of pep to me. Maria has been in, and has just gone. She told me shehad written you. So I suppose she has written all the news about having lunch with me on Sunday. And about the Dr coming on Sunday and taking the cast off. Well I am having quite a time. It will be sometime yet before I can do much walking. I am using crutches. I crawl up stairs & slide down. So you see I am having a very funny time of it. Not so funny as it looks. Everybody is good and kind, so that I can bear it better. Altho I get rather discouraged sometimes, I try to look on the bright side of things. Well I could make out nearly every word in your letter. Glad you liked the little book of poems. I didn't write in it, for I thought perhap you would like to pass it on to some of your Scotch friends. And I find that [they?] to have enjoyed it. Maria read the letter to me.You have the same reader I suppose that you had last year. Remember me kindly to her. March 29 1925 Well Kitty you will think it strange when I tell you that I started this letter week & weeks ago. In fact it was shortly after I received your letter. I seem to get interested by someone coming in. Well just now I am up at Marias. Came up Thursday afternoon. Expect to stay until Tuesday and as I look out of the window I see Peggy & Blackie & two or three other dogs having a lovely time out on the Drs lawn. The grass is beginning to get green and it is looking quite Spring like. I wonder if you are at Cambridge today. Do you go over as often as you did. Has Mrs [Mayhey?] been up this last winter to stay any length of time. Tell Mrs. Atwood I received her card, but did not have her address so could not write her. Give her my love. I like her so much. She is so kind & good. I did think I would be able to get down for Easter, but it doesn't look as if I would now. I should love to run in and see you all for a few minutes. I wonder if Jock would know me. I think he would. Hope Miss Blackwell is feeling better. I wrote Mrs Boyer the other day. Had been owing her a letter for a long time.4 Thought perhaps I would rest a good deal more here. I am still very lame. I can walk across the lawn to the car with a cane. I don't use the crutches. Just a walking stick. Have an elastic bandage on the foot & leg now. I do hope I will soon be alright again. Maria has gone to Church and I am here alone. Everything is very quiet. It is rather dull & cloudy here today. The sun is trying to peep out. Now I must sign off. Write me again, when your poor eye feels strong enough. Kind regards to all Lovingly Emma Barlow PS I suppose Miss Blackwell is surrounded by Easter Cards. I think I can see them.3. Do you look at French any these days? A friend Eva Blizer from Cromwell, Ct. now at N--, spend last Sat. and Sabbath with me, and Sat eve, we brought old [?] to light and, looked it over somewhat. I felt then very enthusiastic about revising, finding it has remained in memory better than I expected. Write me a French letter some day, do please. With the longer days, I suppose you will make more extended explorations in London. Please give me minute accounts of the great Babel. My explorations will be confined principally to [?] and hills, far different from yours. I took a walk en solitaire two nights since, and was rewarded by finding such a pretty bright bit of red cup moss, which I've heard called Fairy's torch; and a curious little green plant, growing something like purselane, only far more delicate. I brought them home and put in a vase where an air plant is growing. Fairy's torch reminds me that when at N -- I read The Culprit Fray again which so charmed us three years ago when we were together in 12Y. I read not long since that Anthony's Nose had either nearly fallen, or was being artificially removed. It is too bad to have spoiled that historic place. You remember the story of its name, do you not in Knick - History of N.Y. I also read tonight, that the post master generalhad ordered the name of Holmes' Hole P.O. to be changed to Vineyard Haven. What books are you reading this winter? Do you know Kitty that I am becoming positively ashamed of my ignorance of History, and a strong desire to read it is arising within me. O, if only we could daily read some History together. I could not have a better teacher than you. Perhaps it might be managed by cable. I have read but very few books this winter, except now and then one from the Lib. With our two weekly papers, and sometimes extras, Scribners Monthly and Phun-Journal, I am supplied for the most part, and only once in a while do I find time for a peep in to my treasured Longfellow. This week I've been very industrious with drawing, having spent five hours on the sketch of the inside of the sittingroom, which was commenced weeks ago, and I hope to finish it it in three hours more. Do you remember Julia Anderson who lived near our old place? Her marriage appeared in the paper last