ANNA DICKINSON FAMILY CORRESPONDENCE [Nov. 8, 1872-Nov. 30, 1872]Athol, Mass Nov. 8.1872 Dear Dickey, Like a stupid I have forgotten Charlotte's number, & so have to send this letter to 1710. Please see that it reaches her, & let me know street & no.--I always confound with Mary.--by the by, give my love to Mary when thee sees her.-- Well! I have put "What's To Hinder?" in battle away, & made it to-night.--& tho' it is no more to be compared with tother, in point of work, argument & all that, than green cheese is to be put in comparisonwith the moon, it will no doubt be the one to go.--The way people listened, & laughed, & wept, & sniveled, & howled is quite beyond description-- So that is off my mind. Now for something else-- John & Martha both say that Marmee must not get Edwin any clothes. That he won't wear them & that they will will just grow musty & old.--I think they are right, & I will send him enough money to get what he needs, when he needs it.--now I want to know first what is to be sent him from home?--Also what is to be given to John & Martha.--I shall give John his suit & a pocket book, & I mean to bestow on Martha some table linen & napkins.-- She needs 'em bad.--also I want to give her some other little thing, & I thought thee had heard her say, or had seen while with her what she might like. I want to send Cousin Wm. Hawkins some book that he would care for, & I wish mother or somebody would give me a suggestion,--I also want thee, when I send some money to get Cousin Sallie a nice merino dress.--wine or maroon colored. I want also, for mother to tell me what little thing to send to Mary & some trifle for Rachel Griffith. To Dr. Thomas I shall send a framed Yo Semite photograph. So thee can decide on what thee will.--would thee like to send him that photo of Mr. Phillips?--If yes put it in the oval carved frame that has Martha's sea weeds in.--Have it cleaned & furbished up. - I shall have some other things in the sitting room at Christmas, & that might as well go. - All the beauty has vanished away from it. Also I want Ma to tell me what I had best get for real comfort for Miss Annie. Also, the "Farm Land" chromo I want furbished up, & hand it over to thee to give to whom thee pleases. - I should put something prettier in its stand & I never liked it. Also, dig out the "old monk" have him varnished, & put into a frame. - There should be a carved black walnut one in the garret, - with a little blue velvet mat inside, - or a bit of gilding it would be very pretty, - & who shall that be given to? - John wanted to give me one (this is not a nice copy) in a special frame that I admired at Schause's - but was too late. - I ordered one on my way through, & I need never know that it is not his - since it is the one he wanted to give me. - Find for me Mays glove number & tell me what to get for Miss Mac. & give my love to the Mac tribe. - And, to wind up present business enclosed find $100. - for Esther & Wm. & Lippincotts bill - (& remember my little Shakespeare.) - I will send thee $500 for the rent in a few days, & the rest a few days later. - When I got to New York the other day I had an errand near the Tribune Office, & so thoughtI would trot in.- said Reid " I wish you would come over to Mr. Greeley's room, & say something bright to him. He is so prostrated by care, & watching, & grief, that even the Election goes by him." So I went over, & tried to say something bright, & he tried to answer in the same say, but was so full that he stopped, & held my hand close, & said in oh- such a voice - "Annie, you see before you a very heavily bound down & sore hearted man"- of course there was nothing to be said to that. Reid sent his love to thee & to mother & seemed to be keeping heart of hope & courage. John & Martha were here, & I had a nice time with them, & they send best love.- (what is Edwin's address?) I flourish, & send endless store of love to Marmee & am always faithfully thine--Anna Sue1410 Locust St. Philadelphia Nov. 10, 1872 My dear Sister, The Fates seem to have been unpropitious to my writing, since I scrawled that little note the other ev'g. The time has been crowded with people and things. After the Reids and Mackenzies left last ev'g I rushed off a second package of letters to Springfield, but had not time for even a word, in order to get Charles down to the office with it in time to be weighed and stamped, as they close the doors punctually at ten. Momma renewed her cold, sothat I had to send for Dr. again on Friday. He gave her stronger medicine this time, and broke the cold, though she in not quite so well as usual yet. Hattie returned to the James family before tea yesterday - having so promised. I expect her and her father here to tea on Wed. next, with the Mackenzies and Mrs. Leary. They leave for Washn. Thursday. — Hattie is as wild