Anna Dickinson Family Correspondence Oct. 19, 1885-Oct. 30, 1885"Victoria" New York 10.19.85 Dearest little Maumee How do? - I hope there has been no such fog up in the hills as was here all the morning else my small honey has not been comfortable for the air has been about as comfortingto one's stomach & lungs as a space full of wet flannel would have been. Poor Laura Starr is sick again & I went up to see her this afternoon & was quite astounded to be told that the Fremonts are living at her Hotel (--The Sturtevant.) It is a very new one--but not what it used to be & by no means "swell". They have lost so much money I suppose this is their "measure".-- my my! how times change! They used to live like Kings & Princes when I saw a deal of them years ago.--So, I suppose, the balance is kept even. --Caro R is prowling round with someEnglish friends of her father. So I have no word from her this evening, else she would have a budget of love to send to both. --Mine to Dickey & a big embrace & my whole heart to my dear little Mother from Anna R to Marthy!West Pittston, Pa. Oct. 20, 1885 My dearest dear, There seems to be little to report - but it has just struck me thee has had no letter since Sat. & will be getting anxious. Quince cookeries had to be finished Sat. - then Scranton errands finished the day. Sunday was the first day of our new rector - so I was out in the morning, (as well as to S.S. in the afternoon, as usual.) I found mamma up & dressed when I returned from church, and she seemed brighter all the rest of that day - and yesterday, when she had two or three visitors. - Louise was up, (with one of her younger nieces, a little girl,) also for an hour or two; but as her boy is still verypoorly, she did not stay long. She seems much better again herself. This morning poor ma had one of her very sick stomachs again - and after getting it quieted stayed abed till after she'd had her morsel of dinner. It is now 3.20, & she has been dressed for a half hour or so. Yesterday I was down at Kingston for a couple of hours - between Louise's going & the other people's coming; so is, like the two days preceding, went by without getting thee a line writ. To-day is half cloudy, and wholly blowsy and windy; and seems now to be growing cooler. Mamma joins me in love to Caro R., & dear dear love to thy precious self. Faithfully Sister S. Tea time - thine just handed in. Ma seems to be enjoying her tea about as well as usual. - No we didn't have any such fog. Dear love again from both."Victoria" New York 10.21.85 Dearest little Marmee --How is she this day?--A very dirty & hot day it is, but I hope it is not hurting the dear little lion nor her big keeper. --Has she read or has Dickey read to her the Johnson-Grant business? -- The "mills of the gods grind exceedingly slow" I think in No 2's cases - as to Grant himself, he never was & his name never will be of any account, but oh & alas what amonstrous horror of corruption he & his surroundings have been to all the best life of the best party in the country. --I am so sick of seeing his name in print when to see it is to think of all the shame & degradation that has been its outcome as to make me desire for a cave. Dickey's letter was a relief as I began to get very anxious about my little dears.--I hope with all my heart that all is going well with them now.--My best love to Dickums, & a big squeeze, & my whole heart to my dear, dearest Ma from Anna R to Marthy!West Pittston, Pa. Oct. 23, 1885 My dearest dear, Have I anything to relate? not any. But as tomorrow will be Saturday I must just say that mamma is as well as usual for her to be when about the house. And the weather is quite pleasant autumn weather, and I hope it may stay so for awhile. Marthy's flourishing. No special news of, or from, anybody. Only Mrs. Davis has her hands pretty full, with a niece visiting her, & Fanny laid up with an abscess on her foot. Robert got about his "quota" of subscribers for the Grant book-- (which is not yet ready to deliver to subscribers--) and for the last few weeks is travelling, with a shortradius, for the West Pittston Cracker Bakery. I believe he is on a salary. Mamma has been re=reading her "Penns & Peningtons"-& is greatly interested, & thinks Anna wd be" - & don't believe she ever has read the book; tho' I tell her I am quite sure she once gave one to each of her children, & that thee probably has thine yet, among the books that were at Elizabeth - wherever they be now. "Well," she says "ask her, anyway, whether she has it, & whether she's even read it? There's a great deal of interesting historical matter in it, not told in other books." So please remember to answer her. Thy Wednesday's note of course came last ev'g - & I suppose Mr. T— will be handing in another directly, as it's after 6 P.M. Mamma's love and mine to Caro R. & dearest to thy own dear self. In the middle of that sentence came in thine of yesterday, and the last Dram. Times - thanks for all of 'em. I am glad to see the Times Ed., & will presently give mamma all the screeds, as soon as she's done her supper. I read her thy letters, & put the scraps for her to read herself - as she likes to - & then she looks over thy letter again with her own eyes. I am glad thee is to have more of Caro again. The quinces - are a success; both ye canned ones and ye jelly. The canned ones always make me think of Dr. MacKenzie, who thought mine were always nicer than anyone's else. And that reminds me. Neither mamma nor I were surprised to hear of C's breaking off her engagement. Mamma has thought, almost from the first, she would. I must write to Mrs. Mac, & oh dear a score of other letters ought to be done at once. Again with dearest love from both, Faithfully Sister S."Victoria" New York 10.25.85 Dear little Dickey, I thought thee might care to look over the "Ex-Mail" & the "Graphic" just because they don't lie round every day, & I put in with the "Mirror" the queer story of the Woodhull-Claflin beings.