ANNA DICKSON FAMILY CORRESPONDENCE [Jan. 3, 1881 - Dec. 25, 1881]West Pittston. Jan 3. 1881 My dearest, Thine of 31st & the box both came this afternoon late. Wherefore they were so long on the way I know not. Mamma wants me to send her thanks for the [beautiful?] warm quilt, which she likes the more for being the work of [ma Burme's?] fingers - & for the lovely new year panel. And she says she "don't need [ye?] [scream?] - she must give up reading in the evenings." All the same she's perusing the Press now (8.30 p.m.) She is better this ev'g, for which I am glad, for she took advantage of her birthday by threatening to be sick, and worrying me seriously for most of the day. Mary sent a little New Year basket, with some cakes, candy, lemons, oranges, & almost 4 lbs of butter which last was exceedingly acceptable. As already stated, it seems almost impossible to get any here in winter time which ma finds fit to eat. My new year card was lovely, as well as all the Xmas things. - If you went over to Phila Friday thee missed the little box I packed for ma & sent thee, & the New Year cards mailed Friday, I suppose. About the sciatica - has thee2 even tried wrapping the el=e=gy round & round with cotton wadding under the flannel - I have found it more effectual in neuralgia, sciatic twinges, etc. than anything else. When did Henrietta Vaders play in Anne Boleyn with thee? & was she nice, or otherwise? I met her a few moments last week, & she asked for thy health, & wasn't thee writing a new play, & would I please send thee her love, as if she really meant it. Please let me know in ordering paper for thee if thee wants it cut this size, or only to have the sheet cut in half. My single page is one=fourth of the sheet. I was going to send to-day for some, but I have in the house all I can use this week; & so will wait to hear. Half a dollar's worth generally lasts me several weeks. Somebody sent me Progress, which says "Annie Dickinson's recently finished play is entitled 'The Minister's Housekeeper'"? And if so, what about it further? And is Esther developing in my mind's eye yet, or not? Where is J.D.P. in these days with the play? I see M.C. is flourishing in Phila at present. When does he go abroad? From the Phila Press 3 Journals the other day I cut this for thy own consideration: [*"Genevieve Ward, the American actress,says that every American actor who has appeared in London during the past year, has been a great success, because they are regarded as a novelty and give life and vigor, which meets with prompt response."*] Ma has just been reading to me about the Bernhardt's reception in Phila, which appears to amaze her--as does the anecdote about Lincoln & Sumner, (also in to-day's Press,) which she is now reading. She has had several callers to-day, & pretty cards from Jean Brown, Julie Myers, & Maria Johnson. She has had a quantity of pretty Xmas & New Year cards, which pleases her greatly. Also from Mrs. Hileman (where Bernard used to board) a birthday box of honey & fine h'dk'f. I hope a line from John may arrive to-morrow - that one is only belated from him, for she has been much disappointed in having no notice from him of her birthday. If Betty is with thee give her much love, from us both -- & mine to Ellen E -- also from both to the Mackenzies, if thee sees them. With dear love to thy precious self, in which mamma joins, Faithfully, Sister S.West Pittston. Jan. 7. 1881 My dearie, Thine of 5th came yesterday, but, as my head "struck work" Wednesday & Thursday, could not write till now. 'Tis rested, & at it again today. I am dreadfully sorry for thee about F.D.P. - of course it's impossible to say I'm surprised, with that creature. But I do hope thee don't have to go on further in search of her. Some paper I saw within a day or two before thy letter came said "F.D. is billed for New Orleans this week." Nothing more. Both papers will be of use to me; & since 'tis policy for thee to take them, well! I see Forney's flourish to-day over thy new year card - also the quotation on p. 138 about thee from Figaro (London.) Evidently, the coming season is the one thee ought to be able to go abroad in. For letters I think they can be compassed - will write more fully soon. I'm scrawling steam engine fashion now to catch the 8 p.m. mail, or thee'll have no word this week. I hope this "muscular rheumatism" is better. At any rate, try the cotton. Ma is better than on Monday but still not so well as usual. This weather is trying for invalids. - The old lady under the same roof, next door, died last night after two or three weeks sickness. The W=B. papers of the 3rd announced Miss Vader's marriage in that city on the 1st, by the Episcopal Clergyman, to Harry Thompson, of the troupe. Keene Thos W. with whom she is traveling, was genius as a tragic artist - &, I should say, a brilliant future yet before him. If thee comes across him, be nice to him. The day may come yet when he will be available. I was able to do him a slight service , - & I think he is honestly grateful; also hopes I'll say something more, nice, about him. So the