BLACKWELL FAMILY George Blackwell Blackwell, Kitty Barry33 East 20th Street New York May 27.1874 Dear Kitty. I suppose, not hearing to the contrary, that you have arrived safe and well-- As no program for your visit has been sent to us we do not yet know when to expect you--I suppose you have left your summer plans to be arranged when you know the monuments of the various branches of the family--At present, Eric & Gracie have the measles, I don't know whether you've had it or not -- all here are well and the three little brats still in town, but Ellen is soon to take them to Rockaway, then Emily and I will be alone in New York till July-- Sam will not go from Sommerville before midsummer, I think, as he has a house building, another one rented and an auction sale of lots to prepare for which will keep him busy.I saw a notice, about the time that you sailed, of the death of the Baron de Triqueti, Pauls guardian, will this make any difference in his custody? There are two spare bedrooms in this house, but I suppose you will hardly wish to come to New York for a few days; in which case drop us a line with the latest news, as my last letter was from Elizabeth & dated four days before you sailed--Was Elizabeth improving? Where did she mean to go when you left? Was Marian expected in London with Anna? Had any of them formed plans for the summer? Who did you see with Sam? Were Elizabeth's friends mostly in town or scattered? What did you do during your stay in London? &c? &c? When you have formed your summer plans, send me a copy of your itinerary-- Affy G.W.B.Gardener Mass. Oct. 7, 1881 Dear Kitty. Yours to Emma announcing your new Hagira arrived yesterday by the same mail that brought me from N.Y. so we have just crossed each others tracks. I send chk for $15. which Sam can give you the money for, I also send $10 to Lucy as desired. Emma is occupied with baby who is not feeling well and as I want to get this off tonight I will not wait for her to write. She asks me to add from her that we are disappointed at not seeing you here before winter sets in, but think if you do not stay too long in Somerville that it may be as well to see you here as we make this for so large a part of the year our house that it is as well for you to see it and when we go to Orange it may be a few weeks before we are as much settled as we now are. No news or letters of interest. Afly G.M.B."The Hovel" East Orange N.J. Oct. 30/81 Dear Kitty I have a miserable pen, poor paper & inferior ink, so I take the opportunity to answer yours whilst the children riot. I am glad you have overcome the adversary (auburn) and decided to stick to the narrow way that leads to Gardner. I will meet you on the Boat which sails at 5 P.M. Nov. 8 from pier 40 North River. I will send you particulars before the day. Should [E.M.] visit Somerville, sooner, perhaps you can set Friday the 4th. In that case let me know. I should like a visit from Grace before she goes, as I think she & Emma have hardly met. You & Emma can arrange that in Gardner. Emma has now the same Girl we formerly had & so has only the two children on herhands, being freed from the kitchen I think F. had a lucky escape from W. but whether it was the "frying-pan" we cant yet say. I look upon the marriage and removal of C. M. as a special providence in F's favor, if only she did not return! "A bad penny," you know. If only the Heavenly Powers could see it for the best to translate the Mother also!! I do not myself think there is anything "to fear from plots to destroy English ships, but you may as well not actually take passage till near the time, for the Bostinia is a large ship and in Decr there is sure to be plenty of room up to the last moment, so that when the time comes you can decide the line & ship best to take - Besides that, as Emily is in Orange with her tribe, and we shall be in our new house, we expect between us to have Xmas & Xmas week at our different houses & as Edie will be home from vacation we look for all Somerville & possibly Boston to be present so that Xmas week being occupied you may find it necessary to wait till after Twelfth Night and take the Steamer of Jan'y 11th - However you can arrange all that with Emma when you reach Gardner. At Gardner we have good water, no mosquitoes, no great heat and plenty of leisure, two little hogs, cows, sheep, chickens & numerous little pigs, plenty of apples and an agreeable wilderness at the back of the farm - Howard also desires to show you his Steam-engine at work. Two days ago was the Anniversary of our wedding. Just think of it! we have been married going on seven years !! The babies have become little boys, Howard is going on six years and I am a gray haired old man - isn't it queer! I wonder how it will seem to look back upon after it is all over! Well, if you don't hurry