with enthusiasm over Rubinstein as I am. By the bye, I have seen him smile two or three times, in speaking for a moment to Wieniawski, or others; and [his] the smile aforesaid is an illumination of his whole face. And his face while playing is a study, no marvel Mr. Hay wants to sit where he can watch it. Mrs. Forney continued to have the decency to bring the Mackenzie's tickets for the matineé; - & they all Mrs. M- Constance - and May agree that no terms can be extravagant in speaking of him. It won't be wise for the Dr. to quote his "female friend" about W— and R—, at home again. Father Brady has put in his appearance at last, and is a decidedly jolly-looking priest. The streets are still quite bare of horses, though a few of the cars are running again. Wed. I walked to 3rd & Chesnut & back, and counted eighteen horses and mules in the entire distance there and back.How did thee get on that day in N.Y? I hope it didn't pour in such torrents there as here. Next Thursday is Edwin's birthday. Don't thee think it would be well to scrawl him - if even so small a note, to reach him that day? (Care of Dr. Smedley:Avon: N.Y.) Has thee seen or heard from Fanny? She telegraphed me Wed. to know where thee then was, and where thee was going after Boston - I answered at once, & suppose she got it early that ev'g. Eliza seems to be getting on very well, and I hope may continue to do so. Martha desires me to send her dear love, and say she misses thee much since thy departure. Mrs. Mac & the rest, Carrie, Ella, & Hattie want love sent. Present ma's & my regards to Mr. & Mrs. Bowles, and our love to "Walter and Lou " when thee reaches Boston. Fanny, I suppose will be gone to the wedding. With dear love, Susan E D. 1410 Locust St. Philada Nov. 12, 1872 My dear Sister, What an awful calamity is this that that has fallen upon the city of thy love. While I mourn and stand appalled over it, I am afraid also for the effect of such tidings on thyself after such a hard autumn on thy nerves and health - specially since thee is obliged to go on and behold the yet burning ruins. Poor Boston! one noble historic city too. Thy letter from Athol with the draft came yesterday morning. Also the one for Charlotte, who came in shortly after its arrival. She was troubled about her Boston relatives - had not heard from them. - a good many people drifted in yesterday to see Gen. Meade's funeral, - which passed the house juston its way to St. Mark's Church, & after the services the entire procession from the church to the cemetery. Grant sat in an open carriage in front of our parlor windows, while they were getting organized and started, for the space of near half an hour. Ma's curiosity is aroused as to whether Geo. H. Stuart, who was with him, informed him in front of whose door he was planted. What a heavy, stolid, animal face it is. Mamma's cold is much better. She wrote a letter to Edwin to-day to go with mine. I sent thee his address to Springfield. Glad to hear of "What's to Hinder" being in shape, and like to be popular. Poor Mr. Greeley- I am very, very sorry for him. I had not thought of her death affecting him so deeply. I will write in a day or two about Xmas things. With best love from mother & myself, Susan E. D. Springfield Mass,, Nov. 12 1872 Dear Dicky I hope the letter with the draft of $100 reached thee safely. -let me know soon.- it went to the P.O Saturday afternoon, but if it did not get out of Boston before evening, I am afraid it is there still. I will write mother this afternoon, or tomorrow something about the fire, but have not time to do so now.Enclosed thee will find the little Joy's "Post" letter that we were wondering about. Saturday night & Sunday were wild times in staid old Boston, - & evil ones. I am well & flourishing -tho the weather is horrible, & am hoping you have none such in Phila.- Do not let Marmee take any full cold.- give her my dearest love- take care of thyself & know me always faithfully thine Anna Sue Boston Mass Nov. 14 1872 Dearest Marmee I have not time this day either to tell of the fire. Will send thee a fiery scrawl instead. Tomorrow I hope to do better. - 5 day night I did not speak in Boston. as we were all in the blackness of darkness, all the gas having been turned off the city. Last night I did have the most awful jam in Lowell I ever beheld. 2500 people, - hanging on to the windows even. - & I thought they would have eaten me, "What's to hinder?"is a regular "ten strike", & I wish my Marmee could hear it.-- Mr. & Mrs. Bowles send their love to thee & Dickey. Yesterday Gen Butler had a long, long talk with me, & today comes a lovely bunch of flowers from him.--He doesn't propose to be afflicted by my heresies.--He said he was very sorry I had made the speech, but he thought it the bravest thing done through the campaign. He asked again & yet again for thee, & desired his "cordial regards" sent.