ANNA DICKINSON FAMILY CORRESPONDENCE [April 1, 1867 - July 31, 1867]No 62, 6th Avenue NY. 4 mo, 1, 1867-- Dear life's Anna Thy acceptable note Came & we were very glad to hear from thee. Today is the first day of spring--but yesterday (1st day) was much more of a beautiful spring day - Warm & sunshine abound in all its beauty & glory - I went to Brooklyn & heard Beecher &c. Part of his sermon I liked -- part I thought rather CommonPlace. Mary & baby out together some little time. We are glad thee keeps generally well & is getting along So well. It was an Outrage that keeping you in the Car 48 hours without fire or food. Don't wonder thy lungs suffered. Sincerely hope they are much better - & thee is trying to take good Care of thyself. Mary & the baby Are getting along comfortably generally. Baby has recently slept better at nights,& so of course Mary rests better -- I am getting along. still poulthicing my neck-- my back & lungs are also still trouble me yet -- but I am mending I believe. I should be very thankful to my Heavenly Father for I had run down Hill pretty far, I guess, We expect to leave here 1 week from today. Do not expect to return to Wash. till beginning of next month. I suppose I ought to go as soon as I can, for McGrear informed bro. Ed. my leave if extended would be without any pay after 4 mo. 1 sh -- only about 1/2 pay for 3rd mo-- McG says the Dep't has become more stringent & It is a pity for me it should become so just while I am away-- I am just sending receipts to Wash for my extra comp. to 3 mo 1 - $176.59-, which will be quite a lift to me now, -- or I might be in the lurch--without [drew?] on my little money laid by-- which of course I would have too. But I feel thankful I have gotten this pay while I most needed it, that is while staying here-- for it is a little expensive living in N.Y.-- Bro. Ed. is kept very busy & hard at it -- Fear for the good of his health altogether to much so. The Dr. says he ought to have exercise during these hours. There are two or three more places I hope to see while here & I think I go away satisfied-- or pretty well so -- & glad to get back to Phila- & to the country-- to our homes there. We have had 2 or 3 visits & paid 2 or 3 calls-- What day-- or about the day, if thee knows, does thee expect to return to Phila. But take care of thyself-- remembering thee is not thy own & may our Father's blessing rest with thee. Much love from us, Thy attached brother Samuel E. DickinsonDear Sister An Samuel has just gone out to Drs. and left this unfinished so I will add a line. Thy advice to wait has been my concern - but the Dr assures S that he can go at the time appointed - at all events we cannot stay here a great while longer & if he is well enough to be in Phila yearly meeting time it will be nice, wish thee could be there too hope however to meet thee there on our return from the country Little Pet is quite well now - but mother has mostly to be at home with her. We spend a day (or part of it) last week with one of our acquaintance here very pleasantly, we go out to walk or ride when it is pleasant - but home duties consume most of my time, I am mostly however kept a willing prisoner, for thee knows "love's labor is light." We expect J & M - on 4th day - Sister M quite poorly again, I fear she will never be well. She is going to stop here a little while to see Jentz. Take care of thyself write us when thee can and believe me to be in much affection thy sister Mary - (excuse haste) 1710 Locust St. Philadelphia April 4. 1867 My dear Sister I write in haste to send thy key which should have been forwarded last night, but I was so crowded I could not get it off. It ought now however to reach Jamestown early Saturday morning. The trunk was sent by Howard's & Hamden's express Tuesday night. The letters will show which are answeredand how about that tax paper, it is the one for this year about furniture, of which thee knows the one for last year was paid a few weeks ago. It's better probably to send them in your own estimate, than to leave them to make their as they did before. Thee writes "None" to every question but the first & the one about gold watches. I'm writing in the greatest haste. Will send the news &c to Erie for Tuesday. Can only add, extravagant as it may seem, shall have to have another $100, & need part of it by next Wednesday, - The rest on from then through the month. Will explain why in my letter to Erie. With best love from mother & myself affectionately Susan E.1710 Locust St. Philadelphia April 6, 1867 My dear Sister As I wrote to Jamestown thine from Elmira enclosing a check for 99.75 came safely to hand. I hope thy trunk, and letters with the key were awaiting thee in Jamestown this morning. I had a letter this morning from Susan Anthony telling me about her going into Rochester to meet thee, and having such a pleasant time.She seems to be hopeful of thy health, and says thee is taking good care of thyself. I suppose she assailed thee about their meeting, but judge thee put her off successfully by her asking me for thy "Hudson river appointments" to try to meet thee then. I suppose it is needless to say "don't go" - that being Julia Myers' & mother's message to thee (mine also,) but I don't know what thee'll do about the other. They (W. P &c.) may want thee very much, but they can do without thee if need be. There isn't a thing in thy letter to let me know whether 2 for the rest of the month - first, yearly meeting commences in a week; Samuel & Mary expect to come home next 3rd day. Their sister-in-law, (Truman's wife) is to be here y.m. week, they having asked it; and there will be other company as usual that week to meals. There is always extra provisions to be laid in for it as thee knows. ___2nd The butter and egg bill, and Annie's wages come every week; -- and Lizzie is engaged for a week & a half, (after S. & M come with the baby, till the close of y.m.) ___3rd The carriage bill for the quarter is sent in, and though he would wait might as well be paid now as to run on another quarter. ___4th I shall have to renew some few of the dishes & kitchen things before y.m. ___5th Also, get those deferredsheets & pillow cases & have them made next week; - & pay Annie [Gilaney] for four or five days work. And mother would like $5 more or so. - To do these things will absorb almost or quite all of the $100 additional I wrote to Jamestown about. I am particular in specifying the various things which have been and are demanded, for the same reason I sent that first detailed account thee said thee didn't read, - because mother gave me to understand that thee was not satisfied with the way I disbursed the money sent home - thought I did not pay the debts as fast as I might out of it - and used it for purposes of my own, or extravagantly, (which I have tried to avoid as much as possible - I cannot help with all the [*3*] Last Wednesday, while I was out, John Barker[Baker?] M.C. called to see thee. He did not come in. I should have liked to have seen what he was like. Monday afternoon Mr. & Mrs Safford called, having run over that day from Brooklyn where they had been visiting. Tuesday they drove around town, & saw the city sights, and then came here to tea & spent the evening. We had a most delightful time with them, they sent quantities of love to thee, and are urgent that thee shall pay them a visit the next time thee gets into New England this season. Mr. & Mrs. Pugh spent Thursday evening here. He showed me whyletter from Elmira, and gave me a due like (scratched out [receipt]) for $698.25 placed by him on "special deposit" as his note undos it, so that came all safe. He talked of writing, but I [mention] is to make sure, so that thy mind will be at ease about its safety. I have my four letters to send this time, having written so recently. Gen. Butler has [franked] a copy of the debate between him & Mr. Bingham, which I place among thy other papers. Samuel writes that he is still improving in health, & that Mary & baby keep well. He got Edwin to draw & send him his extra compensation up to March 1st; as he got only half pay for March, and is to receive more from the 1st of April till his return. McGrear writes him that the Dep't has grown very stringent, which, as Samuel remarks is unfortunate for him just at this time. If it were not for that extra compensation he could not have got through. John's also came in good time for him, as it enabled him to get their needed outfit for New Haven; that & what he had made off his picture sales. (He left a copy of the large size engraving of Carthage at home for thee.) Martha took a little friend give of 15 (the Edmonia of whom Mary talks) on with her. S. & M'slandlord & wife made such a row (S. says they are