Anna Dickinson Family Correspondence [March 1, 1868-March 31,1868]1710 Locust St. Philadelphia March 1. 1868 My dear little Sister Mother continues to improve, very slowly, but I think now surely; she had a little threatening of relapse once, since I wrote last, but I sent straight to the doctor & we got it checked at once. She says give her dear love to thee and tell thee that she feels a little stronger. She is not at all able to sit up yet, though. Thy little letters to her delight her very much and do her good. So did thy sending her the merino -- (the box came the day before thy letter from Kalamazoo.--) She had herself propped up in bed to look at it, and said she had been wanting just that very thing. Thanks for Dr. Riching's powders. The laces have gone down to Madame Crepon.Thy letter to mamma from Albion came yesterday. I have a number of things to write about, & but little time, – so I will write a longer letter & send with letters acc'd, to Detroit, I'll also mail Standards & Independent to meet thee there. I sent the notes to the landlord, (from whom I have heard nothing since,) – to Mrs. Crowell, and to Louis Wagner. Ed. saw Mary - her mother was not in the store, had a headache. Louis Wagner came up post haste, with an enormous poster, the like of which he said was all over Germantown, & a ticket of which several had been sold, to get an address to write to thee to try his persuasive powers. I gave him Mrs. Curtis', at Detroit, so I suppose thee'll find a letter there. He asked me at leaving to write to thee in their favor, which I did not promise, but turned off. Now I must stop, and leave the rest till to-morrow's letter to Detroit. Edwin & I duly appreciated thy"ijjit"also "Col. Joe G Johnson." Of course its best to take no notice of him unless he continues his persecutions to an unbearable point, – in which case a quiet hint from a "detective" might be good for him. Now, good bye, with dear love from mamma, Ed, and thy affectionate sister, Susan E.1710 Locust St. Philadelphia March 2, 1868 My dear Sister, I wrote thee a little letter yesterday sending it to Ypsilanti, with provision for forwarding to thee at Detroit if it missed thee at the former place. So I need not repeat anything in it. Dr. Hannah said this morning that mother was still getting better, though she does not yet appear much stronger; but she is getting to eat a little more, and that is a good sign. Dr. Hanna was threatened with inflammation of the lungs last week, but she seems nearly well again: was only in-doors part of one day - went out at evening. Lu and Julie were here this morning, & Ellwood has been in twice lately on errands. All seems well. Julie says (if thee has not already sent that tax paper on) to do so at once, & Ellwood or she will attend to it. Mary Crowell was also here this morning to get thy address. I enclose a letter Mr. Pugh rec'd this morning, & shall also send him thy address to write thee direct. Mrs. Lizzie Sargent Dickinson and her husband were here on Saturday -- she sent me a note from the Continental on Friday, & I sent Ed. down with a reply explaining why I could not call myself, and asking her to waive ceremony, & come. I was much pleased both with her & her husband. Mother of course could not see them, but they talk of coming on later in the season -- --co.The speech of Rev. Wm. Douglass (of Canada) in among thy letters is one John sent on about the time mother was taken sick, saying he wanted it sent to Anna if she "had the time to read it while away -- if not, to keep it till she came home". The other extracts I cut out of papers Whitelaw Reid sent me; they are the articles I marked. it seems he did not come back from the South till sometime in Feb'y, and he expects for the present to go back to his old position in Washington. I should not be surprised to see him in Philadelphia before the week is over. Mrs. Bates went home to her little girl a few days ago. She was here every little while so long as she stayed in the city. She promises to write as soon as she gets settled at her cousin's (near Worcester,) left her love for thee, & hopes when thee comes to Mr -- or to Ms [???] thee will come to see her. I answered Katie Doggett's letter in time for it to reach her last week, & hope she got it before starting South. Dr. MacKenzie did not think the French lady likely to succeed, unless in addition to good introductions she had money enough to wait for awhile. Mrs. Dawson & Mrs. Tenbrook, applied to respectively as to the prospects in their respective circles of Quaker culture & fashionable literary in-ness, were doubtful. Mary Anna Longstreth, with her experiences as a teacher among our wealthy people, thinks she will proceed with good introductions alone. Wm. Y Mitchell has been here for a very brief visit. [to-day] Started to-day for Chicago where he has accepted the post of Seeing to N.W. Freedman's Aid. I gave him letters to Mr, Skinner, & Mr, & Mrs. Doggett, Will thee please send me some money for March from Detroit? thee sent $100 over what I asked for for Feb'y, but telegrams, stimulants (ordered constantly for mother by Dr.) & blankets made necessary to keep