Anna Dickinson GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Butler, Benjamin F. 1K6-92 & undatedWar Department Washington City Sept 8 1866 My dear Miss Dickinson I have read your glorious speech I wish I could make one like it. Yours truly Benj. F. Butler The National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. Managers. The President of the United States.} Ex Officiis. The Chief Justice. The Secretary of War. } Maj. General B. F. Butler, President, Lowell, Mass. Maj. Gen. P.J. Osterhaus, Sr. Vice. Pres't. St. Louis, Mo. Hon. Geo. H. Walker, Jr. Vice Pres't. Milwaukee, Wis. Hon. Lewis B. Gunckel, Secretary, Dayton, Ohio. Gov. Rich. J. Oglesby, Springfield, Ill. Gov. Frederick Smyth, Manchester, NH. Jay Cooke, Esq. Philadelphia, Pa. Maj. Gen. Jno. H. Martindale, Albany, N.Y. Rev. Horace G. Stebbins, San Francisco, Cal. Washington Jany. 2. 1867 My dear Sir, I know you will Excuse the form of my telegram. As your note puts the invitation on the ground of doing a friendly act to a lady, a sense of propriety dictates that the person so interested, who might otherwise be put under an obligation however slight, should be first (over)consulted which your note does not say has been done. I could have waited until I had written but as you desired a telegraphic answer I was fearful that you might announce my name before you received this note or had consulted Miss Dickinson. I will arrange terms with you to your satisfaction when I see you. Will you please show this note to Miss Dickinson and it will say to her that I shall take a friend's privilege to forbid her coming out in the evening at all much less to make an introductory speech. Her health is too valuable to be trifled with and any introduction is not important. I will repeat so much of my Brooklyn lecture as time has not made obsolete. Truly yours, Benj. F. Butler JB Pugh Esq.[printed logo, centered] B Washington D.C. April 20 1857 My Dear Sir, My business engagements at home preclude the possibility of my speaking in Philadelphia in May. I must leave here next week and am tied to a very impor tant Will case at home; beside my private business which is suffering from my absence. I must return to meet[p 2] [written across page from bottom to top] Yours Truly, BM [?] [?] B. Pugh, Esq. 1607 Chestnut St. Philadelphia [p3] my Committee on the first of June, so that you will see the impossibility that I should be with you. The flattering prospect that you hold out strongly tempts me to come; Specially as I should meet my Quaker friends, among whom I hold our gifted friend Miss Dickinson the first. But duties of the hour forbid. I have written you so much at length that you may see how strong my desire is to oblige you and how imperative the necessity that prevents.Conference of Progressive Friends The Progressive Friends of Pennsylvania cordially invite the lovers of Truth and Humanity, without distinction of sect or name, to come to their Fifteenth Yearly Meeting, which will be held at Longwood, near Hamorton, Chester Co., commencing on Fifth day (Thursday), the 6th of Sixth month (June), 1867, at 11 o'clock, A.M., and continuing three days. This Religious Society, leaving its members free to construct their own creeds, seeks its bond of union in a common love of God and Humanity, and a common desire to labor for the moral and spiritual welfare of mankind. Its meetings are devoted, not to doctrinal disputation, or the working of ecclesiastical machinery, but to free discussion and action upon questions relating directly to the social, moral and religious improvement of the people. It aims to cultivate and cherish a piety free alike from superstition and bigotry, and springing from a filial confidence in God as the Father of every human being, and the Friend especially of the poor, the weak and the oppressed. Undervaluing not the records bequeathed to us of the truth as apprehended by prophets and apostles of the olden time, it reverences human nature more than any parchment, and endeavors to keep an open ear for the still, small voice of the Spirit, expecting to receive thereby fresh revelations of the Divine Will adapted to the needs of the soul in the present age. It has no disciplinary code, no priesthood, no ritual, no prescribed forms of worship; and its platform, under the necessary limitation of time and order, is free to all who may desire to take part in its proceedings. The members of the Society in the region around Longwood will open their hearts and homes freely to strangers who may be drawn to the meeting; and the social life of the occasion is always one of its most attractive features. Robert Collyer, minister of the Second Unitarian Society in Chicago, in reply to an invitation to attend the meeting, says: "I can conceive of no other call so welcome as this is, and if I live and am well, you may count on me sure." Oliver Johnson Anna Mary Marshall Clerks * Communications for the meeting may be addressed, previous to June 4th, to Oliver Johnson, Independent Office, New York; and while the meeting is in session, to Hamorton, Chester Co., Pa. Longwood meeting-house is near the village of Hamorton, thirty miles west of Philadelphia, on the Philadelphia and Baltimore Central Railroad. Trains leave Philadelphia at 7:15 A.M. and 4:50 P.M., returning twice each day. January 10th, 1869 My Dear Miss Dickinson You asked me what I thought of "What Endures” I have endeavored to have it first in a dress somewhat commensurate with its merits as a Christmas present but the bookseller has failed both in the execution and time of his work. Please accept it however as an evidence of the best wishes of Yours Truly Benj F Butler Washington, Feb 6th 70 My Dear Miss Dickinson I have half (and rather more) promised Parton to appear to introduce him in Pughs Course of Lectures either on the 27th or 23rd of March Will you be at Philadelphia on that day. or either of them so that I may take away the reproachthat I have not called on you for four years at your home Truly yours Benj F. ButlerSept. 