way will be open, if need be. Remember, the "Minister's H" contradiction will get quietly in the papers in a day or two. No tidings from John yet - nor from Louise since I sent her Xmas things. Mrs. Davies is here - came in while we were at tea - first time since Xmas day. Sends her love, & hopes thee is getting better. Ma says with her "dear love" she has been feeling very3 anxious about thee since she knew thee was -' Phila this horrid weather, & with such streets, & after being so poorly. I sent a note to T. Hart Jr. this ev'g to cut me some paper to-morrow. Will send thee some -- & if not enough thee can send for more. Time's up, more -' a day or two. With dearest love always Faithfully Sister S. Love to the Everests. Pittston 1-13-81 Dearest daughter Thanks my dear for the little cards pretty little birds and all. continual reminder of thy loving interest. but thou does not tell me of thy health in then, nor when for in the city at this unfavorable season of the yr we have had some very cold weather and some snow, all the time on the ground, but until lately not enough for sleighingSorry for the Makenzies, no doubt they feel their situation trying might be much worse, they are blessed with health and strength and youth and ought to put forth all their talents and abilities to lighten the general burden, what stay does the make in the city? if thee does really love thy old mother, thee will for her sake tho' it may be in the cross to thy self, go right up both to her house and cousin Hawkin's and call on them do not procrastinate. Dearly Mother our house is kept comfortably warm, I am favord to be about and about, but my feelings change much with the weather, sometimes very feeble and again a little stronger Susie about as usual, often troubled with her head infirmity, but no small favor not to be confined to bed, and amaladies Mother, who lived with her and a strong fine looking person not much past life's prime was buried from there last seventh day, had sufferd with inflamatory rheumatismwhen thee writes to Libbie give my love to all, Mother Also when thee writes again, tell me all about thyself The snow is said to be deep and dirty in Pa but there is no necessity for thee to walk through it, if thee sees J & M, my love to them, as well as the McKenzies West Pittston, Jan'y 15, 1881 My dearest dear, Having only a minute last ev'g after finishing a newspaper letter to scrawl a line to thee I sent what I did as a "how do" before Sunday. As I said, write a line & "hearten" Dr. Mac up to using his letters & reminiscences of those old brilliant English days. I enclosed thee [?] note so thee might see the whole situation at present. John Welsh's name I added, seeing he is one of the partners of the charity ball. I didn't know but he was as strenuous a churchman as his bro. used to be- which is why I omitted his name in my first list. Thee cd have few better friends for England than he. Daniel M Fox (an ex mayor) I couldn't be sure whether he was still living or not, but his name is on that ball list was was of my very best friends in my early days of school teaching. (was Pres. of the Board when I was in the Newmarket St. Grammar School;) and I have heard service of his saying nice things of me & greatly admiring thee, if he wasn't a Repn. a "War Dem" if I remember right. Col R.R. Carson was, I believe, like his wife originally a Quaker. They are Episms, & were both members & vigorous2 workers at the same time I was of the Pa. Society for educating the Freedmen, - & very nice people they are. So much for that. Now for domestics: Ma wants to some wine within a week, can thee send it or not? Please let me know. Also, she wants some Phila butter, & some more dried (not smoked) salmon, such as thee sent her before. She eats a little at breakfast or tea & says it gives her more appetite & relish for other things, _ & 'tis about gone. I scoured this village, & succeeded in finding only canned salmon - which, after trying one can, she rejects with disdain. She wants thee to hold a council of war with Mary over these three articles, & one of you send 'em to her. She told me, afterwards, what she had written thee about going to H's; & I had a brief plain talk with her which will I think prevent her having much, if anything, to say if thee don't go: as of course I know thee don't want to. I forgot to tell thee five of her Honesdale friends jointly sent her a very handsome 3 open Japanese basket for her birthday. A letter from John today says M. has gone to N.Y. for a month's rest & visit. He is left alone at home, (their "help" is home sick,) with "a severe cold, sore throat & breast". She "delayed her going a day or two on account of it". Poor John. Keene is to be next week at the Walnut. I sent a brief note to him & one to Miss Vaders (Mrs. Henry Thompson) saying thee was quietly in Phila, & not receiving many but I was sure thee wd be glad to see her, & to allow her to present her husband & Mr. Keene. (of course I couldn't omit HT. under the circumstances.) and I told her which they hotel was. To him I sent my Fe[?]lleton