up the beds (Mary having taken hers away) alone took half of it, & other expenses connected with her sickness the other half. There will be more yet, of course and I know that all necessary for her thee is anxious for her to have. I got my muse at last, last week, but had to wait for her several days, and its likely we shall want her for some time yet. We still have to be ready at night's at a moment's notice. I sit up till two or three--then call nurse who goes to bed about eight. Edwin is still here--Nat. not having yet sent for him. I am exceedingly anxious about his health. I could not bear to say so while I was obliged to keep thee in such anxiety about mother, but now I must. I will speak more in detail of it in my next letter, but not I have to close. There is no immediate danger, but there is need of immediate & greater attention. There's one or two things which can be done for him & therefore I write instead of waiting for April to speak.--will do so in a day or two. With dear love from mamma, Ed., & myself, affectionately, Susan E. [DICKINSON] bespeaking their kind attentions both in thy name and my own. He leaves his wife and daughter in this city for the present. He was not here long enough for us to hear much about his English visit, but said he had everywhere been called on to give, or giving, an account of "our family" among the English Friends. He gave me his address in Chicago as -- 15 Lombard Block. Our old friend, Ann Griffith, was buried this morning from the residence in Del. Co., of the cousin with who she has been living. We have no particulars of her sickness. She was in her 74th year. In mailing the Independents, let me call attention to a little notice on the 4th page of Nattie Parvis as beginning her professional career as a reader, at Newton, lately. I did not know it when she was here. Also, on the 5th page, to a report from Chicago of Mrs. Lincoln's insanity -- did thee hear there of any such thing? John writes under date of Feb'y 25 "Our girl is sick & has gone to her brothers -- she is preparing to be married in the spring -- if we remain here we would like [?]Edwina back again as soon as possible -- How soon can you spare her ? " "If we remain here" thee sees -- Ed. says that when he and thee were talking of the Cal. trip that John had & gave an answer to the "quarterly meeting" one way or another as to whether he would remain another year (after the 1st of April) and that he told them "No." Ed. has heard nothing about it since from them except this sentence above quoted. I asked him if that "No" was revokable at John's pleasure, & he says "not altogether so" . So I don't kn[?]they are going to do, & I don't propose sending Edmond(?) on until I do -- Lizzie needs her at present, & if I sent her now they might want to send her back the first of April. I have no desire to keep her permanently myself! I can't train her into a respectable "second girl" even if I gave up all my time to her. Mary writes that Adrian is still convalescing -- can walk a few steps in his room with the aid of two canes. She is well, but "tired & sleepy". The "Globe" Mutual has paid her. The "New England" refuses to do so - the trouble being the way Dr. Hannah gave the certificate which led to other investigations & disputes; the Phila offices of the Co. & John Moore[?] are now trying to negotiate a compromise - they are willing to pay part[?] to avoid a law suit because, however decided, it injures their business; and he has been advised by his lawyer to accept because although the jury would probably award it to Mary, the Supreme Court would be almost sure to reverse the decision on the ground of legal technicalities. So I don't know how they 'll settle it. Among other callers since momma's sickness our cousin Ellwood has been punctual in his flying visits - Dr. Thomas, (whom he introduced the night thee left home) has called once, - & Mr. Brooks was here to inquire for mother. She was much pleased - said it was more than any of her own (12th St.) Friends had done - which is true; although I know some of them know of her sickness. Thy "deer[?]" head has come home, properly cured, at last - cost me five dollars. However it looks very well. 1710 Locust St. Philadelphia March 3. 1868 My dear Sister, I was cut short in my letter yesterday [about] by mail time. I wanted to write about our dear little brother Edwin, because to see and face a danger is sometimes the best way to avert or lessen it. When he came home from N. Y. he complained of a blind boil on his right breast which was exceedingly painful and refused to come to a head. On the 2nd day, after his arrival, I persuaded him to show it to Dr Hannah -- it was while mother was most dangerously ill - she looked at it a moment or two ,and said - "Edwin, that is not a boil - it is a constitutional trouble". There is no use in talking about what I felt -- thee will feel it all over again when thee reads that. "Scrofula", Edwin answered, "yes" she said. He had suspected it before and thought that his dyspepsia camefrom the same thing , which she confirmed. But she told him he might live for "years & years" yet if he did all he could