off to Gardner the boys will be men, and their babies will have the toy Steam-engines, and we shall all be forgotten - Affly G.M.B.Somerville, N.J. Nov. 3d 1881 - My dear DV- This remarkable note came yesterday. Mr L. and all the family much astonished by it! Especially Mr. Lam, who said "I never in all my life saw such a letter from George! It really ought to be copied & preserved. I do not know how it is Kitty, but you seem to have a wonderful gift in drawing the family out." Mr L. said this [done?] when returning the letter- F. says when he first read it, his amazement was funny & he wanted to know what it was in Kitty who caused the family [dexpande?] by letter & to talk so freely to her!! [Pray?] keep this of Mr. Gs. I too regard it as worthy of preservation! I meet him as you see on his birthday to start for G ardour ['7?] will be easy going to Auburn - have Boston at 9 a.m. by "drawing room expenses" and reach A. without change at 7p.m. Yr. paper the success of the Buffalo meeting - Mrs Livermore read it. They want to print it or parts at least. Dr. [Ery?] seems to think the Congress worth something. Your new not fear  my finding Rock House dull. Quiet as our lives are, we seem to have wider interests than any of the branches here. I seize upon the "Daily News"when you send it. I feel as if I knew what the world was about in even the "Tribune" here Seems like a mere local paper. Dr. Dolley 3 East Avenue Rochester, N.Y. thought you were to read your paper in person at Buffalo & sent you a note begging that you not visit here!! I'll send her a note telling her how it is. I am in high favour here. The people at "the Hovel" are jealous that when I do get to [Grange?] 'twill be to visit [La?] Ellen [G.?] Marie Hussey now at home all week. Abby, K.B. Mrs. evidently thinks the 5 Follen St. Cambridge, Mass March 16/97 Dear Kitty Yours of 5th inst. arrived yesterday - I am glad to know That all goes as well as can be expected - I was in hopes that massage and fresh air might do good, but see by your that you have done what could be in that direction - Your daily overnight is doubtless trying to you, but comfort yourself thinking not only of the good you do for others, but also, that daily duties, though often wearisome, are the necessary framework on which to arrange the activities & interests of life, and when those duties cease, we are apt to find that our action, unregulated by necessary duties is apt to become irregular and aimless, and we feel ourselves [superannuated?] [dicouragement?], discontent and vacuity follow - So that all duties that one can assume, to the extent of our capacity to properly fulfill them are really beneficial and enhance our enjoyment of such pleasures as we can secure. I send with this a scrap, addressed to Marian, as it may gratify her, although what little is in it, is as much for your & Elizabeth as for her. You or Elizabeth can read it to her. It is really very hard for me to write a pleasant gossipy letter about nothing, as some can do - and of noteworthy incident so little occurs with us that mere narration of events is out of the question. Affly, G.W.B. - [*G.W. Blackwell*] 13 Follen St. Cambridge, Mass. Novr - 26/97 Dear Kitty, Yours with news of expendatures for Marian's account (£83.18.5) is at hand - you speak of some tax bills & funeral expenses yet to pay - As soon as you can, let me know the exact amount & whether there are any other demands yet to be settled - Then I will send a df't for the amount - Sam has written to Frances for definite instructions what to dowith the money coming to them. I wish she might not spend it, but invest it for the future. She may very well need it later - Mrs Titterton's health seems very precarious, her son is constantly at sea, his positions too subordinate to afford her much help, & I fancy she has not much of her own to fall back upon - $3,000 safely invested on mortgage at 5% would give her $150. a year & might well prove a great help if she were thrown upon her own resources - We can however hardly exercise much influence in this matter - I would however, gladly do what I can for her in the matter, if she wished it. Affly, G.W.B - 13 Follen St. Cambridge, Mass Nov. 30/97 Dear Kitty, Thanks for looking after the various little matters of family interest left by Marian. If there are any family letters, anything showing the whereabouts, the interests &c. of the family, please preserve them - Any letters of my Father or mothers or of others showing the plans & hopes of the various members of the family, whilst there was yet an active period of life to look forward to. I dont know whether Marian kept her old letters, she must have had many of interest. I am sorry Mrs Titterton & Frances have so much annoyance in family[*GB Blackwell*] matters - I suppose they do not lay by anything. Now, if any time is when to do so, as if in weak health his salary is not likely to be increased. I can report all as usual here - Winter has fairly set in - Howard fully occupied not only with studies but also with other College interests - Especially a French play that is to be enacted by the Harvard & Radcliffe students under the auspices of the French Department & Prof. de Sumichrast. There have been many rehearsals & practicing -- He is to act 2 nights & be usher 2 more. I think he enjoys his room & his college life, but I am afraid his Studies will not be brilliant Affly G.W. B.East Orange N.J. Nov. 29. 