-- Walter & Lou send much love. Mine to Dickey.--I am always Marmee's own daughter Anna1710 Locust St. Philada Nov. 14. 1872 My dear little Sister, I sent letters and acknowledgment of draft to Concord for to-day, and hope thee has found them awaiting thee. We were surprised to find by thy note from Springfield rec'd yesterday, that thee must have been in Boston during the fire, - not having at that time a Railway guide in the house I did not know that Athol was at all near Boston. I sent 2 packages of letters, and [*We have been duly appreciative of little Ivy's letter. Did she bestow it on thee?*]a later one from myself to Springfield for thee. The weather is chiefly unpleasant, so ma keeps getting little renewals of cold, which keep her from getting well as fast as I want to see her. If it would really clear up, she would probably be much better. Earles', having promised to send up for those pictures and frames two days ago has just managed to get them out of the house. I have to go down there to give the needful orders. Allen took away the infected things, and has also brought home the bedstead for 3rd story front at last, & taken away the single one, and the chairs. May's glove no. is 6 3/4. Ma reports herself not yet able to answer the questions referred to her, - but declares that she will get Edwin's pants and vest. - Also, she wishes me to remind thee of her own dress that she wants to get.The Mackenzies with father Brady, and Mr. Purn's and Hattie, were here to tea last ev'g. H stayed with me. The storm to-day prevented their going to Washn. They are now intending to go to-morrow. Anna North writes that she sees thy name on their lecture course. She sends her own and her aunt's love, and their invitation and expectation that thee will abide with them while in Trenton. Miss Maloney wants to know when thy hat (or hats) is to be done. No news from Ed., & I have not seen Mary. With dear love from mamma & self (in which Hattie joins, Affectionately Sister S. Boston Mass. Nov. 17. 1872. Dear Dickey, I rush this off, & will send Mother's later, but want this to get out of town tonight. - I did not speak here 3 day night, & so have not the requisite $500. - but send $400 now, will send $150 from here Tuesday morning so thee can be sure of the rent, & the remaining $350 from Gloversville. - That is the best I can do, & I wish it were better.- But Boston beingout, & Amesbury being a "half fare" place (I went there for Whittier, & not for the fee) a hole was created. I send thee a letter from Julia to read which seems to me imbecile,--& another document which I am sure will amuse both thee & Mother.--'Tis an original.-- Touching letters, I believe I have received all that have been sent, two packages & a letter at Springfield, one at Concord, one here.--is that right? More presently. Dearest love to Marmee.--ever & always thine Anna Dick1710 Locust St. Phila Nov. 19. 1872 My dear Sister, thine of the 17th from Boston, enclosing draft, has arrived safely. I knew how it must be about Boston, and recall Amesbury, so I knew thee would be necessarily thrown somewhat behind. Yes, thee has rec'd all that has been sent - according to the enumeration in thy letter. Mamma's cold is better, but she is still far from being well - the weather is against her, - cold, andand with this influenza temperature in the air, which affects so many. She is awaiting they letter about the fire, - Whittier, - &c. with great interest. I fancy Julia's letter was written just at the breaking - down point. I have a brief note written from her sick bed on Friday. She is down with acute bronchitis, and writes that the doctor says she has been for some time anticipating her being ill in some way. Over the other we were greatly amused: is thee prepared to delight "Theophile's" heart by retiring to the shades of "obscurity", and being one of those "whose most simple acts were good actions."? I have a note from Mr. Safford, written in the most cheery spirit, although his loss, he says, is very considerable, that he saved nothing but his books. Says he saw thee "just a moment" on Sunday of last week. Mamma is greatly pleased to hear of the success of "What's to Hinder" - and I'm sure I'm very glad it's popular, if only as a relief to thy self between whiles of the other speech. Likewise I am well satisfied to know that Gen. Butler is behaving sensibly about matters and things.I have been out all day and am decidedly the worse off for the intense cold, for which I was not prepared, - and as this must presently go to the P.O. I will defer all other news till next time - which will of course be in a day or two. With dearest love from mamma & myself, Sister S.Ware Mass. Nov 19. 1872 Dear Dickey, I am about rushing to a morning train, & so shall send no lengthy epistle this time.