of the low class of Germans, ignorant & prejudiced) that although the rooms were engaged, S. & M. had to go elsewhere. Fortunately S. had got sufficiently acquainted to know of a Friend who takes lodgers & boarders, & she has accommodated them. Martha is to stay in N.Y. ten days or a couple of weeks, and then come down from New Haven occasionally to see Dr. Jentz, who says he can help her; - and [eme] her, if she will follow his directions. John too consulted him, and (S. writes) the Dr. told him he "was not an invalid, but that his kidneys were affected, and that caused his cough, weak back, &c- and that he would give him something for them. Edwin writes in pretty good spirits, though he complains of being overworked just now with John & Samuel's errands in addition to his business. I suppose their work will soon be less exacting on him. I forgot to say that S. & M. went on to N.Y. at 11 last Wednesday. The Saffords expected to go on the same train. - Cousin W[?] & Rebeccca also came in to tea quite unexpectedly on Tuesday. They send much love to thee. Martha had her drawing teacher, Miss [Crasdale]to tea also, & Maria Johnson with a friend of hers came in the evening to say good bye to them, so the Saffords met quite a company of Philadelphians. Last Saturday met Julia and Lu, with Mrs. Blankenburg, in the 5th St. cars, - going up above Trenton, - to stay over Sunday. He seems very intimate at Longshores. "Eddie" has grown tame enough to be allowed out of his cage in a room sometimes for a little flight. Of course the windows & doors have to be carefully closed, & the water pitcher covered. He enjoys it much, and goes back to his house when he's tired. He was hopping about the room when I commenced this letter, but went in some time ago. John bought his younger brother of that Stuckey for Marsha, and she took him on with her. I believe I have written nearly all there is to say at present, or quite. Take all possible care of thyself - let me know the final arrangements for the 15th, 16th & 17th (Cincinnati & vicinity,) and let us hear from thee whenever thee can. With dear love from mother & myself, affectionately, Susan E. company we have, invited & uninvited, the establishment being a pretty expensive one --) and it has worried me of course, and caused me to keep that first detailed account, though I have not done it since, because thee said thee did not read it, -- and thee never would those I used to give thee when thee came home. There are some things (beside my spring bonnet,) for which I do need money & unfortunately rather considerable of it, -- although I don't have to get any dresses, and am very well pleased at that; -- but I hate after such a winter as thee has had, and the way in which thee is working now, to ask for or spend any.Yesterday I saw Mrs. Proctor. There was a dispute over thy alpaca sacque at home; I said it ought not to be lined, & Miss Annie & mother said it ought, so I went down to Mrs. P- and referred the matter to her. She said "certainly it must not be." I told her I expected thee to spend the 29th at home on thy way to N.Y. &e., and she said thee would need thy things then, and she would have them ready for thee. -- She has been very ill again with her old complaint -- was in bed for five weeks, -- but says she is now nearly as well as usual; -- and sent a great deal of love to thee. By the way, I engaged Annie Giboney to be here on Monday the 29th, to do anything thee had for her then. thee got thy letters at Elmira. I sent a smaller package to Rochester also. I wrote in such haste to Jamestown I could say scarcely anything. First, about the money; When the draft from Elmira came I had used all I had in hand before - even that laid aside for sheets had to be taken. The house expenses are necessarily larger when J. & M. & Emma are all here, and we had a great deal of company while J. was here. I have not used any of it for personal purposes except a little for flannel, car tickets &c. of the $100 thee sent the most has been expended as follows - Provision hill 35. Gas 20. * Ed's shirts {linen & making} 12 1/2 - This, with $5 - for the muslin previously got, Edwin expects to refund next month, - May. Mrs. Ma[?]sen { taking ashes from cellar & other work} 5 1/2 Alpaca & silk for thy sacque(?) 5. {Velvet, lining & trimmings for my dress hoop skirt & gloves 6 1/2 } Telegrams & P.O. stamps 4 ______________ 93 1/2 and there have been little daily items as always. Annie's wages &e &e. (* The gas bills are complained of as enormous again; & ours is somewhat larger because one of the upstairs fixtures look to leaking & considerable must have escaped before the gas fitter could get here to mend it.) So thee sees I have little more than nothing in hand at present. 1710 Locust St. Philadelphia April 12. 1867 My dear Little Sister Thy letter from Jamestown enclosing cheque for $110, and key of trunk, arrived this morning, after I had begun to be seriously uneasy - there have been so many complaints lately of money letters sent to Phila being lost. However this is all safe. So is the trunk which cameyesterday. Mother is getting better, How she has been through the winter. S. & M. are here. S looking much better, - M. & baby well, except a little cold. No further news from &. & M. or from Ed. I am very much grieved that thee is having such a hard strugle of it this spring with such poor health, & wish thee were safely at home for the season. Look at my Scranton letters & see if there is any thing further to be written to Mr. Powell - I presume not to Mr Price. I will write again in a few days, more at length. Have to hurry now after writing those business letters, to catch the mail. Dear love from all at home. Affectionately Susan E.1710 Locust St. Philada April 18. 1867 Dear little Sister After all I can't write the letter promised in my pencil scrawl from Mr Pughs' & sent to Delaware. The house is partly full of company. I've been answering various letters in the package I [enclose] forward, while the people were at meeting, and thought to get this done, but was interrupted, & besides myfive finger is "laid up" with a bad burn. (from sealing wax) & I have to manage my pen with thumb & middle finger which retarded me somewhat. Mamma is pretty well - has been out at meeting this afternoon (the closing session) & several times before. The rest as usual. Thee shall have thy letter, (with two or three others I've not had time to answer yet, but which should be so to-morrow) at Akron. So this time, with dear love from all, good bye. Affectionately, Susan E.1710 Locust St. Philadelphia April 19, 1867 My dear Sister, To begin with the news which has come this morning. The Press announces the marriage [of] on the 17th inst[?], by Friends' ceremony, of Rudolf Blankenburg of Germany to Lucretia in Longshore of Philada. Later comes a little note from Lu herself to me, which I enclose. Since receiving thine from Toledo, I have sent a little note toDelaware, and a package of letters to Warren (in case of Wm Ritezel - the name A. Morgan furnished me with in his last letter.) To-day I forward the remainder of the letters. Also a little note from Ed. to mother, which has made us all very indignant, and very sorry for him. I have written to try to cheer him a little, for he's down far enough with this disappointment. I expect we shall have farther news of him to-morrow - if so, I'll write to Canton. John & Martha go to N. H. from N. Y. to-day. They are to come down to N. Y. in about two weeks to see the Dr. again. M. is improving under his care. And M[?] gives him some hopes of Butler yet. He wrote to Custis[?] also, but he can't come; writes he hasn't time to get up a lecture. Peggy will work through somehow, no doubt, but this will be a lesson. Mother[??] is pretty well - has been out to meeting a good deal of the week: - they had only one rainy day. 'Eddie' is in fine condition, and sends a twitter - he's not in full song just at this minute. Mary Crowell[?] was up a few days ago. She reports all wellat home. Her cousin Lottie has left --gone home, I believe. With a great deal of love from mother & myself I close. We shall look for thee some time next 7th day (to-morrow week) day or evening. Affectionately Susan E. Saml & Mary, with M's brother Truman[?] & his wife who have been staying with us this week, started for Lancaster Co. this morning. It is still uncertain whether Saml will be able to resume work as early as the first of May. Saml has [the greater part] nearly all of his extra compensation yet in hand. I think the sum he received, (up to March 1st) was $180. M. & baby are well. Uncle Thos and Aunt Mary were one in town: are coming to quarterly meeting. James Lee was here - no one else from Exeter. We have had nearly all theBallengers & Simmons's here at different times, & some other persons. I wrote to the Albany Y. M. C. A. yesterday - in the way thee desired; - I had not time to hunt up their letter until then. I told Puggy[?] before he wrote that it was no use - that thee couldn't speak here in May. He was in a state of great disgust when I saw him the other day: says he'll never engage the Acad. again without first being certain of some one to occupy it, - which I take to be a wise resolution. He's been writing to McPherson about Butler, 1710 Locust St. Philadelphia April 22. 