week. One by one, my old friends embark in the matrimonial ship, while I with some faithful ones, remain to do good in other ways. Blessings on the married, and blessings on the unmarried. There's work for all to do. And so Paris, proud gay Paris has surrendered to Prussia. "How have the mighty fallen"! or five verses, sometimes less; depending partly upon the time I have partly upon the subject of them; for often one verse contains thoughts enough to busy me for some time without reading more. Those two sentences in my former letter which puzzled you, I will try to render clear, the last one certainly, but the first I had entirely forgotten. I do not think Aunt Deb. mentioned anything of Capt. Asa remembering you, I did not intend you should think so; only that I thought he liked to talk with you, and liked you as every other Vineyard friend did. By the way, have I ever written you that Walter spent a week at the beloved Vineyard last fall? He visited his uncle Rev. Elijah D., Gay Head, Capt. Flanders, Mr. Vincents took tea at Capt.Wests and went to a male [?] society. He enjoyed it highly; believe he decided that Mrs. West was somewhat inquisitive. Now as to the other puzzling remark I meant that as an illustration, I could never have sympathised withand understood your feelings now, if I had [?] knowing an experience similar; loving, but not loved. So you may perhaps in future, meet with some other one whose heart bears the same heavy burden, and by your own experience can help them to lay down the weight of sorrow, as you could not if you had not know[n] it yourself. This is a very bungling century, which I fear will untangle you more than ever. I must have a recess now, my hand is protesting against more work of this kind. After ten minutes exercise on the piazza; I resume. I read a few days since that a story lately appeared, in some magazine, Harper's I think, written by [Sofie?] [Hay?] and Frances [Lee?], and on inquiry it was found to have been written by them for amusement simply, each writing alternately a sentence. When it was finished, it was found to be so connected that it was published. If only we weren't as far apart now we might revive our attempt, the beginning of which reposes in my desk. Requiescat in pace. I have a proposition however to make which please think upon. Suppose for mutual improvement, we hold an argument on some question. I will take the aff. you the neg. I will in my next send my argument not have them more than three or four pages or less, but very strong. Then you send your side, in your reply to this, [not seeing] before you see mine. As I propose the plan, allow me to furnish a question the first time and you shall be next. Is this quixotic, or absurd in any way? Let us try it once at all events. I will look up a question, and before I close this. Willie Davis, dentist, thinks of going westward. He says 'he is spoiling here. Not work enough, to keep him constantly engaged, and he is becoming narrow minded, and bigoted; somewhat inclined too to be reckless.' So he thinks of emigrating beyond the Mississippi, if not beyond, the Rocky Mts. taking Gov't land and studying Mother Nature, while not relinquishing his profession. I like the plan in him, and I respect him far more than I ever did. Tomorrow afternoon there is to be a lecture to ladies alone by a old lady of seventy-two years from Boston, who calls herself Grandma Young. The subject is Physiology and health generally. I hope to attend being interested in such things. Carrie is delighted with my plan for studying medicine, and hopes I shall be able to carry it out. So do I, but long years of patient toil are before me, before I shall accomplish it. What a wonderful piece of mechanism is the human body. I am making a new dress, the enclosed is a peice,which I think will suit you. How did you spend Christmas and New Years in merrie England? Did you hang mistletoe around your room and practice the custom of old? Ah, Kitty? Week after next I hope to visit my new cousin in [Monson?], going from thence to dear beloved Wilbrahan to remain a few days. I long to be there again I rec'd a letter yesterday from [Ettie Loving?], a very dear friend and Phebe's present chum. Phebe is to debate [at] in public this week, on the question "Resolved that Bacchus has more influence then Mrs. Grundy". She has the affirmative. This P. M. Mother goes to society at Mr. Chapin's and I hope to go in the evening. Almost dinner time and this [devoir?] must be brought to a finis. Would that it were a better one. Accept it for its well meant endeavor not for its market value. How persevering the Parisian are. Aren't you fearful that Mr. Grant is losing his prospects of re-election by his actions? With unlimited affection, yours across the waters Marie P.S. Have you yet learned "What are the wild waves saying". 