20th 1870 Is it possible? Miss Dickinson a supplicant where she commands: and for a speech too one who makes so many and such good ones! I am too happy to obey, and Redpath shall have his speech. I had refused to the hour but yield where I must to the (over)as a favor is never asked of an indifferent person. Miss Dickinson Faithfully your obediant steward &c &c Benj. F. Butler Philadelphia Inevitable But I remember one occasion when the speech maker was not wanted as the speech is now and the thought struggled uppermost better "be abused" than avoided at least so it seemed to me. Can Miss Dickinson guess why in visiting all the towns in my district Swampscott has been omitted? So that the request is very welcomeBoston, Sept 5, 1871 My Dear Miss Dickinson: Enclosed please find a medal which may be matter of interest hereafter. It was the only silver medal struck for enlisted men during the war. I had it made from my own design to commemorate the bravery of the colored troops at New Market Heights and distributed to the deserving. It is some slight token of the very grateful remembrance in which I hold your exceedingly effective and kind letter upon the Advertiser matter.The fight goes on well and brilliantly. I have hopes, but the opposition is very severe and determined. I am very truly yours Benj F Butler Miss Anna E Dickinson Swampscott, Mass.Washington Feb 24 1878 My dear friend I was kept here by the courts so that I cannot be in Boston to arrange matters with Bedforth about the lectures on Saturday as I had hoped. Shall be in Boston I hope on Tuesday and trust you will not have gone. If you are to be in New York on Sunday I will wait your [?reply?]Be good enough to write or telegraph me at 5thAvenue Did you get my note at the St James written Monday last? Most truly Miss Dickinson Yours Benj F ButlerCOMME SE TROUVE Washington December 7 1873 My Dear Miss Dickinson I learn from Mrs Bernard that you will be in NewYork at 5th Avenue on the fourteenth I left a note for you at the St James when last there Have you received it? I had hoped to be in Boston this week but official engagements (over)to which I cannot say Nay find me here till Saturday Will there be any change in your contemplated movements? If not I shall see you in New York with your kind permission. The matters of business you entrusted me with is I think in a very fair way. At worst, give yourself no thought about it. With best wishes for your success and health and happiness Miss Dickinson Faithfully yours from Ben F ButlerCOMME SE TROUVE Washington Jany. 31/74 Miss Anna Dickinson Your business affairs disclose nothing new, and I do not know whether I ought to trouble you with a note at this moment. But as I was so happy this morning to get a note from our mutual friend L__ I cannot forbear writing you. So long a period have elapsed since I had heard from her that I feared she had take some offence the cause of which I was unconscious. Do you know that the last time I saw her I asked a great favor at which she shook her head and I was sorry at once lest I had offended? I am indeed so fearful of (over)saying or doing something which may not please her that I scarcely do myself justice I sympathise most deeply (using that word in its first and purest sense "to suffer in conjunction with") in her anxieties annoyances vexations and labors that her note brought me almost as much pain as pleasure. I thought of her loneliness, weariness, in both body and spirit, and the apparent impossibility that anybody could afford relief and only insomuch as I had before in thought conjectured the same did the information of the fact give relief as I had feared something more unfortunate still had happened. The note how'er made me very certain of that matter as I am sure L_ would have told me - as a solace to herself as nothing so soothes and lightens the burden of troubles as to give them to a willing and anxious ear Please say to L___ when you think of it that I fear she is laboring too much and may easily over task that not too vigorous health with which her fine nature has endowed her. Alas! the body cannot always subsist on the spirit however noble and enduring that may be. Say to her to be very, very careful for the sake of those whose happiness depends so much upon her future. Give herself fair play I am reminded indeed that once among the last times I saw her she was complaining of her health a little, but still none of certain supposed defects of person in which she sought to depreciate herself. Why would she not understand that nobody loves the casket for the jewell but cares for the [former?] (over)only as it contains the jewel which he prises. But the Casket is neither to be despised as thrown away for all that it is necessary to