1867 My dear little Sister Thine from Springfield came, and found a warm welcome. I was a little puzzled at the date, wondering why thee hadn't spent the 17th in Dayton; but Mr Phillips was here last evening, and told us of meeting thee in Cincinnati, and thy being at his lecture, so I conclude thee had the Springfield people take the 7th. I sent a line to Delaware, and packages to Cincinnati, Warren, & Akron, - all which I hope came to hand. The one to Delaware (in case it missed thee) acknowledged the safe arrival of the drafts sent from Toledo to Mr. Pugh[?] to myself. Mr. Phillips spent the evening here - came with Mr. Pugh - and paid a very pleasant visit. He promised Mr. Pugh to try to get Curtis to speak for him on the 14th. Also advised him Ballenger face. It looks doubtful whether she'll bring him through this, his second summer - and she's going to have another! before the summer is over fairly - she's very large. Meanwhile pecuniary affairs can't have flourished with them, for they are about leasing this large new house, & are to have two rooms at cousin Rebecca's to keep house in for the summer. I had a letter from Edwin this morning. He is goingon with that picture agency (Lincoln [??]) which John had, - and apparently intending to remain in Washington for the present, as he wants me to get his summer clothes ready to be sent on when S. & M. go. We have not heard from S. & M. since they went up to the country. Nor from John & Martha since they went on to New Haven or Westville, [rather?], last 6th day. Mother is having one of her very poorly spells again. Lennie[?] was here this afternoon to see her, Hannah having gone out before the message reached 1326. I was there the other day after writing to the at Akron. Lu[?] was married at the Mayor's office 5th day morning, and went off that afternoon or evening. I did not see Edward[?] - he was down at the farm; very busy there, they say. Lennie[?] says he would have been better pleased if the young man had been an American. But they like him very well - he's from Lippe Detmold - the son of a Lutheran minister - they know his old tutor in Germany, who speaksvery highly of the family. They've known him two years, and during that time he's been with Horstmann & Co. (5th & Cherry) giving satisfaction, and his present trip, on which he's taken Lu, is for them, and is to last till July. As far north as St. Paul, as far west as Omaha, as far south as Memphis, & perhaps to New Orleans, they are to go, Julia said. I have a letter from Mr. C[?], (Kingston) who acknowledges the receipt of mine, & says he will expect thee May 1st. Have not heard from Albany yet about the 3rd. Expect I shall in a day or two. I let Puggy[?] read the part of thy letter which spoke of him. He smiled, and was pacified - the more so, as he hopes to get Curtis' or Butler yet. I send not letters, lest this should fail to meet thee. None of the arrivals since I wrote to Akron need immediate attention. Mrs. Bannan was here last Friday & again on Saturday, with a younger brother - an English officer, lately ordered to Canada, - and down here on leave of absence. He is a brilliant specimen of a 'model' young Englishman - expectedto find us all barbarians, and is greatly amazed to find the young ladies to be ladies, and that "they're quite like Europeans"--also apparently, that they talk good English, "only a very few words in which you can see the accent is different." Mrs. B. wants him to sell out his commission & come here to live--he'll have a few lessons to learn if he does so.--She's as pleasant as ever. Her husband & herself talk of sailing for Europe in June. I suppose we shall see thee on Saturday, so with quantities of love from mother and myself, Adieu for the present. Affectionately Susan E. to go in to Washington and see Butler. I am really sorry for Reid - it is such a great pity for him that his southern experiment should cost him his health, if it prove to be gone permanently. He has not written yet. I wrote thee about yearly meeting — it was quite pleasant all the week except 3rd day, when it rained. Mother[?] was out except that day, & to general meeting on[?] day morning. 4th day morning the women had no meeting, and Mary Ann Simmons spent the morning here,and she & mother went to meeting together in the afternoon. She seemed to enjoy her visit very much. Cyrus brought her, but staid only a very little while. I did not see him at all. Sandra[?] Moore says the girls will have some things, (since they've been to [Mattown?]) Cyrus did not use to allow and would not now if he could help it, but their mother takes their part. Joshua + Mary Elma Ballenger wish their baby were here from 2nd day morning to 3rd day afternoon. The baby was born the same day as Lucy -- He is not much more than half as large, with a little, Westville April 26th 1867 Little Sister I have intended for some time past to write thee a letter, but weeks have passed into months and the letter still exists but in purpose. Let me try to pen a few lines this afternoon. We are at last in Westville, apparently settled for a year's sojourn; the parsonage is a pleasant little cottage with more ground around it than I will have time or inclination to properly cultivate, with trees, arbors &c &c in due position & quantity; in front rises in grim majesty the bold form of "West Rock" a thing of grandeur and, in summer, of beauty; across the street from us the Episcopal Church stands, the representative & reminder of the Cavaliers & Henry VIII - a stone's throw from our garden stands the Edifice of the Congregationalists, savoring of roundheads & Plymouth, while a few rods down the street, on the edge of the hill, rises the tall spire of theMethodist Church reminding me of the first sermon preached by Jesse Lee from a table on Boston Common to four or five hearers(?), the precursor of a multitude of innovators who have sadly disturbed the thoughts & feelings of the champions of New England "Orthodoxy", the "standing order" of the good old days - I am but little acquainted with my people as yet, have not had time - they seem kind & intelligent, not burdened with intellectual or esthetic culture or the the pretence of it, but honest, earnest wide-awake yankees - I think we will, but a little mutual forbearance, get along all right The maxims & methods of life in the new, free, large west of course must differ from those which hold good in settled, diminutive, crowded New England - But essential humanity is the same the round world over and Christianity & the methodistic type of it is a grand unifier and socializer - I trust our life here with be - I have often seen it) in a black walnut frame without glass - it is in the care & studio of Mrs. Baumgras, the artist, who asks 200$ for it, Mr. Venino, however, told me that he would let me have it, frame & all for $115 or he would sell me the one in New York unframed, not yet sent to Lord Derby for $100 - I thought I would tell you about it as Martha said you wanted to see the artist proof - I left one of the largest [size] of the three published sizes at 1700 as a slight token of brotherly love but if you want to get one of those proofs you can easily get rid of the one you have if you so desire - I used to think that $200 was too much for it & that you ought not to think of buying it, but since Venino offers it for 100 I feel at liberty to simply mention what it can be had for - Callers have been in & prevents the conclusion of this letter so it must go this minute (if to day) to the P.O. write soon & often. give much love to Sue & Mother - Martha would have written but callers prevented - Affectionately Bro. J.pleasant & profitable to parson * people - I am kindly welcomed by the professors at the Scientific School and, as they summer term is just commencing, the opportunity is offered, of going at once to work - the college year, however, begins in Sept. & that usually is the best time to commence a course of study, but as my own studies have been some what desultory & irregular the present arrangement suits me as well as any - In reviewing the train of circumstances by which we were brought here I am not