--but I wanted to send the draft for $150.--I hope the one for $400 came safely from Boston. I had a crowded house, & seemingly adelighted one to hear "W.T.H." last night, but was almost finished by the air of the place. I spoke of it again & again but could get no mitigation of the nuisance. --After I was through it was discovered that the ventilators were all tight shut.--why we didn't all die of something --or everything I don't know.-- About my hat: --tell Miss M. to do nothing to it till she sees me.--Get thy hats--(I should say thee needed them) & let me know the amount of the bill.--I have two or three little items there standing, & I should like the whole thing cleared off speedily. How goes it at home, & is any one there now, & did you have a nice time with Hattie?Remember me to Eliza & Charlie (I hope those wheels run well) & to the Macs.--My dearest love to Marmee --always faithfully thine Anna SueWestfield Mass. Nov 19. 1872 Dear Dickey, Thee is straightway to find for me Topsey's pedigree. Thee did get it once for Geo. Fall. Has thee a copy of it?--If not I shall have to trouble thee to get it from Mr. Craig, & send it to me immejet. Gen Tilton wants it for somereason of his own--& wants it soon. Also can thee find a copy of little Joy's gushing Swampscott letter,--thee remembers it--the one in which we all figure, & send it to O.G. Bernard Dayton Ohio. --only tell him he must send it back again. Which reminds me of one of thy questions. Little Joy did send the "Post." If this scrawl reaches thee in time I should say send the little trunk with my things to Rutland Vt.--If not to Whitehall N.Y.--I want in it two of my ruffled white skirts, & two plain ones if there be such. --if none, dont send more than three ruffled--3 night dresses, 3 or 4 pairs of white stockings, the old underclothes that are at home, & some under waists with any clean handkerchiefsthat may be there.--I want also my old cloth-gaiters that are in one of the shoe bags,--& one or two things from Graham's the sponges that were not sent home when I left--the prescription 7988,--& 8264 (I believe the last figure is 4 tho' it may be 6.--'tis my sleeping thing) I hope my letter & draft came safely that were mailed this morning on the train,-- will send again from Gloversville. Has thee sent any letters to Amesbury, Ware or Westfield? Dear love to Marmee.-- Remembrance to Macs & "our people."--faithfully Anna Sue Little Falls. N.Y.. Nov 21. 1872 Dearest Marmee I have been delaying long to write to thee because of trains, & abbreviated times.--There is nothing to tell thee of Brattleboro, save that there was not a solitary horse in the town, nor within two miles of the town that could travel, nor of Athol, save that the Pres of the Society--my Host, was theenthusiastic young lawyer who took his life in his hand & went down to defend John Brown. He is still an enthusiast, & a hearty, generous soul.--He is in the state legislature, & has been for years.--is an ardent Grant man, but says "When it comes to the point of returning a disgracing Charles Sumner Mass. will realize that statesmen do not grow more than one in a generation, & will not hesitate as to its action."--I hope he will prove a true prophet. Seventh day, I came to Boston & trotted round with Lou through the afternoon, through the quaint, old streets, & into the charming stores, & by & by came home to supper-- About half past seven the fire alarm struck. Soon again, --& then again. By & by for the whole fire department of the city, & then for that of Chelsea, Roxbury & Charlestown.--After that Walter went to explore, & returned with the information that the greatest fire Boston had ever known was raging. The stupid head of the Fire Dep--Damrell--had just before given orders that no horses were to be taken to any fire, that the engines were not to start till the second alarm, & then were to be drawn by hand. --So that it was 38 minutes from the time the first alarm struck before any machine was on the spot.--& as one after another came in, the men were too exhausted from dragging the things to half work them, & no volunteers were allowed. The streets are as narrow & narrower than the little alley back of us, the stores as highas the Bird property--& higher, the line running--[]-- as crooked almost as that. So that one street in flames would start a dozen at the same time. The fire burned not up but down catching the wooden tinder bones of mansard roofs, & so burning from the top to the 7th or 6th, or 5th story, while the hose was played up to the 3rd, 4th, or 5th.-- A sensible proceeding. They let that go on till the flames had made such awful headway as to create --as in Chicago, their own currents of air.-- No wind blew.