2. It really looks very pleasantly there now. Fresh, white muslin curtains shade the window, I have drawn the lounge away from the window making a little niche into wh. a small rocking chair just fits. Just outside, the roses clamber over the trellis, the willow waves its long sprays, and the wind wafted thro' the open window is laden with perfume from the apple blooms over the way. If you could only come. Do you remember that this summer is the tenth since you first saw the 'sanctum'? Do you ever think of that summer and all it brought to you and me? If I could, Oh if I could have the strength and health now wh, I had then! Think of our day at the farm, the walk home thro' Gilbertville. I could not do it at all now and half that distance would hurt me. I get so disheartened when I attempt to visit anywhere. I am so quickly tired, languid and and stupid. I have stayed at home more the past winterthan usual because of this. You remember I went to Springfield the first of Dec. I have not spent a night away from home since until last week. When I came from Worcester last week I went to [Moncon?] and spent two days with Harrison and his family coming home Sat. morning. And I was very very tired that day and the next, indeed. I am tired somewhere almost always. I had not seen Harrison, wife or baby, for nearly two years. So different from the past, when he was here every few days or weeks. Poor fellow, he has been unfortunate in business, disappointed in some other things and is sadly changed. I am very sorry for him. I like Helen very much, she is a good wife to him, and their little May is a dear little thing. She is nearly three, is bright, pretty - and very busy. She called me 'auntie' which I liked. I hoped they would let her do so, as I shall never have any little ones nearer of him than she is, and cousin doesn't seem quite so near as auntie, if one is auntie only in name. It was my plan to have visited Carrie Blodgett last week instead of going to [Monson?], in acceptance of her invitation of last winter. But a card from the Dr. on Wed. morning told that Carrie was an invalid just recovering from an attack of Scarletina, so my visit was postponed. Father and Mother visiting in West B. two days ago called at Dr. B's, finding Carrie so much better that she was out riding. I may visit her on my next trip to W. wh. will not be until June 14th. I have taken ten lessons since I began in Dec. and after stopping a month, I hope to take five more. After that, I cannot tell anything what will be my lot - and maybe it is well that I cannot. You ask if the Vineyard will come in for a share in my holiday. I dont expect any holiday this year. Already come longings for the seaside, but I shall have to stifle them. I see no way inwhich I can go this year, and what the missing of it will be. I think you can tell better than any other friend I have. I shall try to be patient. My birthday has come and gone, I am twenty eight years old! It does not seem possible, looked at in one way, and yet I often feel thrice as old. The old year went out, a hot sultry day closing with a thunder storm. Tuesday morning was glorious, bright, sunny, cool. As I looked out these words came to me, "Do storms die thus?, and is it this to die?" Do you remember them? In L'Envoi of Bittersweet. If the day was a prophecy for the year (wh. I dont believe, but always think of it-) it will be such an one as I have been a stranger to for years. In the afternoon Mother and I took a ride down Palmer road for a mile, thence to Ware Center and half a mile beyond making a short call upon a cousin of her's. How glorious everything was viewed from the hills. It was one of the 'perfect' days wh. Lowell says come in June. You remember 3 O what is so rare as a day in June. Then if ever come the perfect days" &c - Do you know that altho' I had known for some years that Lowell wrote those lines, I did not know until this week ago that they were a part of "The Vision of Sir Launfal." It is a beautiful poem, do you know it? I have Lowell's poems from the Library and am hoping to study him a little. Speaking of Lowell, reminds me of a newspaper item wh. L intended to have cut out for you but I forgot to do it and the paper is mislaid now. The purport of it was that Mrs. Chas. Russell Lowell had [been] received some appointment from the State (N. Y.) in relation to its charity, State Commissioner, or something like that. The item spoke of her as one well fitted for this place as she had devoted much of her life for the good of the poor. I had thought before that Gen. Lowell was a son of Jas. Russell Lowell but he was a nephew. That explains something wh. puzzled me about the graves in the Lowell lot in Mt. Auburn. To return to my birthday, I received a letter fromPhebe containing good wishes for the day and year and a small sum of money from Mother. So the day went out and my new year of life began. I wish I could make it a better year than any before it. If I could