--What creatures! Also thee will care to read Nym's hash of "Billy". I hope to see & talk before very long, (tho' I am still "hitching") or I would write more.--Dear love always from Anna (over)I did. not only hope but felt sure of being down before this--but have had more lies. Will explain later. Hope now to get at some truth before long.--I suppose, for one reason it is well I have had to stay along here as Dr. Boner is trying to do me some good."Victoria" New York 10.26.85 Dearest little Maumee, --How do?--I have not heard from her to-day, but then she had no letter from here Chatterday, so that is but "square".--I hope tho' that all has gone exceeding well with her & hers. --Dickums says she wishes to know if I have read the "Penns & Penningtons"--yes, but would not at all object to reading it again. Itwas a good while ago, &, if I am not mistaken my copy was burned. I know it is not among the books at Eliz. & & have not many elsewhere. --Here is a good story at Mr. Moody's expense that I thought would amooze my Maumee so I send it,--& here is the unfortunate Fish. I should think it would be easier for him to have gone to Ludlow St, & there back to Auburn when his time comes again. The contrast would be less severe than between State Prison & one of the finest hotels in New York City!--I think they have not been kind to him to take him there. --I had expected to see my Maumee by the 28th, but will have to delay a little while longer, & hope, hope when I do see her that she will be oh! such a fierce little Ma.-- Caro sends best love to both. Mine to Dickey, & a kiss & my heart to my dear from Anna R to Marthy!"Victoria" New York 10.26.85 Dear little Tooden Here is a queer thing of Townsend thee may care to see, & a good story (if Higginson does tell it!) & this funny comment on the "show" tonite (tho' certainly it was not intended funny, & Craddock. Ever see an "account" of her before? Also I should think Geo. Curtis' soul would would rise in rebellion against the "corresponding."--Theidea of comparing the two men from a literary "point" of view (we wont talk of George's political bargains) for an instant! Are there any such people as those in the story thee sent? The Moncrieff's? The story is "queer" in some of its settings forth. They were married in 1860, had a baby in 1861, yet the first talks of the vengeance of this fellow coming from an interview with her in 1857 after her baby appeared, & she has a "nurse" when she is either 24 or 21 years old.--The next time thee writes to Ellen send it to her. She may know about them, & anyhow it will interest her. Any fresh word from John?--and how is he? --Oh,--I have intended always to send my love to Mrs. Davis--& not getting it done,--so please do the correct thing by me from time to time. --I hope Maumee is bright & cheerful, & oh, how I wish there was abooful arrangement "all round" for the winter, here or in Phila.--It would be such a nice change. The North American wants my interview with Lincoln (in /64)--but I doubt the good sense of writing it.--It made a storm to raise the dead at the time, & I don't know what it would be worth to me or do for me in any way? --? How is the small being?--& what is the state of house & person?--& how do all things go on? I hope well. I have no word yet of moment to write? I wonder when I may have. Oh.--Sallie Joy told me James Redpath is the literary Ed. of the N.A. & that it was his glowing account of the Lincoln matter that had started Rice to want the article. Caro sends best love. Mine always. Anna Mary Anderson is playing to indifferent houses--(have notseen her) & Hill is losing money on Mather. --Do not know that I can, or will, or will have the show to make a hoot--but for some chance of talk, & nice truth telling (if I did--tho' I do not suppose it is worth consideration) I wonder whether "A Great Life" with Sumner or something like "The Real Hero" & a just setting forth of what the Northern people (P.P.) did during the war would do it best.--Grant & Grantism & some other matters would come in for pretty hard rubs in either case.--Am sick of the rubbish talked about nobodies & worse. Adoo. Again dear love Always from Anna I wouldn't have the least idea what to ask the N.A. if I ever got round to the thing, & it was "well advised" to write it.West Pittston, Pa. Oct. 26, 1885 3.30 pm My dearest dear, I did not write yesterday, hoping to-day to be able to say mamma was over this sick spell. So far as the actual pain & sickness is concerned I think she is, tho' she has had a very trying day till an hour or so ago. If she continues to rest well this afternoon it is not improbable she may sit up in her room - wrapped up - awhile this ev'g. How goes the world with thee? Poor John McCullough! - taken home to his wife at last, - to die. As thee used to say it would be. Ma's love & mine to Caro R- & dearest from both to thyself. Faithfully sister S. I find at P.O. thy two letters- suppose papers will come by next mail. Left Martha sitting in hearing of mamma while I came across with my letters, & for the air. 