unmindful of the fact that to thy affectionate interest in the matter the present success is greatly due - The hasty mission to New Haven & Mr. North a year ago afforded introduction & opportunity which led the way to my present appointment which I think I appreciate though it is not all I could wish as I for see that the double labor of pastor & student must not be play if theyear's end is to show any results worth mentioning While on the subject of thy kindness I must take the opportunity of expressing our thankfulness and appreciation of thy generous kindness to us so often & so freely shown during the last two years & over - For much of the comfort & elegance enjoyed we are thy debtor to an extent that I fear we will be for a long time unable to repay except in the hearts' coin of love & gratitude For all the kindness shown to Martha in giving her the home & opportunity to study (I wish her health had permitted her to profit by it) we desire especially to thank thee - How is thee coming out of the winter's campaign - mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, & I hope to see thee in a few days, but don't know whether we can or not. We have to go to New York in about a week to see Dr. Jenty & may be we can meet thereabouts. At any rate I hope to come to Phila in about a month to go with Mother on the long talked of trip to Delaware - do "the girls" go? When shall we see thee at the Parsonage ? a welcome always awaits - the horse cars from New Haven run within a few minutes of our door. While in New York I went to see Mr Venim & his cartoon, the Last Moments of Carthage" - what a beautiful thing it is - He says the Union League of N.Y. talk of buying it for probably $8000 as to the four Artist proofs now in existence (they are large photographs nearly 3ft square retouched in india ink by the artist himself) he says the King of Bavaria has one, [?] - another, the Earl of Derby takes the third & the fourth is in Washington / where I am thy attached son are glad J. ton. Saml E. Dickinson are getting along well - Home as Moore's 5mo.7.1867 Dear Mother I ride out as times & walk out every day Please rend to John & M[?] enclosed. Susie's letter reached us safely 7th day last (should have come the 4th day preceeding. but the mail here is irregular) I had sent her a letter on 5th day, as I was at the R.R. & had a chance to send it. Have been at the R.R. twice to get my cough medicine, which the Dr. was to send me by Express over a week ago; as it had not come, I wrote him. We had heard before Susie wrote though bro. Ed he would probably leave W. soon. but told us nothing definite - whether he would for the bal. of the House Rent for us last mo. where he would have key &c. - Did not see M Grow as I asked him to &c. As to our seeing about the house, by going down, if Edwin properly fastened up & gave the key to one of our friends near by, Say one of the N.E. Friends mission, which a request to look in sometimes, & as we supposed he would, it is about all we could do, if there - unless we went to stay. As to my going down to see about my libation it would only endanger it I believe & do me no good. I look better than I feel. My Kidneys at times give me pain & occasional dizzy & light attacks with my head & bad feelings on my left side (In fact much nervous weakness yet tho. doubless getting stronger) show me I am not ready for too much & constant application with my head j- McGen would be apt to think I looked well, think I could go to work, - especially, now that I had left the Doctor's, & if I saw not, or soon left again, he would be more likely to make my place "Vacant" for some one else. I got a certificate from the Dr. over a week ago - with a request for longer leave, mentioning I was getting better, & I hope not to have to ask for any further extension. I hope dear Mother thee is getting better again & able to be about some. We were very sorry to hear thee was so poorly. Aunt Betsy told about seeing thee. Uncle Lyms' folks been over lately to see us. They & friends & relatives here generally are well. Brother Adrian gets out riding some etc. Goes on crutches. His ankle getting on as well as it can we think tho. I expect he will not be able to work much for a couple of weeks yet. How are our friends & relatives generally in Phila so far as thee knows, Di's Brother Edwin came as expected-& where has he gone to. If anything of an offer, I should think Nat's the best as it offers a short of permanent business, the other one, the Agency, probably not permanent that him to be unsettled & wandering about. Mother & father are pretty well & getting along pretty comfortably & so are we. Baby not been so well. Her little bowels constipated trouble her - then her cold & teeth. Where is our sis Anna," is she home, or has she gone to the [A???] Convention. How are her lungs & is she well [?] me you all. Should be glad if she would write. Hope for McGrav's answer soon. We shall probably ere long return to Phila at any rate. Mary is pretty well. She & I & all of us send love to sheet you all, Washington 1st day Mon 6 mo. 2, 1869 Dear ones at Home, But time to say a word now. Intended to before, but tired, busy to- we are pretty well-Mary some headache & Lucy not at all well yet. Was at Office 7th day, told M Grerrace[?] about myself etc, & asked for some light work as possible for my head - said he would see what he could do - & come 2nd day morn ready for work We enjoyed our visit much with you - I wish we were nearer you - but have a nice little home - found it pretty dirty - cleaning up to Hope Mother & your sisters well & happy - Take care of yourselves. More I hope to write soon. If you write. Sampson's, Battey's, etc. pretty wellwish much love to you all - from us both - regards to Annie Gibboney - Annie Mcey - friends, etc. Your attached son & brother Samuel E Dickinson [*I send "Dead Latch" key - I forgot to leave it - P.] Office of the Auditor of the Treasury For the Post Office Department, Washington 6 mo. 11, 1867 Dear Sis Anna I can answer both Susie's & mother's letters in this, and at the same time send my well wishes in this note to thee. S & Mother's letters arrived together 2nd day - owing to some mismanagement. I hope thy trip to Long Island has paid thee & what thee has found truly a desirable place. Does thee expect to go there by thyself - or have mother & Susie along - or either? And where will mother go? A little later in the season I wish she could come see us. Will thee & G. be down this summer or early fall. I hope thy lung - or lungs - is or are steadily getting better - & thee keeps "excellently well" -. Does thee keep tolerably "cool." - We have not had a great deal of hot weather here yet. For the past few days we have had rather a cool spell - especially for the season. Strawberries & Cherries in the fruit line are plenty here. Fine strawberries from 15 to 20 cts a qt - & poorer from "3 qts for a quarter"to 12 c or 15 c cherries 10 to 15 c a qt. So we partly luxuriate in fruit. I hope mother keeps rather better & that Susie is well. Glad that mother got to meetings. Did Sam[??] Boyce get to see you? Why did mother give up her Delaware trip? As Susie says, it has doubtless quicked John well - His hands seem to be very full. Fear he will not accomplish all he wants to, or do it rightly. My own health is better. Work does not seem to hurt me - occasionally I give a little too close attention to my head, lungs, etc. - tell me so for a little bit - but on the whole I have improved since coming here. Get of course rather tired. Mary generally keeps well. Doubt if she is quite as strong as she used to be - & "baby" does not tend to benefit her health, or at best strength. Lucy was well yesterday & generally is pretty well. I say a little sick - perhaps from eating something she should not have done yesterday.- We have still have the Colored girl I wrote about, she assists Mary much - & is a very good & useful girl, Can help sew too - & does it well. We think of keeping her for a time probably. Sorry none of the Mission people found it convenient to call - but they were in a hurry. It is very pleasant out where we live now - especially mornings & parts of the evenings. It is the Drive of the city - that's of the evening is very dusty. Try to take care of thyself & be a good girl. Love to relatives & inquiring friends. Write to us. Much love to mother & Susie & "birdie" - also a great deal to thyself. From thy attached brother Samuel E Dickinson 1710 Locust St. Philadelphia July 9. 