to build himself up, and lived as much as possible in the open air. Down stairs she said to me, "he is beginning to go just like Samuel, but he may live much longer if he avoids the sweating - down process & takes nourishing diet & plenty of fresh air." Edwin faces it bravely, and looks round to see what can be done. He was on a fruit ranche, thee may remember, for some time in Cal., & from a word he dropped I saw he thought he could make it pay here & would like it. Without his knowledge I consulted Ellwood Lingshore as to the prices of fruit farms, large & small, near enough to the city to do a paying business, the amount of labor to be performed by the proprietor himself, in this climate (so different from Cal.) & the number of years & prospects for making it support the owner - make a living merely. The result is very discouraging but I shall prosecute inquiries further. - he gave facts & figures . Then I thought of horse-back riding; I knew N.P. Willis was saved by it from consumption for years, even with his broken down constitution. Hattie Purvis was in, and she asserts positively that she knows it is what has helped her to fight it off. I said a word cautiously to Ed. on the subject, and found him of the same opinion & that he has been longing for a horse for some time for the daily exercise and hope & chance of life and better health - "but he couldn't get one, he said, under two hundred dollars or thereabouts and it would cost five dollars a week now to keep him." He is using iodine on the lump trying to scatter it; to drive it away from the immediate vicinity of the lung, & thinks it is beginning to take effect. I could not lay this on thy heart, while thee was wandering away from home and still so anxious about mother, -- but now thatshe is really getting well. I can delay no longer, that knowing the danger, we may look for remedies, -- and to tell thee what my inquiries toward one have resulted in. Dr. Hannah wanted him to eat all the phosphates in his food he could get, and I give him rock-fish & oysters -- all I can lay hands on this time of year. Mother, of course, has no suspicion of the real state of the case. I fear that California mountain travel & exposure have done most to bring it all on - but the cause is of less consequence now than to try to put off the evil. My dear little sister - I can't say what is in my heart, but it tells me all the sorrow I am compelled to bring to thine. We must strive to keep him with us as many years as we can. Faithfully and lovingly Susan E. Nat. has not sent for him yet, and he may still be at home for a week or even more. March 4th 1868 Dear Sue Thine of 2nd and 3rd came to day. We are tolerably well - M. rather poorly. We are not yet fully certain whether we will stay here another year or not but think likely we will - they want us to do so. Since Nellie went away M. has been doing with occasional help, hiring a woman to come in wash, clean up & etc but it don't do & she needs some one very much. & as we find it about impossible to get a girl she thinks she will have to ask you for Edmonia - she is not quite certain yet whether she will want her before Conf.[?] April 1st to 10th but she will have to go early next week to N.Y. to see Dr. Fentz[?] & if she finds out before then that she very much needs Edmonia she will ask you to send her to meet her in N.Y. Am glad that mother is improving -- long that Mary has had trouble & lost that $1000. I think it a shame -- [?]tell Ed (the lazy fellow) that he has sent me no word for over 2 months - I will write to Anna [if] in a day or so - she has not written to me since she went west. With much love to all - Affectionately Bro J. [*If Ed. comes to [before] N.Y. before M. writes for Edm. perhaps he had better bring her up & leave her with [?]Emeline Collins & notify us accordingly right away. Westville March 6th 1868 My dear little sister I have been wanting to write to you for a long time, but it has really seemed that I could not. We are very glad to hear that mother is on the mend & hope it will continue and do take care of your self. Mrs. Parker told me you was looking completely worn out and I know it must be so, and now that you have some one to relieve you do try and get a little benefit of it. My girl left me more than three weeks ago. & I have had a hard time of it: during these three weeks we have had an unusual amount of care, & work, sick & poor over to visit, sick ourselves, to an unusual amount of sermons & lectures to prepare & we with all of the care of the house to attend to. I have often stayed at home when I was needed else where because we did not want the house left alone and fires to go out. We have tried in vain to get a girl. there are quantities of them but there are so many shops in this part of the world that every woman goes there for work my [Nellie?]; was a broken down shop girl & I expected to keep her until next month, but her health was so miserable I was glad to send here away where she could [recruit?]