1881 Dear Kitty, I send you check for $50.00/100 as desired. I send to Boston supposing that it is there that you will use it. I reached New York this morning all safe. It was a mild cloudy morning, but has cleared up and is now a bright warm day - There is no trace of snow anywhere and the Coldest it has been was over Thanksgiving morning when the thermometer was 20º above zero. There has been no freezing to amount to anything. I have not yet seen Emily and have no news. The house will be all ready in a week or ten days. Love to all at Harrison Square. Affy G.W.B. Geo W. Blackwell[*G.W.Blackwell*] 13 Follen St. Cambridge, Mass. Decr 14/97 Dear Kitty Alice has not at any time so much as said that she has made a will, to me. She rarely, if ever, makes any allusion to property -- I think her thoughts are so absorbed in a few interest, that those who do not openly advocate those interests, have almost no intercourse beyond the merest externals -- I will however present your views concerning Vineyard property to her -- I think you are right in considering the property as in no event of any value to gain to use, and it has little saleable value P.S. As soon as the last expenses on Marian's account are made, and you are sure no more will be presented, let me know the amount and I will add to the £83.18.5 already reported to me and send Elizabeth the whole amount & so wind up that item--for anyone — Vineyard lands, except for ones own use, are as nearly valueless as any property I know of — I do not suppose I could sell my own for half its cost. Very few people care much for mere natural beauty, & still fewer value the wilderness — I am glad to know that your ears are no worse that usual. From Elizabeth's mention of your consulting an aurist, I assumed that they had been giving you more assurance than formerly. As for family relics, don't just yet, put Howard's name in there — I think both he & Anna would rather they were kept together as belonging to our family as a family — I hope to bring Anna to see you before many years & then if best you can distribute them — Afty G. W. B. — [*Alice left house 24 acres, also 50 acres to me. I asked Mr. G. E. Emma to have this altered — it [wd?] cause discontent if A. [Sold ?] H. B.*] CUNARD R.M.S. "IVERNIA." Worcester July 4. 1902 Dear Kitty After landing & arranging for our trunks & with the Company for return passage — then to Hereford — It was so foggy & Doubtful that we dropped Snowdon fearing we should see nothing — Before leaving Liverpool I shipped my two trunks through to Hastings by freight train or as they say here goods train — It occurs to me that that Saturday evening when we arrive it may be too late to get them — Could you call at the station, find out whether they have arrived & have them sent to whatever placeyou think may be comfortable for us to go to -- I think as near Rock House as may be -- we will leave it to you to select as it really matters little as long as we have a place to sleep. The freight is not paid so please pay it & any charges for carting to house -- I am sorry to trouble you in with this - but fear we maybe late & that Saturday evening may be a time when it will not be easy to get anything done -- The trunks are one good sized one & one ship trunk -- My initials, "G. W. B." are upon the end of each & a tag saying passenger by steamer Ivernia The address I gave them was G. W. Blackwell Rock House Hastings to wait till called for at station --- We slept at Chester and then ran down to Hereford where we did the Cathedral then on to Worcester where we have done the Cathedral and the Royal Worcester Porcelaine works -- It is now 7 p.m. & I write in haste whilst waiting for dinner. I hope this may reach you reasonably early -- If you find any difficulty in finding the trunks, let them go & I will look themup when I come -- We are all well & have enjoyed our hasty scamper; The country along our line of travel has been very pretty with lovely views of the Welsh hills & of the Malvern [rance?] &c. - We have wished you were with us You would have enjoyed it - so green & quiet & such fine views --- Now our dinner is served so I must close -- Love to Elizabeth Afly G. W. B.19 