--the night was so still that in King's Chapel Yard, opposite we could not see a dry leaf stir, yet the roaring of the fire at three blocks away sounded like the roar of the sea, & by & by when some air did stir the flames beat up against it running out & doubling under so to fight it & make their way against it. It was as manifest at 11 oclock as at 5 the next morning that nothing could stay the fire save gunpowder: --the only person who has the right to settle the action of the Dep is the Chief, & he, like a weak fool did not dare to take the responsibility, that merchants of the heaviest, implored him to blow up whole blocks of their own splendid establishments, to save others,--& indeed the city itself. Nothing of that sort was attempted till 10 in the morning when the matter was entrusted tocitizens who knew no more how to proceed than thee or I would know, & who only succeeded in shattering buildings & adding to the general ruin without staying it. At last about six o'clock some men from the forts were put to work, soldiers who understood the weapons they used, & I think one universal "Thank God" went up from every listener as boom after boom sounded through the morning air, & explosions like a battle shook the whole city. By 8 or 9 oclock the fire was mastered, with a loss of 60.000.000 for which the timidity & folly of the Chief are alone responsible. The burnt district looks like a child's toy in comparison with the desert of Chicago, but it was the flower of the garden, --the cream of the whole pan that was plucked, & was skimmed. The shame was to crowd such buildings into such contracted spaces, to build them of such height, & to put such tops upon them. The folly & sin too, I think is in locking up such enormous amounts of money in mere shops & store houses,--making of places of work & business king's palaces of extent & expense. But what a sight it was! We prowled the streets or clambored to our house tops & watched all night long.--The sky was like the sky at noon day,--thestreets were in shadow, with the house tops, the chimneys, the domes & steeples ablaze with a reflected light that was terrible in its splendor, yet of the most delicious rosy red. Never did I imagine anything so soft yet so magnificent as the coloring through the whole air. This air was still & warm, & yet through it came a sound that was like the roar of the sea, or the wind in a forest of pines. Coming back & climbing to the roof (the nearest point of the fire was as near as St. Mark's Church to 1710) looking down upon it all--Well! No words can do it justice. Literally a lake of fire, boiling & steaming.-- the flames were so intense that they made clean work & burned without any dimming of smoke, the water as it was thrown in vast streams turning to steam & vapor & vanished without effect or sign. While the people poured in one vast stream down the side walks of Tremont St, & the vehicles of every sort thundered up jamming one another in the street, every vehicle, every hand crowded with stores & merchandize,-- the sound of the people, & the sound of the fire, & the wild cries & shouts, & the terrible yet enchanting light made it seem like the winding up of some awful siege, & the annihilation of the place, by some huge, personal enemy. Again & again, as afrightful burst of heat would come towards us we would claw our things & make ready to retreat, but fortunately were allowed to hold our vantage ground unmolested. Monday I went to Springfield & had a charming time with Mr. & Mrs. Bowles who send their love to thee.-- Tuesday back to Boston, getting in after dark, & finding it dark indeed.--All the gas turned off to prevent constant explosions, the rain falling in torrents, thieves from far & near swarming, the police powerless, the military called upon (a pretty commentary on Dem. in situations & the sorts of men to whom their execution is entrusted when at every great emergency the civil arm fails & the military has to be summoned) the tap of the drum & the marching of squads, with the sullen glow from the embers scorched on the black sky, making it seem like war time, & a beleaguered city indeed. Of course I did not speak.--no lights, & no public place open. Wednesday at Lowell I had a crammed house, & one ready to eat me over "What's to Hinder?" I had too a long & most amiable talk with Gen Butler, who sent his Salaam's to thee, & who sent me a lovely boquet daily for the rest of my stay in Boston,--& who quietly announces that "Gen Grant is already busying himself in preparations for his third nomination, elec[tion][elec]tion & term." And why not for life?" say I. "Why not?" he answers. "What's to hinder?" say I.--" Nothing, in that case" he answers. Fifth day a nice time & audience at Concord with the Whites. Sixth day to Amesbury. Whittier had so heavy a cold as to keep him at home in the evening but I staid with him & had a lovely time. He has two nieces, fine girls, with him, & is far more cheerful & bright than when his sister, or his house keeper looked after him. The little house has had an addition built to it since I saw it last, & is as bright & cheerful as house can be.