be in some active service for others. I'm growing dreadfully narrow and selfish. The liking I have had and still have for much solitude has not borne good fruit. Said a minister to us a few weeks ago "Write on every act of this week 'for Christ sake.'" Could I keep that in mind and heart, how beautiful might the year be. Will you not pray that I may keep it? My birthday brought to mind most vividly that of '66. I will not review it, these endless memories of mine must be a great bore to you. Your mementos of that day remain and are with me as I write. This desk, endeared unspeakably because of the giver and the numberless associations connected with my possession of it, and within the desk an envelope - and withered flowers. How can I be sufficiently thankful that while I have lost much in these ten years, years of friendship remains. I do believe in 'friendship that hopes, that endures and is patient.' Your last came to me on my lesson day, so I had it to read on the way. It was just two weeks since my last went and I fancied you might be reading it at the same time I read yours. I am very sorry to hear of Dr.'s? illness. The anxiety must be very great for you. If you only had Miss Durant's friendship and presence. I'm sorry too to think of the faraway prospect of seeing you. I hope some way will come that it may not 'be for years' &c - Have the Boston people entirely given up the trip abroad? Have heard nothing from Clara for three weeks. Phebe wrote that Mrs. Lawrence was no[t] so well last week. Mr. & Mrs. G.W. B. did not reach Boston as soon as you expected as you have learned of course ere this. They came to Gardener on Wed. May 3rd. When is the little one expected? You have never told me. I dont think it quite kind in you to say you hopeEmma's hopes of a girl will be disappointed. To be sure there would seem daughters enough already and a son greatly to be desired, but it appears to me that the mother has quite as deep an interest in it as anyone and that a disappointment would mean more to her than to others. I think it is well that those things are not amenable to human love. I hope it will be a big, bright, blessed baby. I suppose I might tell you now, if I have not already, that Phebe is to be married soon. Her plans I believe are to be married very quietly at Middletown immediately after graduation, to start at once for the Centennial. After the tour they go to some place in Vt. (the name I have forgotten) and the Rev. Leonard Berman and Mrs. Phebe Berman will take up their life work of preaching and living the gospel. It does seem very strange to think of Phebe as the wife of a Methodist minister, but I think she will make an excellent one. She has good strong health, bright, cheerful sunny disposition and good sense. She has her angles and corners like the most of us poor mortals, but no more than others. She is not one of the quiet retiring people, but considerably inclined to bustling about - I do not mean that bustling wh. accomplishes nothing - so that I think she will take kindly to the intinerant part of her life. Perhaps you do not know that Methodist ministers are not settled as Cong - Baptist, or others are, but their places are assigned them by a superior and on no account may they stay above three years, oftener the stay is shorter. Fancy having to move, to become acquainted with a new parish, every year or two. Phebe will take more kindly to that than many people would. How they will miss her at home. She has been away the greater part of the last six years, but vacations were coming often and she was often at home. Now she will have another home and her visits will be only flying ones. One year has wrought, or(D. V.) will work great changes in the lives of Phebe and Emma. I hope you will find the summer arrangements in Hastings very pleasant. I hope the children will be lovable ones and will be company for you. You must write me about them all. Do you read the Centennial news? Shouldn't you like to be there? The music, the flowers, the art department, would be specialties with me could I go there, but I have no hope of enjoying the Centennial except thro' the papers. Several people from Ware are going I believe. Two weeks from today comes The Rep-- Convention at Cincinnatti. May they do a good work. Are you decided upon a candidate? I only hope he will be an honest man. The country seems to be waking to a sense of better things - or to a need of better men in public life. Have you written to the Vineyard? Now I shall give you no peace till you tell me. With much love, Always your Marie. for upwards of $200,000. He owned, or was supposed to own, The Daily News and the Post of Boston, has been Rep- and Senator in the Mass. Legislature. It is dreadful to think of! 