notice of his Richard, & said I was quite sure she (thee) wd be pleased to make the acquaintance of an artist who also is in earnest in his profession", & that I had written thee of his Richard. I cannot but think thee will do well to make a friend of him now, -& that he may be of decided used help some day in the future, tho' short I have of course4 carefully kept to myself. I answered Miss Vaders question as to whether thee was writing a play this winter in the affirmative. She may have meant the "M-H" or some such stuff. I meant Esther Arnim. Also, her question as to whether thee wd go on the stage again, in the affirmative - that thee had both American & English overtures. That was enough to say - & I chose to put it on such ground, if she had any report to make anywhere: all the more, as I would not then know what thee thought of her, tho' that I didn't let her know, - nor that I had not heard from thee of her playing with thee. I had heard of it elsewhere. After the 1st 6 Feuilletons came, the next (Jan 8) omitted itself. I wrote to that effect, & the 15th came all night. It was not sent, but it makes small difference, so they keep on sending now. Mamma keeps fairly well for her, & I feed her much on beef tea, specially of evg's. With dear love from both & hopes thee is taking care of thyself, and that 5 the sciatica, or muscular rheumatism, or whatever it is, is letting up on thee I must stop scribbling to-day. Love to the Everests. How often do those dreadful streets we read of allow thee to get there for a reading? Again with a heartfull of love from mamma and self, always faithfully Sister S. Hast seen this in Phila Times?Salvini 1880 - '81 American Tour C.A. Chizzola, Director. New York Fed. 5th. 1881 Miss Susan E. Dickinson Dear Madame, Signore Salvini has received your very kind letter, and he requested me to convey to you his thanks and at the same time to express his disapointment not to be able to read the "Aurelian" of your sister as he does not understand English at all, it is with regret that he has to forego the pleasure to read a work which he is sure would have interested him very much. - He begsme to send you his best compliments, which he would like you to, when you write, express also to your sister, whom we remember quite well. - I return you the notices respecting "Aurelian" those about himself he likes to keep, if you have no objection. Respectfully yours C.A. ChizzolaWest Pittston, Luzerne Co. Pa. Feb. 7. 1881 Signor C.A. Chizzola, It is my desire not to seem importunate in the matter; but, after receipt of your very kind letter to-day, I must ask if it be not possible for yourself to read "Aurelian" before leaving America - and give to Signor Salvini its plot in details with, possibly, the verbal translation of at least a few sentences, that he may have some idea also of its style of diction. My sister hopes to arrange for its production in England before the close of the year, and a favorable word from Signor Salvini there would be of immense value to her. Also,the probabilities are that she will afterwards have it translated into Italian with a view of securing its representation on the Italian stage. Therefore you will the more fully understand my writing again. You are aware that in the present state of copyright she has, of course, had no copy of the play printed save the one for her own use. But she will be exceedingly glad, and grateful, to have you read it, or hear her own private readings of it. Perhaps, in the latter case, Signor Salvini would be present to judge somewhat of facial expression, tone, and dramatic power of utterance. If possible, I beg your making such arrangment. I am gratified that Signor Salvini cares to retain the article about himself [&] and I remain. Respectfully yours, Susan E. Dickinson"Progress" John W. Forney Editor & Proprietor Philadelphia. Pa. [* Atrocious pen. *] Wed. 5 P.M. 4/6/'81 My dearie, Julie enclosed me thine just as I was leaving house this P.M. - Finding Mr. Smith away I have not yet seen any of the Press people - I want, & need, to see him or Handy. Meanwhile I call on Col. F. who is lovely - & when -- apropos of some remark of his, I say to him "of course you know &c"- (word for word fro letter) he is amazed to hear it. But thinks "delay in appearing in Phila a good thing", & that in spite of disappointment - he "had last ev'g held a consultation with Col McClure, Cale Needles, Tom Webster, & a number of other gentlemen, & they were going to work to write the success up, before & after as they were sure thee would make it." - But, without rehearsals & enough of them it certainly should not be attempted." - And "as Salvini remains for N.Y. why it can of course be arranged for here after Boston"!!!! Then I saw Handy (man'g ed of Press - next to Smith) & informed him the "of course you know" - had just been surprised to find Col. F. hadn't been informed by the theatre people; but whoever wrote the item in yesterdays Press in 'What people are Doing' - saying she was "to make her debut" B- the 19th" must have known it. So Hoeckley (my old & good friend of the Graphic, last month app'd ass't city ed. of Press) said he knew Merrillwrote it - & M. was then absent, but of course "as he had told Zimmerman they had no business to put Miss D. on without further rehearsals" he was not surprised to hear of the change or postponement or whatever it was. All I knew was that "of course you know - want of sufficient rehearsals" - &, "having been sick my sister is out of town - resting in her Jersey home". The underline is still in the papers. Coming back to Progress office where Col F. had this table &c awaiting me, he says "Tom tells me (whoever Wm is) that he heard it last night at 10.30; too late to make any announcement in Progress of the change." "Whose fault was it?"