Craigie St. Cambridge, Mass Feb. 20/09 Dear Kitty, Yours of Feb, 12th is this morning received. I fear at any moment we may hear that Elizabeth has not awakened from her sleep. It seem as though it were to be a painless, though sorrowful passing away - I enclose an exact copy of the will sent me. Let me know exactly what papers, notes, assignments, &c. you may have in hand, representing money in any form - My brother Sam, attended to her affairs until just before his death; and I suppose sent any thing that he thoughtI, Elizabeth Blackwell of Rock House Exmouth Place Hastings in the County of Sussex Doctor of Medicine hereby revoke all former wills made by me and before this to be my last Will and Testament I give and bequeath all my property whatsoever and wheresoever situate to my adopted daughter Katherine Barry and I appoint the said Katherine Barry sole Exeutrix of this my Will In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this the sixth day of March one thousand nine hundred Elizabeth Blackwell Signed by the Testator as and for her last Will and Testament in the joint presence of us who at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses Susannah Mary Jebb 18 West Hill St. Leonards on Sea Spinster May Elmer Swinton - Spinster Charmed View Clive Avenue Hastings Copy of Willof Value, to England. I am sorry you have so anxious a time, but am very glad that the fading away in without pain. All here are well, as, from letters recd lately, Nattie and Agnes family, seem to be also - Nattie is even planning a trip to Norway for next summer. Henry & Alice are well & planning to attend a suffrage meeting in Alaska next summer- With Sympathy and love to you both I remain yours affectionately G.M. BlackwellWest Tisbury, Mass. July 18th 1910 Dear Kitty Yours of June 30th July 3d and 5th are received. I know nothing of Dr Elizabeth's connection with Girton College, nor do I know of the R.R. stock to which you allude. I supposed you had sold all securities that you held in England. As I know of nothing of Drs in England, excepting furniture, books &c., there seems no good in proving the will there; only expense. So I am the sole debtor in America and am ready at any moment to pay; it would be only expense to prove it here; Emily and I are the only surviving relatives who could inherit, were there no will. There is no haste; Should you later think it best to prove Drs will we can do so.It is needless to consult any lawyer. To anyone asking, say that all Drs property, except furniture &c. is in the hands of her brother in America, and do not go into particulars. The money coming from America, use as it reaches you, without going through any formalities. The house, being yours, you can occupy or rent it. For the present, I think I should do nothing, except make a will, to show how you wish the property to be applied; as you have no heirs. Anything you may have of Anna's or Marians, please keep till I can examine and pass upon them. I should not like to have anything published until I have looked it over - Also anything of family interest of the three sisters please preserve. My own family including Howard Helen & little George are all well - the Blackwell Colony at [Quitsa?] also - Tomorrow will be Howard's birthday which we expect to celebrate by a family gathering - I wish you could be one of us & see little Elizabeth -- Affly G.W.B. West Tisbury, Mass. Aug. 1911 Dear Kitty I sent this to Rock House not knowing where you may be. I did not send you any remittance August 1st because having paid Alice %750 & remitted you $750. it left only $500 remaining of the $2000 for which I have [here?] remitting you $50. on Aug. 1. The interest on the $500. is but $12 50 , and that I will send you with the October remittance, as it is too small a sum to get exchange for alone - Where are you now and what are to be your movements hereafter - Have you formed any plans for living and if so , at what place. I think you had better sell Rock House, removing the furniture. You will be happier elsewhere, and you will save the expense of maintaining the house, and have the income of what it will bring -- Dr. Elizabeth gave, I think, £800 for the place. Can you get that? What can you get for it? or what can you rent it for unfurnished, if you donot sell? It will be lonely and expensive to live there and not as agreeable as some other arrangement. If there is no one with whom you could unite pleasantly, it would be best, I should think, to find a comfortable place to board -- Have you made and executed a will? if not you had better do so, for without a will, you would have no legal heirs & your property would go to the government - The family on this side the water is steadily changing - Alice feels that she must give up the house as too large & too expensive, I think