--a jolly open wood fire in his own study, where I was specially entertained We sat & talked about everything, books, people, reform, society, till 2 in the morning, & then went reluctantly to bed. He seems to have gotten away from his old distressing reserve & self consciousness,--& it is a delight to be with him, he is so wise yet so childlike,-- so large, yet so quaint. He hopes to see me & mine in my own home, & he sent love to my mother & sister. Seventh day night Walter & Lou & I prowled in a full moonlight through the burnt region.--'Tis like the mine of a thousand years, while here & there, all through it are camp fires, & little squads of soldiers.--the present police--flitting aboutthem, smoking & talking in their light. A dull red glow still seen overhead in the moon lit sky. The winter fuel was all in the cellars of these great places, & it will be long before it is burned to ashes. Second day I was stifled by the crowd & the bad air of a beastly little hall at Ware.--3 day at Westfield Fanny joined me from her father's wedding & will stay with me till next second day. She is looking unusually well.--reports "Charles" well & happy, & sends endless store of love to the household. A charming audience & crowded one last night. To night I make Jane Darkey. For the rest I am well & flourishing. I wish my Marmee would behave herself, & get rid of her cold & her cough & be quite, quite well.--Do try to, & know me to be always Marmee's own & loving daughter AnnaPhila 11 m 21 '72 Dearest daughter, My mind is often with thee in thy wanderings, and with that intense interest which only a true mother can experience, for the welfare ev'ry way for a dea child. Thanks for thy little notes hope thee is geting along healthfully and to thy satisfaction generally I am still suffering from my cold sometimes better, sometimes worse, have not been out since thee left us, waiting for a warm dry day to do so, to make a few calls and do a little shaping. Sue was away several days to NY and altho Maria Johnson was right good company it seem'd lonely for you both to be absentI had a nice little visit from cousin R Hawkins yesterday to dinner. She spake of thee with the usual affectionate interest for thee, yet thinks almost hard of thee, and William more so, who she says used to love thm so dearly for never calling to see them not even to shake or wring their hands, or some such, when thee comes home, do my child try to call on them if only for an hour, also on Mary, who is hardly yet setled in her new home. Sally Corse is quite unwell, Speaking of Christmass, cousin R [is] like myself thinks less of a munificent and more discreet handing forth of gifts , would be best for thy own interest, and indeed I felt grieved and disappointed, [and] when thee was at home to hear thee planing for christmass gifts, again, out the circle of thy own family, there are enough willing to jump at them, but few ta appreciate the favour, or have any claims on thee, bear with thy Mother my precious child, when I thus reason with thee, 'tis for thy own good, thee knows I have often spoken to thee on the subject, health and abilaty to make money may sudenly slide away and it is wise not to scatter too freely the harvest earnimgs, Cousin R says she highly prizes the little presents thee has made her heretofore and was glad [this] thee sent none last Christmass, and begs thee to send none now either to them or Sally Ann who she says needs nothing, but highly appreciates what thee has already done especially thy treat to her at the sea shore thee spoke of geting something for Conestance in the way of jewelry or something that way. I would not do so, and indeed be less liberal any how, think how many there are of them to supplyConstance once said "You [give] so many things; I shall give nothing, but some gifts to the children, nor anything to Mary's, but some nice [letter thick?] =[back], nor is it worth while for them to do much more, I will try to find what [Annie Gibaney?] most wants and we may send some comforts to the woman Rebecca and her child [Drew?], although she acts strangely. I want to send a present to Edwin and I suppose a butter dish and soup ladle are for Ian [...?], and an Album for Florence and her young friend, if the former lives. Stay a little this morning. Martha says Florence is very ill, some disease of the head----- I had thoughts of E [blank?], but she is not in [heaven?] and of gifts has had enough, at least for a while. Edwin seems improving and seems in good heart. I have thought of T [Shuckly?] and thought a kind act there would not be [...?] , what think