- The change of nite of confen, &c- they all want to know. I "don't know anyth'g about it." Hocekley, said "he'd better see Fred" - & Handy said "of course we must have the note made of the change at once as an item of news" - in ahead of 'tother papers, of course. Mamma seems well content in her new den - & is fairly well, tho' with some cold. I've been asleep all morning resting. I hope F.D. will fork over to-night money, & M[?] Col F. desires "his best love, best kindness, best devotion." And with love to Pa & Betty & Jean, & my dearest dear, my love, who I hope is better in body & mind, Faithfully sister S. Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. _____________________________________________________ This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions, limiting its liability. which have been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison. and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages. This message is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender, under the condition named above. A.R. BREWERS, Sec'y. NORVIN GREEN, President ___________________________________________________________________________________ Dated Philada Pa Apl 8 1881 Received at 1100 To Miss Annie E. Dickinson 651 Mad ave Todays Press Contains goodwins dispatches to Stetson & Stetsons to you naming rehearsal hours advertisement unchanged Susan E Dickinson 16 paid fr READ THE NOTICE AT THE TOP. Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. _____________________________________________________ This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions, limiting its liability. which have been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison. and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages. This message is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender, under the conditon named above. A.R. BREWERS, Sec'y. NORVIN GREEN, President ___________________________________________________________________________________ Dated Phila Pa Apl 8 1881 Received at 150 pm To Ms EA Chatfield 651 Madn Ave Shall take four oclock train unless Anna be coming today Telegraph immediately to Eleven twenty Eight Arch Susan E Dickinson 17 pd fE READ THE NOTICE AT THE TOP.Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. No. 3S 1.10 pm This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions, limiting its liabilities, which have been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison, and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or deliver of UNREPEATED MESSAGES. This Message is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender under the conditions named above. A.R. BREWER, Sec'y NORVIN GREEN, Pres ____________________________________________________ Dated Phila Pa Rec'd at Western Union Building, BROADWAY AND [?] STREET To Miss Ana E. Dickinson Apl 19 1881. 651 Madison ave Heverin asks, Shall he accept Service of Writ? he thinks it best to Show you prepared. has refuse Stetsons case Susan E Dickinson 20 pd READ THE NOTICE AT THE TOP. fEJames H. Heverin, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, 114 South Sixth Street. Ledger Building Nos. 8, 9 and 10 Philadelphia, April 22d 1881 Miss Susan E. Dickinson Dear Miss I would like very much to see you to day - If not too much trouble could you stop by my office? Yours Truly J.H.Heverin 22d My dearie - This morning between 10 & 11 a youth from Heverin's office appeared with this note. I did not think it wise to do other than discover wherefore, so I set noon to be there while out, & went. First, he closed the door lest any should hear it, & then producedover Wed evg's Telegraph - I did not get off till 7 last ev'g I suppose she also took yesterday's Bulletin. So far as I know the morning papers have held their peace - tho' I have not seen today's Times, & can't speak yet as to it. Keep up heart - I imagine it will not be difficult to have B. B. son's in both Stetson & Davenport - & the sooner the better, for a good many other people as well as for thee, & for the wretches themselves who need it. Mamma joins in love to Betty & Pa & Jean, & a whole heart full always & always to thy own precious self. Faithfully, Sister S. Going down to the tea table after finishing this I found thine of yesterday at my plate, just handed in. I too am searching diligently for the way for thee