the preservation of the jewel, and is to be cared for and preserved as the adjunct and supplement to it. I am ashamed of myself I sat down to write you a note and yet have filled my whole sheet about L______ You may take a portion of what I have said to yourself however as I see by the papers that you too are very busy working very hard in the lecture season I shall be obliged to keep this note until I see your worthy Edwin who is to be here on Monday as I am so unfortunate as not to know your address Very truly your friend Benj F ButlerWashington May 1st 74 My dear Miss Dickinson What is the use of a friend except in need? Fair winds and favoring gales are not the test. I should like to see you and make such action as you desire. Will you be in Philadelphia on Sunday or Wednesday next? Very truly Benj F. Butler Miss Dickinson COMME JE TROUVE May 7th 1874 My dear Miss Dickinson I am the one now "delapidated" as I write this resting on one elbow in bed from sickness for the first time in 17 years. I doubt whether you can read it. It was most unfortunate you did not say you were to be in New York last Sunday as in that case I should possibly have come on to see you about our business and escaped this sickness overPlease write me when and where you are intending to be and I may be able to confer with you about our business. Mr. Redpath is getting quite conformable. I shall go East the last of the month and stay till about the fourth of June I trust you are regaining your health and spirits. This writing is getting more and more abominable. Most truly yours, Benj F Butler P.S. Please no more feminine looking or saying epistles my clerks are curious?June 2, 1874 I have just heard from your brother Edwin that you are quite ill. I write to say I am deeply grieved at the information, and how much I sympathize with your condition: Sheerally as myself am but just from a bed of sickness. I trust however you are as overconvalescent as I am and can look forward with as much certainty to returning health. But that however must be upon the penalty of quiet and cessation from exhaustive lates. When if at all do you go east? I think our business matters can be finally arranged whenever you do, if I am there at the time to deal with our adversary. By the by what are to be the movements of our friend "Lisey"? Do you know I have not heard a word from her for a long time although eagerly anxious as to her whereabouts. I fear me she is offended. It came about in this way. She is a person who in spite of all my caution to her persists in writing her business matters in her letters. Now I was sick and the Doctor informed me that I was not to do any business at all, not even open my mail, for he did not know how long - that all that business must be intrusted to my clerks. Expecting daily a letter (over)from my friend in which might be told all her affairs. I called for my writing case in in bed scratched a note in which in terse form of words I told her not to write as I had "curious clerks" such things as they ought not to see My clerks as a rule respect entirely the integrity of my correspondence but they were then in a friendly plot to keep every thing away from me, of letters, or business - letting me see only that which was of the most imperative necessity- they being the judge - how could they do that without their examiner? 2 As I had then in the first severity of my attack no idea of how long I might thus be under an enforced surveillance. I wrote as I say in such pain that I forget what, and my friend was so obedient as not to write at all, when what I desired to know most could have been read by all. Curious isn't it? Will you be in New York next Sunday? and if so when, as I may be there on business, and would be glad to make my regrets at your illnessand congratulations on your recovery in person. Please let me hear how you if only a word as to your intentions of travel. I am very truly yours Benj. F ButlerOpposition Line! Prices Reduced! Franklin Telegraph Co. Lines East, West, North & South Terms and Conditions The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon. John Duff, President E.D.L. Sweet, Exec. Manager BLANK No. 1 6/18th 1874 By telegraph from 86 Bn Washn D.C. To Miss Anna E. Dickinson 1326 Arch St Where will you be found on Sat evening or Sunday morning? Benj. F. Butler 11 paid 43 This message has just been received at the office. N.E. Corner Third & Chestnut Van Kleeck, Clark & Co., 28 Veney Street, N.Y. Opposition Line! Prices Reduced! Franklin Telegraph Co. Lines East, West, North & South Terms and Conditions The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon. John Duff, President E.D.L. Sweet, Exec. Manager BLANK No. 1 9 6/24/1874 By telegraph from Washn D.C. To Anna E. Dickinson No 1326 Arche Shall be in Phila at two thirty PM tomorrow will call Benj F Butler 11 Pd 43 This message has just been received at the office. N.E. Corner Third & Chestnut Van Kleeck, Clark & Co., 28 Veney Street, N.YCOMME SE TROUVE Boston June 30 / 74 My dear Miss Dickinson Perhaps you would be not disinclined to hear the fact of my safe arrival to my office here where I have had on the harness which however I fear I must throw off again as I mean to do by going yachting tomorrow. Why do you write me this? you say. True, I suppose as the boy whistles for want of thoughts I really began this note to be the (over)bearer of ill