she may move to an appartment in town -- Florence's adopted son is now married & I think will not any more live with her - Tom and Agnes with their children, are fast growing up, and Aunt Nettie, are fast developing the children are fast growing up -- Ethel with Mr Robinson and their four children, all in poor health. It would be pleasant if you could dispose of Rock House & the furniture and come over for a visit; it is five or six years since you were here & many Changes have occurred. Keep me advised of your movements. Yours affly, G.W.B. 46 Brewster St. Cambridge, Mass. June 27/11 Dear Kitty Herewith I enclose draft on London to your order for £134.4.10 proceeds of $750. which you ask for, and I will pay to Alice the $1.250 which you wish me to do. You have of course heard of Mr Barrows illness. Before this reaches you he will probably have passed away. I do not know what effect this will have upon Alice's house, it is quite possible that she will continue with Mrs. Barrows and Evelyn, so that it may make no greatchange. It is much better that she have someone in her home to give a feeling of a family. I hope before this you have made pleasant summer arrangement at [Kilmure?] -- Dont hurry about committing yourself there permanently. We are all about as usual. It has been warm enough, but not enough to make as in haste to get away; but the family is gathering at the Vineyard and we hope to be there next month - Affectionately yours G.W.B. 146 Brewster St. Cambridge, Mass June 12/11 Dear Kitty Yours of June 14th is just received, asking for $750. out of your principal money, to be sent to you, and $1250 to be paid to Alice. I regret that you are living beyond your income; when I pay Alice and send you the $750. it will diminish your Capital $2.000. and your income will be less by so much thereafter. It is a great mistake to break in upon your principal. I am sending you, with this, a draft on London for £49.7.2 beingthe proceeds of $240. due first of next July, about which time it should reach you. The $750., I will send in a few days - It seems to me a large sum to have lying idle about you- Remember that money is very easily spent and very difficult to replace. Have you come to any decision as to Rock House? As it is lonely to live there, could you join with others, and feel as though real a part of their family. I have little to impart as news. We are all as usual. My health has been poor this past year - We shall probably all go to the Vineyard by July. Little Elizabeth and George both grow & develope steadily - Yours affectionally G. W. B. -Dec. 15th 1911 ROCK HOUSE, EXMOUTH PLACE, HASTINGS. Dear Mr George Your most kind gift £20.10.8 came yesterday- I thank you so much. I shall bestow upon myself in consequence - "Essays on Dante" by Carl Witt 2/6, a new "Conklin pen" as my pen of 3½ years use stutters now, very badly, that with the 12/6; and I shall order photographs of my dear I sent off to Alice's care at Journal office a journal of Dr's - 1837-1839. I sent to A. because of the customs bother of my best [??fets]!Dr's monument to send to U. S., and to people here who have asked for it - I have a list of 200 names & over already! We have a fresh, frosty day now and again, then down come S.W. gales again. The S.W. storm-signal is lowered for a few hours, apparently to rest it! - then it is rehoisted, & down comes a gale. Two tremendous gales last week - the gale of Saturday night & Sunday last [were] was truly terrific. Deluges, & a wind of 80 miles. I was prepared to have the roof go any minute, so would allow a fire in the dining-room only, that being outside, as I thought we neednot add fire to a general smash! Marvellously, nothing happened. I am thankful Frances & Harry T. got off to the Canaries when they did -- any days later they wd have had even a worse 14 days voyage than they did. It is so mild it does not seem like Xmas -tide - it will never be true Xmas again for me. Love to all. affectionately, Kitty,George W 46 Brewster St. Cambridge, Mass, Jany 2d/12 Dear Kitty Enclosed I send d'f't on London for £49.6.7 proceeds of $240.00/100 dollars due 1st Jan'y - I hope all goes well with you - I am in about the same state - The others are all well -- nothing new of special interest. Wishing you a Happy New Year I am Yours, G. W. B. 46 Brewster St. Cambridge, Mass. April 5/12 Dear Kitty I enclose herewith St. Dft. on London for £55.7.8 being proceeds of $270 for April. I have been so much upset lately that I have not been as prompt as I should have been -- I hope you will not be inconvenienced by the delay -- All here are well except myself, who am very far from well -- Elizabeth & little George Howard are getting quite well advanced in talking & in acting; I wish you could see them - Well! Goodbye for the moment - Yours affly -- G. W. B