to go abroad & feel sure it will open before many more days. Ma wants a message of "dear love & concern" sent- she seems much brighter this eve S and read thy letter of Tuesday (of wh. Jean had told me) - then explained how he had written he was perfectly free to accept thy service, & she'd telegraph to that effect, or rather, to know if he should now accept service of this unit, (producing it,) which had been sent to him as thy lawyer, - & in telegram could say he had written more fully - a letter to reach thee to morrow. Unless - had I better telegraph - he had told those people Monday he wd have nothing to do with them - & expected to represent thee: yet he did not want to seem to thrust himself on thee. - Nevertheless - it was much better to have the suit go here - (She) Thee did not want it in Boston, where the first thing they wd do wd he 'to attach F.D.' And if they brought it in a U.S. court they cd send the suit over to Eliz. or wherever thee might be, & annoy thee personally. Well - I did [not] tell him that if he had done his duty, & fulfilled his engagement while F.D. was in Brooklyn, there'd have been no opportunity for any 'attaching' of her anywhere else - but I did remark that it wd be best for him to telegraph, direct, himself, the question he wished answered. Wd Miss Anna be over soon? (He had already asked if thee had not written.) I thought not; she had taken advantage of a young friend coming this way from Eliz. to do some errands forher wb. cd have easily waited had she been coming. Had the lady gone back? he wd like to have her explain to Miss Anna that he was perfectly free from haing any embarrassment in the matter - free, & anxious to serve her, as he had told them he intended to (perceive -e [?]ous?) Yes-she had gone yesterday, but I had told her that he had so explained to me Tuesday. Well-he thought he sh'd yet hear from Miss A. today in answer to his letter of Wed. - & in any case wd telegraph & write again. Would I please write also. I would. So here it is. There's nothing new, except that the unit is there - & the information about [?] process &c., - & the evident fact that he had at first announced himself as thy lawyer, & don't like to have it thought or known thee had declined his services. He said 2 or 3 reporters had been to him for information, & he had simply said he had none to give them. In view of Cannibal "possibilities I didn't feel so sure as he that thee was unwilling to have suit bro's in Boston - I tho't that might depend on where BB. thought best to take a meal off a Boston "church member". Ma is up again to-day, tho' her cold is still severe. Mine has been in the weeping stage, but that was fortunately nearly over before I had to go down town. They are epidemic at present in the horrid town. We have no further news from John as yet. As Jean tookBlank No. 1. 15 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. _____________________________________________________ This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions, limiting its liability. which have been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison. and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages. This message is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender, under the conditions named above. A.R. BREWERS, Sec'y. NORVIN GREEN, President ___________________________________________________________________________________ 1 P Dated Philada Pa Apr 26 1881 Received 12 - To Miss Anna E. Dickinson 651 Madn av See todays press Telegraph B. before interviewers see him Susan E Dickinson 10 paid fE [* READ THE NOTICE AT THE TOP. *]Philad[*a*] April 27. 1881 My dearie, Betty's letter abode as my place at the breakfast table when I cam down this morning. I read & destroyed of [?] one sheet, & bestowed the other on ma. Yes, I knew from thee about the state of affairs (tho' not the details,) & therefore said what I did about B. to give him in the nicest way I c'd the chance to speak to his own advantage, & shine. But I also wanted to give thee the chance to telegraph him yesterday, if the details (alone alluded to) were such as to admit it, - & thee thought best. Hoeckley wrote the article - & I am very glad you are satisfied with the way it was done. He is my good friend (has been for years) & is anxious to put everything just as we want it put. I have just been writing John that I do not yet know whether I shall be in N.Y. next week or not - if I am shall see them; but that, before coming, I wish them to know, that mother desires to have a 2 or 3 w'ks visit in NY in May, before going to Betty's about 1st of June & to country, somewhere for summer - but that she takes note "she has had no invitation given her." AlsoI say thee is at Betty's - & not very well. but I hope, from B's letter this A.M. thee is beginning to get a little stronger. But I don't allude to aught else about thee. Mamma joins me in much love to all - Betty, Jean, Pa - & our darling. Faithfully, Sister S. May the day be as fresh as the green & as bright as the gold to my Maumee Wishes with dear love Anna Xmas 81.