'Tis a lovely day."Victoria" New York. 10.27.85 My dearest dear, How is she this evening?--Dickey says she has not been a good little lion & that troubles her daughter very much indeed.-- I wish I knew how to find her the elixer of youth & strength & health --& see her use it!--How glad I would be. --Does she read the Fish-Ward business?--It has interested me very much &, while I think Fish wascertainly to blame for letting so many people suffer through his "easy going ways"--it is hard that all the scoundrels should go free (Young Grant included) & he in his old age be the only one to suffer. --Here is a item from a morning paper about Dick & Hal. Dick said they were each to have $50,000 so I suppose his other $25,000 will come through his offices of trustee &c.--I don't care specially about him but I am glad for Hal. Poor little soul! living there on her island with her hospital of helpless people.--& Dick, I suspect, of no very great help or prop to her. --Caro R. has prowled in & wishes her best love sent.--Mine to Dickey. I wish I had a good sort of screed for my dear, as it is she must think that love makes it worthy & long.--I embrace her & send her my heart Anna R to Marthy! "Victoria New York 10.27.85 Dear little Dick, I thought thee might care to see Nym & Billy on Salvini, & the "Times" amusements is so bright I send it. News of worth?-- none. But I hope this will find the small [Tooden] well & cheerful.--& I send her much love from Anna Any fresh word from John? "Victoria" New York 10.28.85 My dearest dear, The little box came in a half hour or so ago, & has been embraced & made much of.--It would have been welcome had it seemed empty because in any form I know it would have carried so much love.--But the littlethings were lovely,--I was glad to see my little old friend with its new insides, & Maumee was right in supposing I would enjoy Dickums booful work in my little lion's present. I wish I had a gold mine of good things to send in return. Caro says she will write her own note of thanks for Dear Mrs. Dickinson's remembrance, & little me she "will allow" me "to read the dear little book when" she "is done with it." She gave me a very pretty handkerchief, & her mother sent me a lovely bunch of flowers. --Kate Field, however, says that "no woman wishes to be reminded of her birthday after she is twenty-five!"I hope my dear is quite herself again & is sitting up for all day, & is enjoying herself, with a little bit of extra new strength to make her frisk a bit. I send her a funny illustration of "Henery" Ward's loose talk on the Grant,--& a picture gallery of the men who have Ward in hand.--They are certainly a better & smarter looking party then often get into the Jury box. How are they all in the Jones household? & are there any teachers there this season? & has the "old lady" come over & entertain my dear?-- I wish I had something better than this scrawl to send. Haven't, save a kiss & my whole heart. Anna Love to Dick R to Marthy!!"Victoria" New York 10.28.85 Dearest little Maumee, --I did not get off my scrawl for yesterday & was very sorry afterwards since to-day there is no mail. However I hope my little honey & her big keeper have gone on just as well as tho' they had received fifty letters. --I have seen no one about whom to report, & have had no special word-- except a nice letter this morning from Frank Willard, who sends her love toMaumee & Dickums. She wrote on her way to Baltimore. Is to be in Phila this week. I wonder with whom she stays "at 2051 Walnut St"?--She is as devoted as ever to her Temp. I thought my Maum would be interested in this old "slave hunt" (--& by the way has she seen that the man who captured John Brown at Harper's Ferry, & gave him that cruel & needless sabre cut across his face has just been made an Indian Commissioner?)! & maybe in the curiouscontrast of the two scoundrel partners --Grant & Ward-- as shown in this picture of this Morning "Herald". Dickey will be anyhow.--"The mills" grind slow enough in the Grant grist. Certainly if one of these men merits State Prison the other does, too. Caro R. has just come in & says my best love to both. --Mine to Dickey, & an embrace & my whole heart to my dear, dearest little Ma from Anna R to Marthy. West Pittston, Pa. Oct. 29, 1885 My dearest dear, I enclose John's letter to mother, rec'd at noon to-day, for thee to read & return. Mother says, "tell her I wish she wd write to John". Poor little ma did not have a good night Tuesday, - but, as of other nights of late, broken sleep with dreams that tire her out, going about looking for something or somebody. she was not up yesterday until after tea - when she sat up in the big chair in her room a couple of hours - & she will probably be able to do the same this ev'g. When we get her a little better it