1867 My dear little Sister I meant to write to thee yesterday but was prevented. Thy letter came to hand 7th day morning, having passed mine on the way. I was half amused and altogether sympathetic in reading of the time you had in New York. I am exceedingly sorry to hear of mother's dissatisfaction and worrying to get away. I think it is altogether premature in the first place. Why don'tshe wait till the hotel fills up and she sees what kind of company she is going to have, & whether the table accommodations (if they dissatisfy her,) do not improve when the house is full. Mr. Pugh told me what passed on the ferry-boat getting over from Jersey City, and my own advice is, if this does not pass over so that she will settle down at Orient Point, to make Swampscott the alternative, and take her to one of the hotels there, and let her renew her acquaintance with her Lynn and Salem friends. I've thought the matter over in various lights and I believe that will be the best thing, if she will leave Orient. It don't follow by any means because she happened to have a bilious spell there last summer that the place was the cause of it - I think it was not- and she has her podophyllin now to keep it off; and she'll have her meeting, & everything else pleasant - and it will be the pleasantest place for thee. Let me know how you decide as soon as you do: I shall feel very anxious about it.I suppose thee must have got the box I sent by Adam's Express last Tuesday - was somewhat surprised to find it had not arrived by the time thee wrote. Uncle W. took thy sacque & balmoral, & mosher's sontag. and a tumbler of my currant jelly which I desire to know if thee does not think a success - it is tart enough for thy taste, I think. Mary has commenced thy white waists; this is the day A. [Gibaney] was to have come to alter my summer silk, & I meant her to have finished the waists instead, but they are left after all for Mary to finish to-morrow (she could not come 2 to-day) because MIss Annie as usual has disappointed - neither come nor sent me word. I will send the other things all on as soon as the waists are done - including the elastic thee left, which Annie found up stairs, and which is now lying on the writing table. Did thy papers come safely the same time with the letters? I mail another package of them to-day. In folding thy letters a little while ago I came across Mrs. Farley's, which I read- am much obliged by his promptness.I hope thee may be edified by Mr. Brown's last circular, and the information in regard to thyself. I also enclose a (circular) expose of him from Bloomington. Tell mother I called on Lizzie Wilson - she was out and her husband is in Maryland. I saw cousin Marsha, and gave her the invitation for herself and them, but it isn't likely they'll come. However I've done all that was incumbent on me, and they're welcome to come or stay away as they choose. Bartram was here on Sunday morn - made no allusion to your former "Sunday" conversation, and appeared to be in his best spirits. He told me of having seen and bowed to thee on thy way to the depot. -- Annie says a Mr. Nichols, who called before thee left the city, was as the door two or three days ago, but did not come in. Mr. Prescott did not get here the second time, as he talked of doing. Debbie Simmons came yesterday afternoon, and staid all night:went on her way to Jersey to-day, and in a week or ten days is going up to Bart: does not expect to return to Lippincott's. Was at the Dr's this morning - saw Hannah and Jennie and Julie. All there as well as usual. "Rudolf" has been in town a week: was up yesterday with a letter from Sue - he is going back shortly to stay with her in Salem a couple of weeks longer when they are coming on together. He wants Julie to go out with him - she is still undecided. Jennie is going to try to get her off. 3 Ellwood studiously avoids meeting Mr. Blankenburg when he comes to the house. They are to go to boarding when they get back to the city. Nothing said, but they think Ellwood will sooner come round so, and from present appearances don't think he would come to table when Mr B was there, and so on. - Isn't it too bad he will behave so! Did I tell thee cousin Eliza and I had a very quiet Fourth? There was scarcely any firing ofcrackers or torpedoes in this part of the city, although some other portions were not so fortunate. I've got Mrs. Howe's Battle Hymn, and find on examining the music that after I've got a little further on in my exercises I can learn it. It's the only "piece" I care to learn this summer - it's best to keep mostly to exercises for awhile, but I do want to be able to play that. Eddie has been singing delightfully to me as I write, and is in a flourishing condition. Annie is still doing well & carefully. I saw Harry Hawkins this morning when I went in for edging for thy white waists. His mother has just got home, and they are all well. Robert Fry was here last evening - he has been in town three weeks, and intended going back to Washington, to-day. I had almost forgotten to say that I had a visit yesterday from George Edmondson, uncle John's youngest son. He has beenon some weeks - is making his home at Frankie's, who is married again and living in West Phila (37th St.) next door to Ivanna & her husband, who have moved back there. Frank's husband expects to get him in to Baldwin's (machine shop) to learn, the business. He is a very nice-looking boy, and was very quiet & gentlemanly in his manners. He reports Emma living in Kensington, but didn't seem to know much about her. Bertram, he says, is in the regular army, and is stationed at Ft. Laramie, Kansas. Tell mother too that he [?] from N.Y. whom she took 1710 Locust St. Philadelphia July 11, 1867 My dear little Sister Since writing to thee on Tuesday I have received two letters from thee, one yesterday, one this morning. In the first thee acknowledges my first package of letters : I have mailed one package since, & a batch of paper with each (4 [Tribunes & a friend - then 3 Trib. 1 Ind. 1 a.[?] Standard.) Thee says nothing of uncle [?], but I suppose he has arrived ere this with thy balmoral, saeque?, jelly, &mother's sontag. I have just started another box for thee down to Adams' Express office, with the remainder of the things thee wrote for, and some magazines & paper for Martha. Now, my dear, about thy propositions. My last crossed thine on the way. I still think it would be best for mother, (as I wrote fully in that, ) if she would but make up her mind to be satisfied to do so, to go to Swampscott with thee. If however, she cannot do that then I must let thee write to cousin R. Of course I should like to accommodate ma, but I find & believe that so much depends on my quiet summer that I am not willing to break it up. To do so may cost me years of suffering, which by not breaking it up I may escape. I shall go out of town a couple or three times for three or four days each as I promised, but no more. To Saml & Mary I have written postponing my visit to them to cooler weather. I know thee thought when thee proposed it it might be best for me to go to Atlantic for three or four weeks, and I am therefore as much indebted for the thought as if it were so, but it really is not, for morethan one reason. - But I wish mother would make up her mind to go to Swampscott and enjoy it. I really believe, (With her little pellets to keep off the main hindrance if it should threaten her again,) she would. They say at the Press office they have mailed your paper every morning. I advise thee if they & the papers I send don't come to make special quest for them at the Orient & Greenport P. Offices. About the black silk, lace makes always the most graceful trimming, but the satin will be the richer and more stately looking, gored & corded as thee proposes: h[?] in that case I would by all (2 means advise the yellow satin; the white would soil and look shabby directly- it soils much more quickly on a skirt than on a waist- and grey on black um's? be thy style; it is too old-looking. For a dinner dress proper, I should say satin; but for a more distinctly evening dress, lace. Don't trouble about thy reading. After thee's been a little longer resting and recriting, it wills tay in thy head more easily; and even some of what seems to have escaped now will accounce itself as having stuck fast. I am writing some; reading Higginson's Our Door Papers, have about two dozen more books strewn on the tables waiting, (Reid's after the War will take its turn soon;) practicing; and have a good deal of company. Last evening I spent an hour very pleasantly in at Dr. MacKenzies, gave thy message to them, and received messages of remembrance for thee & mother, ate cake, drank a little Burgundy, talked, and has a general good time: met [th] half a dozen other persons there whom I had met before. I forgot to say that if mother and cousin R do go to Atlantic, I will make all necessary inquiries so soon as I hear from thee, - but I suppose in that case they will both prefer the SeaSide House. I sent down to the Express about thy first box, & made them write to inquire about it, so I hope this second one will go through with less delay. I congratulate thee on its arrival at last, and on that of thy 'nag', and his being a good goer. But I commiserate thee by reason of [John]: thee will see by Samls letter, which I received this morningand enclose with this that [John] has set out to cultivate his acquaintances; his intended brother-in-law's! We won't tell him where thee is if he comes here. I had a nice little letter from Ed, also this morning, who appears to be flourishing, Baby Lucy's 'token' which S. acknowledges was a pair of tiny armlets - a single string of coral beads, the bright colored ones, fastened by a slender little gold clasp - just the prettiest little thing of the kind I have seen. I found them at Baileys ($4.50.) The 'pillow' Robt Fry took on was the baby's little one Mary forgot. That is all in his letter that needs explanation. 