'The love of money,' ah human nature hasn't changed much since the inspired apostle declared that the love of it was the root of all evil. How the records of crimes swell the columns of the papers. I read but few of those things, but the great, startling ones come too often. One of the most diabolical seems what has been brought to light about the plane for exploding ships when out at sea. In a newspaper article some person thinks that there will be fewer people cross the ocean this year because of apprehension on this account, adding that it would probably lead to the establishment of lines exclusively for passenger travel. Do you remember giving me a half promise [or?] I think more than half, that a journal of your Swanage days should be sent me by Xmas? I haven't seen it, but I want it. It is quite time for another letter from youand I look for one every day. I want to know how you spent the holidays, what you are reading, doing, enjoying, and how you all are. Where are the bridal pair? I feel like disguising with you in saying that it would be time thrown away, or something like that for Emma to go to Italy. Of course she could not appreciate it as Mr. G. would, but I should think it would be one of the means by wh. she was to be fitted to be his companion, I am very ignorant and stupid, but I had always supposed that in some small degree I could appreciate the beauties of Italia and I'm sure Emma from natural abilities [and] culture and opportunities, is vastly better able to appreciate them. I have stood much in awe of Emma in former days. She was self possessed, forward, and could talk. I never could talk, except to a very small audience. My last interview with her was very pleasant and my fear of her was greatly diminished. It was at Dr. Blodgett's wedding; we had quite a talk and I did not find her as formidable as formerly. Probably she brought her self down to my limited capacity. But good night and love your MariaWare, Aug. 23rd Kathleen Mavourneen, Well who wouldn't make an 'outcry' when dead silence had reigned for months and the last piteous postal card message, supposed to melt a heart of stone, had brought no response? I had thought of three possibilities as accounting for the silence; illness of yourself or Dr; but, after Clarinda had visited Emma at the Vineyard and there was no report of trouble from you, I counted that out of the three. That you had dropped me for once and all, butI just wouldn't believe that; and, of course I thought of irregularities of the mail, but that seemed improbable when hardly a letter has been lost in all these years; at least it seemed unlikely that it would continually happen. You'll never know what a burden was lifted when Annie brought from the office the letter with the familiar handwriting. Miss. Harding & I were on our way to call upon Mrs. Hammond [?] & Helen Davis, (perhaps you remember the four Davis sisters calling here) when the letter came. I kept it until I reached home that I might read it alone. It has brightened things. I write only a short letter now being too busy for a long one. Hattie Crowell is here for her annual visit, is helping me out with dressmaking and making the home very pleasant by her presence in it. Yesterday we had company, five guests to dinner, and another friend comes today if the weather permits. Next week company comes for an afternoon and we are invited away for one day and hope to go for two more, so I write this hastily today before things crowd too much. You see what dissipation I am indulging it. But I expect no more, play times or even holidays, for a year.Father has kept thro' the summer about the same, lame, infirm weak, but busy when there was anything to do. Haying time was one of great anxiety to me on his account. He has done all the garden work, but ploughing, and we never had better vegetables, all we need and many to give away. Pears are coming on but they are not abundant. The grapes promise well. Father was eighty four on the 16th. We've sold the land above the house 1 1/10 acres, for three house lots, for $1800. No houses will be built this year for which I'm not sorry. How dreadful that accident on the Old Colony R.R. I cannot keep it out of mind. Only two weeks ago I was over the road. Dont patronize the pillar-box any more. More next month, & Love, Marie [photo] J.C. DEXTER, Opp. Post Office, Ware, Mass.[reverse of photo] Maria A. Barlow 92 Pinckney Street Boston, Massachusetts My dear Miss Barclay and Jock - Dear Jock - and dear Pal. I do hope all sorts of good things for you on your natal-day. But then I know you get them, your Mother would never let it be lake and amid the pine woods. I will send this letter to you both from there although am writing it from Pinckary St. My love to you both, with all pleasant memories of when we were together. Frances S. Horigs [?]otherwise I miss you both and never forget how Jock ran to me for protection at the time of the tick trouble. I have a lot of pleasant remembrances of that kind. To-day a half a dozen of us start for camp which is on a