thee? The weather is cold and wintry expect the [Feels] and the [Reeds?] tracker to [...?] this eve. Dear love in which care [son?] Rebecca joins. Affectionately Mother. Ann E. D. Knickerbocker Hall, VEDDER & SMEDLEY, Proprietors, Avon Springs, N.Y., Nov. 21st. 1872 Dear Sis Thy Boston letter was wel- comed several days ago. I had no idea thee was prowling about Boston during the fire: I supposed only making thyself sick about it, tho thee's always "well & flourishing" whatever thy condition, state, or circumstances: I hope "the wonderful one has shay" wont be thy prototype. Has thee mapped out for thyself a hard winter & does the Boston fire make it 20% worse in every way? Was Phillip's burned out? I'm glad thee still has a few friends among the politicians hard a set as they are and harder as they are becoming. Is thee having any further trouble with Redpath & Fall? This is going to be an awfully cold place to my susceptible apprehensions. Winter already set, in a week ago. Two or three feet of snow in Buffalo thermometer here as low as it get in Phila. in January, sour on the exceptionally cold day of the year. I like the place for this winter because of a better prospect for tolerable health than any I've had for years, if a marked improvement in six weeks is any indication. The house is an old hotel, heated by stoves, about a mile from the one horse village of Avon; two or three dozen patients (twice as many in Summer) mostly pleasant folk but as they mostly stay but two or three months (a few more, Some less) there is of course a constant change. I roomed with a friend who had much to do with bringing me here, two or three weeks; since he left have had a Single room. My purse was not yet empty when replen- ished last Spring but the Adirondack trip depleted it between $350. & $400 So I will turn it inside out before xmas but can readily let my bill stand here several weeks. Money,money,money. Was the book affair an entire failure? How does thy route lie this winter Thro Western N.Y. & how near here, when? Thy ever loving bro. EdLittle Falls NY. Nov. 21 1872 My dear Dick, I hope the letters, & the drafts have so far come safely.--today I send $250.--& tomorrow will finish the amount. How goes it at home? I am well & flourish[ing][flourish]ing,--had a fine house & a delighted audience last night for "What's To Hinder?" Dear love to Marmee.--Always faithfully thine Anna SueNov. 25. 1872 My dear Sister, There is no news - not enough even from Florence since Sat. ev'g - when there was enough apparent change for the better to give them some hope. Mamma doesnot get well of her cold, but went out to-day in a carriage for the first time. It has been a real Indian Summer day, & I hope she has caught no new cold. A letter from Edwin reports himself as to all appearance making sure gain; & I hope he will not suffer himself to be tempted home by xmas, even for a little time. The man demanded till spring, and I think it would be the height of unwisdom for him to break inon the treatment meanwhile. I hope thee has been having a good time with Fanny; I enclose Mr. Craige's note, need to-day If thee wants anything fuller, I think thee will do well to drop him a line direct. With dear love from mamma & self Sister S. 1710 Locust St. Phila Nov. 26. 1873 My dear Sister, Yesterday I sent letters to Glen's Falls; before that to Rutland, & thy trunk to Whitehall. Thy slippers, which have been put in order, come with this. This morning I telegraphed to let thee know thatno letter came from Gloversville, or later - consequently, if thee sent draft, thee will have to give notice there at once to have payment of it stopped or it will be drawn by whoever has stolen it. They hope Florence may be out of danger, but with that disease it is still exceedingly doubtful. Mary was down Sunday; sends love. "Those wheels" did not work well. Eliza did nothing but complain of the work, & showed so vicious and wicked a temper I was afraid to leave ma alone in the house with her. I have Aleck, & a youngish woman, recommended by Mrs. Cleveland, who was brought up in a Quakerfamily near Coatesville, Chester Co. - She has already demonstrated herself efficient, & seems very pleasant & quiet. I hope thee is sleeping, and has recovered from the nervous excitement of Boston. How is Fanny? Ma's cold is somewhat better: she is using atomizer. With dear love from both, thy sister, Susan E D. 219 East 27th St. N.Y. Nov. 29. 1872 My dear Sister, I brought these three letters over this a.m., not knowing but thee might be able to get here. As the telegraph will tell thee to-day we carry our little Florence over on Monday to lay her with the rest of our dear ones taken. John seems utterly broken down; even more than Martha. We have not heard from Edwin yet. I should have come over earlier - some days ago - but mamma did not seem well enough to leave. She is better the last day or two; has Maria Johnson with her at her own wish. My new girl promises to be a treasure. So I am easy about her. Dr. will keep watch over her also during my absence. With dear love, from us all, Sister S. Th. 21Amsterdam NY. Nov. 29. 