3 I am very much pleased to hear you are going to pay the Hookers a visit. Carry quantities of love from me when you do go, to all the Nook Farm people. I have been smiling over the account of your present agreeable companions, especially the Baltimoreans. But are there no more pleasant ones? Has thee written to or heard from Mrs. Bowman, and does thee know where she has established herself for the summer?Mary young wants to know whether thy grey dress, and wrapper, and saeque, and white waists, fit and please thee in the making &c. Birdie is flourishing. Annie is well, and doing well, and always exceeding interested in hearing from you. Hoping that you all three will keep on improving in health, and wish a great deal of love to all, Affectionately thine Susan E. Robinson & Ingraham, MANUFACTURERS AGENTS FOR PLUMBERS SUPPLIES, 504 SIXTH AVENUE, N. ROBINSON C.W. INGRAHAM New York, July 24 1867 Dear Little Girl I gave both of thy letters welcome at the right time & was very sorry I could not answer the 1st. in person 1st. day morn. as I promised myself one pleasant day with you but the state of my coporasity & the rain of 7th day night spoiled it all. Recd thy second on 2nd day & as soon as I could get off, toward evening, went down to see after thy package but was too late. 3rd day was more successful & forwarded the package to Hartford. It had arrivedthe expressman said, the day thee left Orient & so he kept it thinking thee could get it easily from here than there. It seems the good people of the neighborhood were quite disappointed in not getting a speech at a soldiers monument dedication or something of the kind, to come off. Sorry you were disappointed in the place. Better luck next time. My vacation prospects are getting no better fast. Heretofore we have not had very much hot weather, but for a few days it has been evident that August is coming. John spoke to me some time ago about sending thee my extra greenbacks monthly. 'Twould be very pleasant but the fact is I have not been quite making expenses since my acquaintance with Jentz. The enclosed however which I have on hand I do not need, so if it will be of any use to thee here it is. When thee has nothing better to do give me another letter to read. Remember me kindly to the Hartford couple whom I have met Thy loving bro Ed.25th after writing this last eve I found I could not get a check & did not want to risk a bank note so kept letter till now. In ransacking letter &c I came across the enclosed receipt which I had neglected & forgotten so enclose it now. Affectionately Ed. 1710 Locust St. Philadelphia July 24, 1867 My dear Sister Wednesday morning of last week I mailed thee a package of letters to Orient, not thinking of your leaving there earlier than yesterday. I hope they arrived safely before you left, but have sent a note to Mr. Parsons, in case they did not, to forward them to Mr. Hooker's care. The same morning I mailed those I left home and didn't get back till Saturday night, when I found thy two letters from Orient. The trunk, valise &chair did not arrive till Monday morning, which I rushed out and got the dresses - a very dark brown habit cloth at Sharpless's - the silk at Fryer's - the only piece of clean black & white check to be found. I tried Sharpless', Evans', (Hafleigh's I had before tried) Bentillier's; none of them had it nor believed I could find it in the city so late in the season; - finally into Fryer's where they had one piece containing two dress patterns, so I got that though scarcely so large a check as thy letter shows. I enclose samples of the two; which, with the velvet & buttons I started at once to Mrs. Walsh, (by Harnden's Express this time-) 2 Thee will find the white skirt Mary [bound] among thy clothes, with the other things sent for. Cousin Eliza kept house for me, or rather stayed here while I was away. She is going to the country next Saturday to stay some six weeks or so. I don't believe mother will stay at John's more than two or three weeks at the outside, and I wish thee would write to cousin R. in advance, or else mother'll come home & refuse to have arrangements made afterwards, & be sick and dissatisfied at home all the rest of the summer. I can'tgo away with her as she writes me to in the letter thee enclosed from her at Orient, & Jennie don't want me to go away between this & cool weather at all - late in Sept, or later, when the season will be over. If I say quiet here all summer she expects to do me permanent good. I'm sorry to seem selfish to mother, if she should think it so, but I might not to go this summer, & cannot. Some Mr. Sheppard called to see thee yesterday or to-day - merely left his name. I did not see him. John has not made his appearance. Saml and Mary have both had something of cholera morbus and were in a rather weak condition from it when he wrote on Sunday, and baby is not well. They are having a pretty hard time with so much sickness. Edwin too is not so well; Dr. Jenks had not decided whether Edwin had a certain other disease, worse than dyspepsia, at last accounts - considered incurable by most physicians. If he said 'yes' Ed. would be afraid to give up his treatment at present; if he said 'no' he thought of cessating it & trying Dr. Taylor's movement cure. I had a letter from FannySpalding the other day - she is at home nursing her mother who has been almost wholly confined to her bed for over five months. She does not say what is the matter with her. Sara was married the 4th of June, & went to her new home at once. James is still as Sioux City with the other brother, & Mr. S. still travelling. She encloses a "carte' of Dr. Richings which he gave her for thee. And she sends thanks to thee for procuring her a proposal from Dr. Wilt of Dayton O. to take charge of the Woman's Comm. Coll. She was still holding it under advisement - expected to decide so soon as she heard from him again. 3 Looking over thy letters to see what's unanswered - I cannot yet tell whether a walking (short) dress can be made from the poplin or not - will see. I got the habit cloth instead of the merino, although it cost a little more because it looks so 50 pr. cent better, and will outwear three or four merinoes. Three breadths of it make it exactly the width thee requested. I cut them as thee desired. Mr. Pugh is in a flourishing condition. I gave thy message. Inregard to the lecture it can't take place till spring. He has the Acad. the first two weeks in Dec. for Mrs. Lander, but can get no single nights. Besides it's evident, though he don't say so, that the Lander business is going to take all his time and attention till spring. He's pretty nearly on his head with it now. He desired me to tell thee he had secured the "Boston Theatre, & she begins there, I think the 20th of Sept. Also he asks that thee will call on Mrs. L. before she leaves home on the 10th of August. The Longshores are well as usual, only Ellwood looks very badly. [Sue] is expected back in about a week. The fat Dr. is keeping house alone, except for the girl. Mrs. M.-May-& the baby are out of town: Miss Constance, with the other two children, up town at her mother's. Saturday night he & his visitors kept up a great noise till 3 AM. Sunday evening he spent an hour in here, talking very pleasantly. Very particular in his inquiries for thee, as usual. 