seems as if she can't keep so- as if liver & stomach & bowels were too weak in functional power to keep getting on at all - and she is very weak & frail. I wish I had a better report to send - but there is no use in not reporting just as things are. Poor little mamma - she, is very patient with it all. She joins me in love to Caro R. and in dearest to thy own dear self. Faithfully Sister S. I left this open to see what came from thee - 2 letters & the papers, handed in as I was finishing the getting of ma's tea (M's day out): so I read her hers while she got ready to eat; & she enjoyed it much, & will look at the [?] this ev'g while sitting up. And sends again love to Caro R. - & a heart full to thee. No, I neither saw nor heard of that Time's letter. Ellen wd do well to turn up her nose & ignore it. Tis too small to hurt her or Nellie with anybody whom they care for - or who wd be of use to them. Hurriedly - lest Thompson go - & lovingly sister S."Victoria" New York. 10.29.85 Dearest dear Maumee, --How is she this dire day?--It has rained, & blew, & almost "snew" all the afternoon, & there is a regular deluge this evening.--I suppose one must expect bad weather but it seems a pity one cannot "keep on" enjoying such booful goldendays as have shone for the last half week. I suppose it is dull enough for Ward down in the "Tombs."-- Query.--If the firm is Grant & Ward & Ward is a thief by reason of their doings what is Grant? And if Gen. Grant rejoiced in the profits of such a business, why isn't the receiver of stolen goods (--in this case as in all others) accounted as guilty as the other? It is absurd to talk about Ward "ruining" the Grants.-- They were made rich by his robberies, & lost a deal of their ill gotten gains, &,--in the end-- were far better off than in their original estate. How, then, "ruin"? Well. Caro is in & is tearing her hair because she unconsciously addressedher own letter to Maumee as she has addressed some for me, & she is afraid Mrs. Dickinson will think her rude, since she is not her daughter. I console her thereupon but she says I "must explain & apologize" on her behalf. She sends best love to both. Mine to Dickey & an embrace & my whole heart to my dear dear little Ma from Anna R to Marthy! "Victoria" New York. 10.30.85 Dearest little Maumee, --I hope the nasty cold storm has not made her sick again & that she is mending like a good little lion from her last drawback --& that all is going well with her & her F.K. ((fierce keeper.)!)! --I have written to John D.--& have heard from him once.--He seems to be enjoying himself, &, I should think is in better health than when hedeparted.--I think there must be a good many nice people in Appleton for the town always struck me as an unusually intelligent & agreeable one. --The flags are flying at half mast for McClellan.--So that story is done! I presume we will read enough gush but not quite Grant over again.--So we will be thankful for that. --I must write Frank Willard a little note.-- Ellen says she is to have two of the sisters (High Digs) in her vacant third floor room & I am smiling a smole over the way ye 'Fessor will probably come in to his dinner from time to time & talk to them. Caro R. has appeared & wishes her best love sent to both. Mine to Dickey & my whole heart to my dear, dear little Ma from Anna R to Marthy.West Pittston, Pa. Oct. 30, 1885 My dearie, Mamma felt herself enough better to get up about half past two, and get into her clothes, and has been sitting up in her room ever since, & will through a reasonable amount of evening. Caro's letter came at noon, & I read it to her in bed, & she was very much pleased with it. This afternoon I endued myself with waterproof etc. & went across the river to get one of ma's prescriptions renewed, - whereby I got thy letter. Mamma smiled benignantly over Caro's apology etc.,' She had not even looked at the envelope, & wd have considered it all right if she had. The storm threatened all day yesterday, but came not till ev'g when the rain set in. It blew all night, & we have had a good deal of rain mixed with a disagreeable wet snow that melted as it fell. It is exceeding "raw" weather, promising to be still colder. I hope after it goes away we shall have some Indian summer. I am scribbling this so thee may hear from mamma before Sunday. She joins me in love to Caro, & in dearest dear love to thy own dear self. Faithfully sister S. I note the Nevada costumes, & May Sheldon's translations. thanks for the papers. }"Victoria" New York 10. 85 Dearest little Maumee, How is she this wet, hot day? It has been like a dull Turkish bath till this evening, & now it is blowing off cold. --Caro R. has not been up. She had a sick headache yesterday & Isuppose has not got really well of it--& it has been too moist for me to go abroad. No news from John. I suppose I ought to write him a line but have waited for him to "report himself." --oh!--I had a letter from Mrs. Mackenzie & she reports all well & busy & wishes her love (& all their love) sent to my "dear mother & sister."--& Constance has broken off her engagement. Here is a bit of fine art to amuse my little dear & Dickey.--Love to Dickums & a kiss & squeeze & my whole heart to my dearest Maum from Anna R to Marthy! Kindest regards to Lizzie S.