1872 Dearest Marmee, And so our poor little girl is gone! It seems one of the saddest things under the sun for a child to die, because nature must, somewhere, at some time have been so outraged to so end. I think she would always have had a sufferingto incomplete life had she lived. - but it is very, very sorrowful for her to die, - & she must leave a dreary gap behind her in her house hold that stands in need of cheery things. How is my Marmee? & how does she work it with Maria? - & how is Maria - give her my love, & say I hope life prospers with her. After I left Little Falls I went to Gloversville where I was almost cooked in the church, & cooked at the hotel. - I never knew so hot a house as it was. And I wanted to laugh, & didn't dare to when I was introduced, & so nearly gave myself an appoplexy in the stuffy room. Such an absurd lump of a fellow, who grinned at me, & bobbed at the audience,& made his announcement of the next lecture, & then announced "we will now have a lecture, on Joann of Arc--one of the greatest, perhaps the greatest heroine of the 15th century, by Miss Annie Dickinson,--the greatest heroine of the 19 century." I had to take a direfully early start the next morning, & wait over in Troy some hours during which I prowled, & took a survey of the shops & the town. A rather dreary & dull looking place, very dirty, & full of a smell of car grease ('tis a great rail road centre) but with some fine shops. At Cambridge, I expected trouble with the youth with whom I had my spicycorrespondence about "that old bummer Greeley," but all went well. Saturday I went up with Fanny to spend the next day with her sister at St. Albans, & had a charming time.--The house is pleasant.--Mary is a most hospitable & entertaining woman.-- reminding me of her father, "Charles."--Mr Royce, her husband, is a very quiet man, but one full of information & intelligence,--sat through four terms beside my dear old friend Owen Lovejoy, & was very fond of him.--& so delighted me with divers tales & sketches. Mr. Royce is now one of the judges of the Sup. Court of Vt. The country between Cambridge & St. Albans is most beautiful to pass through, the Green Mts in full view.I wish thee could see them. They are far more picturesque than the White Mts, & seen through this November air their green, & purple, & dun coloring on them was delicious.--Like all of the Eastern Mts tho' they lack the bold, clear outlining, & sharp crags & points of those to the Westward. You carry away no distinct picture in memory. At Rutland I had a good hotel, a good hall, & a crowded & delighted audience. Everywhere they like "What's to Hinder?"--& it is a very easy speech to make --for which I am thankful. At Whitehall, a bad hotel, a bad hall, but crammed.-- Have never been there before, & the donkey of a Pres. announced with a satisfied smirk, at tho' he thought his wit was superlative, "We shall nowone & all enjoy a pleasure that has hitherto been considered the exclusive right of the married men, --a lecture from a lady," upon which I got up & made my solemn harangue, & the brilliant fellow marched himself on to the platform, when I was through, with tears in his eye, & on his face, & said "I beg your pardon.-- That's a sermon that ought to be preached from every pulpit in the land. I would not have made such an introduction if I had known, but I thought you gave humorous lectures". !! There's fame for you. At Glen's Falls I found a most delightful new hotel, but had to leave too early for comfort yesterday morning, spent the most of the day at the Delavan House Albany where I ate a good thanksgiving dinner,--& came here to a crowded house, & a beastly hotel last night. I am full of sorrow at not being able to come to New York, but I could not in any case reach there before tomorrow evening, & could not get back to Watertown for Monday night, & they refuse to replace me. I hope my Marmee is good, & is trying to get quite well. I send her my heart. Anna219 East 27th N.Y. November 30. 1872 My Dear Little Sister Thy very kind letter was welcomed this morning. We are glad to have thy sympathy & feel thy hearts' presence and would be glad to see thy face But I cant now write a letter for I am nervous and broken and unmanned. My heart feels very sore and desolate, but we have great comfort and an abiding trust in the Infinite Love - Susie says she is well Edwin is here - We are sorry in thinking of Horace Greeley's death - Martha sends a great deal of love and so does Nellie Soule who is with us- Affectionately John