. I didn't want to trouble you for Edmonia until mother was well, but you see how it is. I can have a good woman come in once or twice a week and all the rest of the time I must take charge & you know it is too much for me and I don't want to break down just now; I have too much to do. It looks as though we would remain here. There was an official meeting Wednesday to consider the matter from which we have not heard directly, but so far as we can learn there is quite a stir about our expected departure and all are "hoping" we wont go Our Congregational brethren seem to take so much interest as some of our own folks which of course is gratifying & we have become so much interested in the people that we want to stay with them if they can do for us what we want them to, & I rather guess from what we have heard that they will. I intended going to N.Y. this week, but the weather has been so cold & I have been so nearlysick that I have deferred until next week. I expect to go down on the night boat on Monday reaching N.Y. in the morning. I should like to bring Edmonia home with me. Will you send her to N.Y. on Tuesday, by the train that leaves Phila between 10 & 11? I shall want to leave the city at 4 P.M. so she could not come later. If Ed. should go on before this he could take her with him if he dont go. she can cross the ferry & wait for me in the sitting room. I will try to meet her & as I will have no engagement, have no doubt but that I can. You speak in your letter of Ed's writing. we have concluded he dont intend to & have ceased to trouble our selves about it. we have been very much tired with him for treating us so; but he has the privilege of doing as he likes. If you want to write me a letter before I go to N.Y. mail it tomorrow eve. for of late your letters are two or three days in coming. there was one while (last week I believe) we did not hear from you for a week I shall go from the boat directly to D. [?] [so?} any thing sent there will meet me, J is in [M.H.?] Emma is well. with much love to mother [I?] remain thy loving sis. Martha Westville March 9 1868 Little Sister As I have from Sue thy address for Wednesday I will send thee a line - About two months ago I wrote thee two or [three?] letters sent to Chicago - Lake St. discussing at some length the question of thy going to the Pacific Coast this season. I gave a report of [Prof?] Brewer's views on the subject & sent a letter I had just rec'd from Mr. [Dewey?]. I also talked about my own plans & prospects - I have not heard a word from thee since except that through Edwin via Sue I learned that thee had given up the trip for the season - I think it was a wise decision but am inclined to advise thee to make all arrangements to go in the spring of 1869 - I enclose 2 letters recd, by successive mails last month, from a friend in San Francisco I [detained?] them hoping to send with them one from Rev. Mr. [Simonds?] which however has not reached me - I believe it is about decided that we stay here another year The Society is to meet to night to decide whether they can pay us the sum that we deem necessary for our living during the coming Conference year. If they can, we stay, if not I want to spend the year in New Haven in study, And here is my plan - My ministerial neighbors advise me to prepare a good lecture on California & they will aid me in getting audiences & etc all round this region so that we can pay our bills by living economically) in that way. I am assured that I can make a good living so[?] for the year & still pursue my studies with but little interruption going out usually in the Evening & returning the next Morning. If such a course be adopted which however judging from our Church indications is improbable, I will want thee to "stand behind me" as a security for any sum up to [?]100$ - by which I mean simply that we may feel secure in case of an unexpected or providential deficiency - until the [?]Missouri property is settled which we are advised from [?]Missouri by the lawyer there is to be next fall or winter. Martha's Mother & older brother have lately brought suit for a partition of the property & their share of the same, but it can't be attended to before October or November next. Martha is better -- she goes to see Dr Jentz to night - She was doing better but our girl got sick & left a short time ago & since then M. has been getting along, hiring occasional help to wash clean up, sweep & etc, it being almost impossible to get a good girl -- We expect Edmonia to meet Martha in N.Y. tomorrow as M. could not longer do without her. Poor Sue has had a hard time. She is a faithful, affectionate girl - I felt sad to hear of Ed's developing disease, but think it can be managed I wonder if some active, out-door employ could be found here in Westville & let him [*over*]live with us? Conference meets in Brooklyn April 1st to 7th where will thee be then? I must try & [?]run down to Phila then to see mother & congratulate her on her recovery from her severe illness Martha sends much love & we want to hear from thee - write us soon - three weeks will [about] close this Conference year. Affectionately Bro. J. [*fullwell*] [*fullwell*] [*I would like these letters again*] Westville March 11th 1868 Dear Sue. The letters (thine & Ed's) came to day -- I left home Monday