'Eddie' has just begun moulting, & sends thee a remembrance,Looking for Arnold's Poems, and not finding them, I remember thee lent them to Thad. Stuckey, and he has not been here since you left - very probably sick again. As soon as the weather permits I will call on him & Mrs. S. - It is intensely warm & close just now. Has thee written to, or heard from Whitelaw Reid? Give my love to all the dear friends at Nook Farm & the Olmsteds, and keep thy own larger share. As ever, truly, Susan E. and wrote to her about them and about the grey waist also, with request for immediate answer: -directed her if she had the grey waist to keep it now till thee reached Boston. Thee would not more than get it at Hartford before leaving there. I got the collars at Needles'- just like pattern. Found the ink at Challens'- those & the med. paper were all. Miss Mary did the best possible with the waist - it did not come down inside the belt more than a quarter of an inch, so she let that trifle down and widened the waistband; it was narrow enough to admit of that. I had the Brownie busily come down & talked to her about the clothes. She is to have themhome Friday morning - the earliest she could, - and I then propose to start the trunk immediately to Hartford, so it might to reach there on Saturday. Mr. Andrews has had it down at the store to ease its opening &e. I sent it home again yesterday. I have changed the address of the Press for mother - will send her the four numbers previous to yesterday's she lost by leaning Orient. along with Friend & Hours at Home to-day. I mail thee the Standard & Independent with this. The Tribunes from those last sent to next Friday I will put in the trunk - then send one package to the Clifton by mail on the 31st - and subscribe for August at the N.Y. office to be sent direct to the Clifton. 1710 Locust St. Philadelphia July 26. 1867 My dear Sister Thine of yesterday came safely this morning, and I suppose thee got mine of the day before directly after mailing thy own - so that drivers of thy questions are already answered. As for the rest, - Thodore Tilton was not here, but he saw me nevertheless, and desired me to let him write that letter so as to put thee in a 'maze' for a little while. I shouldhave told thee where I was going last week but for one thing. Mother would have thought if I could go once to the shore for a couple of days I could have kept on doing so, -so I did not want her to know I had Jennie's leave for one excursion. Camden & Amboy sells excursion tickets to Long Branch to go & return - has its own boat from N.Y. to just below Sandy Hook, and its own ten miles of railroad down to the Branch. I wanted just a peep at the breakers, & that excursion trip down the Bay &c. fascinated me, & I went on 4th day - spent 5th & 6th days at [?] - reached N.Y. at 9 Sat. morning, stopped at the Ind. editorial room - (the 2nd story front room Theo. wrote about, having my hand bag & waterproof piled up on top of his writing desk,) left my traps there, went up town to Ed's place of business, took dinner with him & brought him down town. I did not tell thee in my last letter because I was waiting to hear news of Theodore's. In regard to the Water Gap - I'll make inquiries - meanwhile I am quite sure that Saml Alsop Sr. keeps a housethere for Friends & that it is generally well frequented by them & pleasantly situated. I'll learn all about it & others I can. Meanwhile again - bro. Saml writes in a letter rec'd this morning, "I write to learn whether thee & mother expect to go to Atlantic City soon, or when, when you are to start, stay how long &c. If so, I may run up & go with you, a little while - not certain yet. Mary talks of coming north & staying at her county home. Don't know whether I will prevail on her to come or not. Mary is pretty fair - I am so, so. Get pretty tired. Dear little Lucy is better the last day or two." Now-, it is wholly unfit for Saml to go to the shore with that lung of his, although it's evident he does not know it - but why couldn't it be arranged for him, instead of cousin R., to go with mother to the Gap or elsewhere for awhile? What does thee think of it? I sent thy trunk, (to Mr. Hooker's care,) to-day by Harnden's Express. It is not prepaid thinking they would be more careful - is marked "Haste" to try to induce it being sent on at once without delays. So I hope thee may receive it all right to-morrow. Monday thy commissions,with other things, kept me too busy to write. Tuesday after other things were done I was prevented by company - consoled myself that as I'd got all the things done thee wrote about, thee could wait to hear of it 24 hours longer - wasn't that philosophy? How does thee like the dress & habit patterns? I enclose a note from Dr. Mackenzie sent in with a copy of Mrs. Dall's book which he wished me to look over. Don't lose it - it's really good. Mr. Phillips would appreciate it if thee should chance to see him - I perceived a letter for him enclosed in one of thine & have spared it in the folding - it was not in an envelope but folded in with thine, & I just happened to see the name on the top in time to not fold it lengthwise. The Dr is flourishing - his family are still away. Have not seen Mr. Pugh since last writing. Birdie is in good case - shed three wing-feathers & then stopped. Annie is well & working nicely. Julia spent part of last evening with me, & we then adjourned to Burns's. Sheis looking up a boarding place for Rudolph & her. Grandma Myers is again having one of her very suffering times. The rest as usual, - all, Hannah & Julie especially feeling very badly about [the] Ellwood's behaviour - they feel it more of course, as the day draws near for Lou to come back to town. Let me hear from thee as soon as thee gets to the shore. I forgot to say I met R. Purvis in the street just before leaving home - expect to go there next week if mother's plans don't interfere & make it a week later. Also met Danl Maule, & he informs me that his niece, Anna Richards, is in Europe (Darmstadt) with her husband. I wonder if she never will publish any more. Affectionately Susan E. Love to all my friends at & near Nook Farm [* Ind. & Standard in trunk - also Tribunes. *] [Westville] 7mo 26th 67 Beloved daughter I intended writing to thee, when thy welcome note together with one, from Saml was handed me this morning. and right glad was I, to get a token of daughterly remembrance both from thee and Sue, [?] it needless to say any thing of home news, Sue now having most likely advertised [?] it felt sorry to part from thee and lonely too for a while but hope things will work comfortably to all of us, be very careful of thy dear self every way and write me something and tell me how to address thee am feeling better, rest about as usual, yesterday a party ofus went to thimble Island [15?] miles from here on the Sound, a very romantic place had a very pleasant time, except a [thunder] shower in afternoon on our return found a nice little hotel on the banks of the Sound much more to my liking than the one on long island accommodations, $10 per week, where I think I should like to spend a week or two, especially if Saml comes on to stay here awhile, as he talks of while M goes to her fathers for a time. I have entirely declined going to Atlantic or any other place *except to [?] M and Westtown* am going home and shall probably remain [hereway?] most of next mo. What say thee to the little hotel affair? Thanks to our Hartford friends for their [?] with affectionate remembrance especially the Gilberts, should indeed like to see them, Martha keeps pretty well they send love including Maria. dearly thy Mother M E Dickinson Robinson & Ingraham, Manufacturers Agents For Plumbers Supplies 504 Sixth Avenue New York N. Robinson C.W. Ingraham July 29, 1867 Dear Little Sis Thy solicitous letter of the 26th came on Saturday with Eddie's memento which is treasured up. For myself my doctor is like almost all of doctors - he says nothing very definite, but says my system is in good condition working hard to, & ridding itself of disease, which he predicts it will [do] have done by the time cool weather sets in. I hope his prediction will prove more nearly correct than his last Fall's did. I am suffering less pain the past week than forsome time before, Hope thee is doing as well. Was glad to hear of the Washn folk, as I had not for several weeks I did not get up to New Haven a week ago, & feeling pretty well [yesterday] Saturday & things here dull, I fully set my mind on a visit yesterday, but rain on Friday night spoiled it again & I had nothing to do but pocket my disappointment. I have not heard from any of the folk there since the day after they arrived I hope they & you are having more pleasant weather than the Gothamites - talk about California Rainy season they're not a circumstance to N.Y. It's a continuous rainy season here right straight along, Winter, Spring Summer. If Coz. Eliza comes to see thee give her my love Remember me to Annie & write soon again to thy loving bro Ed.1710 Locust St. Philadelphia July 31. 