P.M. & got back this P.M., Martha reached here this morn with Edmonia. She did not get to N.Y. till 10 1/2 Tuesday morn owing to ice in the sound & as the boat returned in the afternoon she had but little time to lose while in N.Y. She met Edmonia all right - the dispatch did not come to Dr. Jentz[?] till P.M. so M got it the last thing, when she went there for the medicines that were presented in the morning. All pretty well, tho' bored[tired?] & sleepy. I have been up the Nagatuck Valley to Thomaston, (the great clock-making village) to give a lecture on "California" - it "went off" very well. I was very much interested in my visit to the clock-works. They make 100000 per annum, at least - & the estabilshment is literally "a big thing" full of ingenious machinery, Tis distant from here about 40 miles. Tell Ed. that Martha knew that Ed. was lodging at E. Collins because the lasttime she was down to see Dr. J. She was at E. Collins & Ed was out -- M. says she is sorry she scolded him in her letter but that he deserved it. Edmonia is at work & seems quite happy. When is Anna to be at home & for how long? Take good care of mother & see that she takes care of herself -- I intended writing from N.Y. but could not, am to tired to do so now so [?] does it for me; we hope to be rested tomorrow give dear love to Mother & Ed. & all Take good care of yourselves. With love to thee remain thy loving sis. M. I will write more fully soon. Aff., Bro. J. 1710 Locust St Philadelphia March 12, 1868 After writing to Detroit I put of doing so again till I should hear from thee. Thy letter, welcome as all are from thee, came this morning. Mother was greatly pleased and smiled delightedly over thy little letter to her, though she thinks the prospect for being the lion thee requests not very good just yet. She does certainly gather strength very slowly -- still it is perceptible. She says "give my dear love to Anna, and my thanks for her dear little note". Also "tell her that I ask it as a special favor that she will write to her brother John and sister Mary." Thy note to Edwin came just in time to find him at home. He is going back to try N.Y. again to-morrow. He says Nat. lets him off and gives him time and makes allowances for his ill health that [*the [f?ies] of next month; because Phebe was defending on her, I had no one else engaged, But Mary Cooper tells me she has heard (through John [?]Morse's aunt,) that Phebe's baby came two weeks ago, & she is doing well; so that may keep Mary from going -- I don't know. Mary Cooper is sure she will go on for the summer, & come back one of the "little body." Well! With dear love from mother, Ed, & myself, ever truly and lovingly Susan E. I expect Ed. will write for himself shortly. -*] no one else would, - and that that is the reason he prefers staying with him. Nat. has got his new partner, with money, and wants Edwin to come at once to his book keeping which as I said, he intends to do to-morrow. Since this has been arranged I have written to Nat. telling him all that the doctor says of Ed. & requesting him to see that he has time for his daily horseback exercise. - I found Ed with the tears shining out of his eyes about half an hour after giving him thy letter - he began trying to laugh, and asserted "we were all going daft" - but he broke down, and promises to get the horse and ride him too "if there should be the time." "Nat. will see to that" I answered; at which he looked contented to find the explanation made to him without having himself first to speak of it. I told Nat. that we should not on any other terms consent to Ed's remaining in N. Y. but I felt sure he would be anxious himself to see that Ed. had the opportunity. He was on & spent last Sunday here - and seems as warmly attached to Edwin as ever. I think from present appearances that "Ijjits" will draw best here, unless some new phase of impeachment turns up, such as Andrew's succeeding in sweeping out Congress with the sword, or something equally alarming & exciting. Edwin called in at Mr. Pugh's to-day to request Mr. Lovett to make a note of what thee says about reading in Washn & report it to Mr. Pugh. Mr. Lovett did so, but said Mr. P would not be home until Sunday, and that as Ed. was going on to N. Y. perhaps he had better see him. The 31st is one of Mrs. Kemble's evenings in Washn. - she is to read there the 31st, 2nd, & 4th. It's a pity the weather should have thrown thee out of appointments; but, very truly, it might have been much worse. So don't trouble. I'm real glad thee is safely out of the west once more. I am somewhat curious as to thy next Autumns plan, and shall await developments in interest.Thanks for the $150. It is sufficient, until thee comes, at any rate. - I send the last three letter rec'd from J. & M., by which thee will see I have parted with Edmonia three weeks earlier than I expected. they will also tell thee how John & Martha are getting along. Mamma & Ed. were greatly edified & amused by the letter thee enclosed & which I read aloud for their benefit. The nurse was in the room, and she was greatly delighted with the effusion of "the lovesick swain - or swine- which? I think Miss Anna would be cashing her pearls before swine to take any notice of him. I thought her variation might amuse thee. I must certainly give the fat Dr. the benefit of the youth's epistle. Through some neglect & taking cold the Dr's limb grew so bad after I wrote thee about it that his physician feared he would lose the bone out of it entirely - he was in bed with it some ten days; I believe the danger is now nearly if not quite over. I forgot to tell thee Robert Lamborn turned up again recently, & left a long string of messages for thee abut writing to him, &c. - Wesley Moore left his regards last night. - Adrian still convalesces, but very slowly. Mary wrote last week she didn't know when she could lea[?] him, but must go to N.Y. 1710 Locust St. Philadelphia March 15, 1868 My dear little Sister I wrote thee to Utica last 5th day, intending to mail next to Elmira, but as I believe no less than three of these letters come from the latter place I write a day earlier. - Mamma had two back sets, partial relapses, within the last week; 6th day Dr. H. changed the medicine entirely, and she has been steadily improving since. I think she has got the mastery now of the disease. To-day she has been sitting up, wrapped up, in her big rocking chair, and made two or three slow journies into our room to rest her limbs and see the birdies. Take care of thy precious little self, and write again soon. [?] & Julie were in to-day - asking for thee, of course, little one - both looking well, Julie unusually so. - Wish dear love from mamma & myself, Ever truly, Susan E. New Haven Mch. 18th 68 Dear Sue- After considerable wavering & discussion it is at last settled that we give up the charge at Westville & spend the year in study in New Haven - I am making arrangements with my ministerial brethren to give lectures on "California" & other subjects so as to raise money to pay our way - they assure me of sympathy, co-operation & success. I made my "maiden speech" in the lecture line at Thomaston Conn last week for which I recd. $20 & the congratulations of my audience & a request to come back & give them more of the same sort, which I hope after a while to do. I think it will be better in many respects for both Martha & myself as thedouble strain will be removed from both of us. If you have not sent me Sis. Anna's address please do so right away - I want to write to her so she will get the letter by the 28th at latest - You may send her this, also - I hope to spend a day or so with you early in April. Conference meets in Brooklyn April [?] we expect to attend so I can run down before returning to New Haven - How is Edwin? & Mother? Is Mary still at Bart? I will write to her as soon as I know (tho' of course a letter would be forwarded if she she had left) How is Adrian? Give much love to all at home & to friends outside, Marcella & the rest - Affectionately, B[??] 1314 Broadway N.Y. 3/19/68 Dear "Big Sister" On leaving home last week I forgot to get a list of thy appointments for a while from date (which I have just received from Sue) & so could not write before; hardly know how to do so, now I have commenced. Thy last expression of love (in the shape of letter & drafts) has produced such an uncertain frame of mind that I have nothing definitive to say, except the pleasurable emotions & bushels of thanks called forth. at the same time with thy letter I recd. a telegram from Nat to come where thee sees I am, & where I had, & doubtless will have again a far better situation than any I would have any likelihood of getting in Phila., as the person who is almost certain to buy out Jardine on the first of April will want me to remain. You will all be rusticating thro' the Summer so that my presence in Phila wouldn't do any-body anygood & I am under some obligation to remain with Nat if he gets the expected partner, at least until he gets some insight into the business. That horse — would doubtless be beneficial & pleasant to ride him frequently, but during the rush of the next few months in business I doubt my getting enough time to use him, to pay for his getting & keeping & likely as not by & by I'll be able to get him myself. I haven't got my back up very badly; I'm only weighing circumstances & surroundings, & haven't got the steed yet. I'm considerably more vigorous than I was a few weeks ago. Glad to hear thee is flourishing & hope thee is & has been as well as thee indicates, I won't say represents. Don't know whether thee is going thro' N.Y. on thy way home, or no. If thee is, let a fellow know (1314 Broadway). N.R. expects to start thro' the country in a few days on a few weeks business tour if he can make necessary arrangements, in which case I will be pretty closely tied, during that time. I'm hurried to night, so must fill up the remainder of my letter with stacks of love from bro. Ed. Anna E. D. 1710 Locust St. Philadelphia March 21. 