1867 My dear Sister I rather hoped to get a line on Monday or Tuesday morning to say thy trunk had arrived, and thee would be off Monday to the shore. I suppose however thy silence means the same thing in which case I suppose thee has seen Mrs. Walsh and reached the Clifton by this time. I enclose Mrs. W's note to me in which she says she sent thy greywaist to Orient, and (as it appears by her date, the same week thee left there.) If it was not forwarded to thee at Hartford while there, the best thing will be for thee to write to Orient about it. Thee has had all thy letters it seems - the 'Wednesday' package thee speaks of was the one I feared had missed thee. I had a letter from mother the other day which crossed mine to her, & to thee, speaking of Saml. She asked me to send it on to S. so I have it not to refer to. But it seems S. had written her saying he would come I met George Kelly on Arch St. this morning - he is looking well. We had two or three minutes chat, and he took thy address. Mr. Pugh has one of his stay-away fits- I expect he's been off to N.Y. again, but don't know. Dr. Mackenzie is flourishing: he wants thee to read Draper's His. of the Civil War in Amer, the first volume of which is lately out, and making a great stir among the literate. This first volume comprises only the causes; brings it down to the close of Buchanan's administration, it is a philosophical view; more of the Buckle & Guizot method - principles more than mere facts,and as influencing facts. He sent me in a copy to look at but I've not had time yet to examine it. He thinks it would furnish thee with a great deal of available material to work on, different from the kind to be got from all the other histories. He desires to know whether thee always sends thy love to him? Birdie is flourishing - after dropping those three feathers he evidently reconsidered the question and put off moulting for a time. Ed. says he's 'treasuring' his, & ma stuck hers up in 'Dickie's' cage, so his letters are appreciated. Annie is well except a cold; and Jennie says I am getting better. Poor Miss Houpt! I suppose thee has seen in the Boston papers the account of the accident at Mt. Desert in which she and Miss Tazewell lost their lives. She will be widely missed and mourned, for few did the work, or do it, which their hands find to do as faithfully as she from a sense of Christian duty and in the love of it. Lizzie Averill (Mary Jackson's sister) was in yesterday. Mary is well, but Annie expects another baby in about three months. Her youngest is only nine months old. ----Isn't thee tired of gossip? I'll stop, only adding that I expect to go up to see Hattie Purvis to-morrow: will stay till 7th day. Is any one at the Clifton who was there with us? and has thee a pleasant room? and does it feel home-like as a watering place can? Write very soon. I send a package of Tribunes with this. I have written to have them send from N.Y. for August. As ever, affectionately Susan E. up to John's for awhile, while Mary would visit her father & mother. So she says she is not going to the Gap or Atlantic - that she likes J's home very much - shall probably stay several weeks - will have S. there - and that in one of their excursions on the Sound they had found a hotel on the Sound, she liked much better than Orient, about 15 miles from John's, and they were all going there after while to spend a week - Board $10 per week! It must be a primitive place, but if she likes it, - well.I enclose a letter received from Ed. this week which tells what the doctor says to him at present. Lu and Mr. B came home on Monday. I was in a little while with Julie this morning to see them - they are at present established in a rather pleasant 2nd story front room on 11th above Arch. Julie says Ellwood received her rather "quietly" - that Lu is there "all the time except to eat & sleep, and perhaps he'll conclude after while they might as well be there altogether. When Rudolph was in before (two or three weeks ago) Ellwood always avoided the part of the house we was in - came in the back way &e. This time I suppose they have not met, either. Robinson & Ingraham, MANUFACTURERS AGENTS FOR PLUMBERS SUPPLIES, 504 SIXTH AVENUE, N.ROBINSON, C.W. INGRAHAM. New York, July 31st, 1867 Dear Little Girl Thine of the (17th?) 28th I suppose was recd yesterday and I hasten to answer it because I am in a hurry to bore thee. I yesterday recd a letter from Nat. Robinson; he is evidently in a bushel of trouble, all his prospects for business here having failed, & business being very dull he is unable to obtain a situation; running in debt, with a wife & baby to take care of. It occurred to me last eve, that last Spring thee told mother or Sue thee could get me a situation in the Boston Custom House, without anytrouble. I don't know that Nat would want such a situation but I think the probability is he would be glad to take almost any thing which would enable himself & family to live & so I would like to know if thee thinks thee could get him the situation of which I speak. Please write me immediately, or if thee has left Hartford & so does not get this for several days telegraph me a probable yes or no. If thee had any use for the check sent back I am sorry thee sent it for I do not need it at all. Tis part of a debt paid me last spring above what I needed & there is no probability of my needing it this Summer. I beg pardon for being a little amused at Miss A.E.D.s expense. Thee receives so many checks & drafts, I supposed thee knew "pay to ______" meant "pay to his or her order", & any one who kept a bank a/c in Hartford or Boston would have taken the check with thy name endorsed, as readily as a $100 bank note. I wish I could enjoy some of those rides about Swampscott with thee if they have any horses there yet, but as I am not master of the situation I will be peaceable & try and be satisfied with some account of them which I hope thee will give to thy loving bro. Ed.[*Can't come earlier. Serving on hand &c,--*] Wash. 7 mo. 31. 1867 Dear Susie Excuse paper. not feeling first rate, & not much time to spare at office now. Wish thee would forward this to mother, John &c. We expect, nothing preventing to leave here on next 4th day (a week from today, the 7th [?]). I suppose about the 8th or 9th. I go on for Westville. I want to be at the Sound Shore at least 2 weeks, if beneficial to me. I of course have to be away without pay, I want as much good done to me, as is possible. I need strength. Shall be glad to meet mother--bro J & Sis M--& Maria too--& indeed all there. Mary, with baby expect to go to mother M, Heard from there to day. They are well and prospering. Bro Adrian now at home, but goes out to work in the neighborhood. His uncle, I believe, quite well. Hope thee is improving--also Annie. Hoping to see thee soon & much love from us Respects to Annie &c. Thy attached bro, Samuel E. Dickinson(No. 37.) Office of the Auditor of the Treasury for the Post Office Department, .............., 186 . SIR: Enclosed you will receive a statement of your account as Postmaster, as it stands on the books of this office, to the ..........., showing a balance due from you to the United States of ..........., provided you have paid all the sums therein credited. The object proposed in transmitting this account is to collect from you the full amount due. If there be any difference between the amounts charged in this statement on account of your quarterly receipts, and the amounts of such receipts due according to the returns, as rendered by you, you will of course understand that the difference, whether in your favor or against you, arises from corrections made on examination of your quarterly returns to this office. In like manner, if any sum conditionally credited in the account shall hereafter appear not to have been paid by you, the same will be recharged to your account, and will increase, in an equal amount, the balance due. You will acknowledge, without delay, the receipt of this letter and account Postmasters cannot be permitted to retain in their hands any amount, however small Even one dollar retained by everyone would amount to upwards of $21,000, and would subject the Department to a corresponding degree of inconvenience in meeting the quarterly demands upon it. You will therefore consider it an indispensable duty in your next regular payment to the Contractor upon the printed orders and receipts he may present, according to the instructions of the Postmaster General, to pay over the full balance here stated, together with any other funds then in your hands belonging to the Department, collected for postages, by drafts on present or late Postmasters, or otherwise. I am, very respectfully, H. J. ANDERSON, Auditor. To ......, Esq., Postmaster at ......