1868 My dear little Sister Thy letters from Oneida, Utica, and Binghamton are all before me. I saw Mr. Pugh yesterday and he told me he had received a letter from thee written after thy telegram. He desires me to say that March 30th must be the evening for Washn, because the 31st is Mrs. Kemble's evening. Also he says, - take the political speech for Philadelphia. He don't like the title "Breakers Ahead," would rather have some other, - but has nothing to say as to those thee suggested, ad offers nothing himself save "Radicalism on the Rampage" - which might be taking, but certainly he's open to some objections. - I like both The Present Duty, and A Word to the National Convention - & I scarce know which of the two - best. Do I think thee could write letters through the Independent to young girls, on work? Most assuredly I do think so - provided, thee hasn't tired thyself out too completely with thy season's work. The landlord was here one day while I was asleep, after being up watching nearly all night - told Lizzie he would attend to the range and papering & painting when the weather admitted it, but said nothing about water closet or roof; so I have to send him another note. I waited think he might call again to see me about it, as Lizzie suggested of these two rooms - hers & mine; not while the weather is as it is. We're having a real snow storm last night and to-day. Mamma is taking the dog question into consideration. She, as well as I, is giving more & more desires of seeing thee again, and sends her dear love to her little daughter. We were greatly pleased with news of the Woods. - I'll send word to Annie [Gilmey?]. I had already provisionally engaged her for that day - that she should come if I sent for her. Ed. & I heard Ole Bull once. I've been to hear Fanny Kemble three times. Those are all the public places I've been to all winter. I've tickets (reserved seats) for this day week) when she reads Hamlet at 3 p.m. Come home & go down to hear her? -Last night I went with Dr. Thomas. He's kept up a sufficiently vigorous calling since E. Hopkins introduced him. Beseeches me to send his regards, or some such, to thee. Bart desires to be remembered, & the Mackenzie's send love. They have been very attentive through mother's sickness. Mrs. M. was in to-day & took thy message to the Dr. She says his heart seems quite well, at last. there are various & divers matters that might be rehearsed, but they'll bear waiting till thee comes. And I hope no snow storm or flood will delay thee and take off of thy time home. So I'll close with mamma's dear love again, and add mine - with just a word of how often I think of what a brave and tender little sister it is, wandering away over states west & north, & how much I pray God bless her & love her. As ever truly, Susan E. D.- his doing, as she told me. I have not succeeded in finding any suitable girl to take Edmonia's place - consequently I have had to have Mary Ann (the white girl thee may remember) to help Lizzie. Hattie Purvis promised this morning to ask her cousin Sarah, as they sometimes have girls to put out from the school. - Lizzie leaves this day two weeks. The col'd woman mother took such a liking to at the Gap has promised to come when she leaves & stay a few weeks (April & May if need be) while I search up a good girl. (This month I have had no chance.) The first of June she returns to the Gap. John & Ed have both sent for thy address (Ed. went off in such haste as to forget it) & I gave themJames[???n], [Esie?], & [Mareen?]. I enclose John's last letter home. I have had one or two letters from Reid lately. He's disgusted with Grant, and with the party for running a "conservative ignorant of politics as a Radical." He is in Washn at present. -- Apropos, I had a visit from the Misses Gibbins a week ago. Fanny Januschek advertised thy night (Apr. 2). She begin's Apr. 1st a short season, and worked all the nights straight ahead, but she has had to change her adv. Mr. [Hard?] had rather too much sense to run his head into that trap. I went down yesterday to see that it was positively all right, and found it so. -- I forgot to write thee that poor old Mr. Budd is deceased -- a few weeks since. -- Also that Alfred [l??kman] has buried a son, a boy of about 16. Mamma still improves -- slowly: I don't know when she will get out 3/31/68 Dear Little Girl I beg pardon for being so obstinate, but I find Nat not yet having telegraphed or written to Balt. and determined not to do so if, or as long as, it can be avoided and don't blame him. He has a pretty certain prospect of getting a mortgage of one of his debtors (customers) which will help in some measure and so again bore thee and tax the affection and what little confidence thee may have in me, to know if thee is able and willing to trust any thing in my hands for the purpose wanted. For the present at least I feel as if I must remain with him and if things could only be somewhat straightened out I could take time to ride a horse here. Things here may turn out wrong butI can't see any such probability and not simply the benefit to Nat but my own opportunity I still think is here and now if somebody dont get a head of me or the delay ruin Nat. If able and willing to let me have any thing now please telegraph about the am't that I may know immediately if it will help him thr'o and then both of us can write-- In great haste with much love to all Ed.