tidings. I see that owing to the "hard times" or other cause that the publishing houses in Hartford have been very unsuccessful this year - with their "subscription books' The moral of this is therefore, that they ought to be very carefully tied up in their contracts as contracts are only broken when there is "ill sucess under them. " A word to the wise," I very much hope speedily to hear that your health is being restored and that your severe labor on the book is at an end. When shall I hear that? or either if the two are not to be together, that wayward child "Lizzy" has not written me yet at all. What do you think? she alleges as excuse that she fears her letter may miscarry. I told her to register them and mark them "personal" and they would not miscarry but still she writes not and, she knows that I am suffering to hear from her as to her future and fearing of course that her business may not go on to suit her not if it, does not then I shall be blamed and most of all by yourself who will take her part against me and with you both against me I shall be as usual when I see that person quite dumb. Very Truly [D.L. Butler?]Boston July 11 1874 My dear Miss Dickinson Your note was found on my return home today. Are you nearly quite through with your labors? I have a friend Lizzy who never answers the questions [propomitted?] in my letters. Pray do not follow her most pernicious example as (over)She nevers reads a note at the time she anwers it. I was suddenly called back from my yachting on the the Southerly side of Cape Cod by a telegram the I must meet the Board of Managers in Augusta on Monday after that day I am again at leisure. I shall go yachting again unless someone suggests something more pleasant. Can you? I think Togus might be very pleasant under some phasesand I might be induced to stay there a day or two but back not worth the board of mangers to wrangle over appropriations any longer than I must. But I can well go there anytime as "to end manager" in performance of my dashes, as such. I am inclined to think I may be called to New York, the last of next week on the Beecher matter but not as a witness. I do not believe ti will be best to attempt the campaign this Summer but of this I will speak (over)When I see you if you have any interest in de unpleasant a [lopie?]. Have no fear Sheet furlough will not be forever or indefinite & shall know where I see you again what is the reason of it at all. I am inclined to think that E. had some difference with the Chief Clerk who knew not "Joseph". But "nous nous verron [we'll meet] The last note of hail from Lizzy was admirable in form and was exceeding by Grateful and highly prized by Yours truly [BW] SmithBoston July 18, 1874 My Dear Miss Dickinson Will you do me the favor to send me a note which I can get Tuesday morning at the 6th Avenue, giving you whereabouts on Wednesday and Thursday next so that I can do myself the honor of calling Your truly Benj. F Butler 5th Avenue New York July 24 /74 My dear Miss Dickinson Your note followed me here where I was called today. I grieve much at its contents. Alas! that one who has been so strong and done so much, hard work for others should lose the greats of all good -- good health. Would it not be better for your sister as soon as possible to come to New England where our bracing cool air might have so much of good effect in (over)restoring relaxed nerves and giving tone to the circulation over=work needs absolute rest. I know from recent experience I took it upon my yacht and a week has wrought wonders but that can only be done by one who has no "ills of the sea". When I last saw your sister I suggested a visit to her friend Mrs Gen Tilton at the Soldiers Home near Augusta. There would be absolute rest with interesting objects of contemplation in the comfort and happiness of the veterans of the war. Mrs Tilton I know would be most, most happy and gratefully glad to make the visit pleasant. I thought I saw some reluctance on your sister's part in going from fear of discommoding her friend. But why so? She would be but going into a family who owe all their happiness and prosperity to herself and to her alone. Since I saw her I have been officially to the "Home" and am authorized by Mrs and Gen Tilton to give a ready and hearty welcome to her from them if she will only come. This was a part of my errand to your sisters when I got your note. I fear however that she might not able to bear now the fatigues of the journey. When possible \over\I trust the invitation with its advantages may mot be overlooked I suppose that it may do no harm to say to her that Edwins case is cared for and perhaps if he chooses it may be in Boston at a very light and agreeable employment and not at all confined to early hours. How would he like that? I am on my way to Boston and I believe can arrange it if desired as soon as his Vacation is over Give my regards and fullest wishes for restored health to your Sister and accept for yourself the best wishes of Yours truly Benj. F Butler Miss Susan E. Dickinson [????] Boston Aug. 29/74 My dear Miss Dickinson Your note was as welcome as the “dews of Hermon” at eventide. Forgive this “gush” but really I have been reading and studying the letters and Statements in the Beecher case until I can hardly think or talk anything but [Brooklynesse?]. I meant to say I was glad to hear from you. But you yourself must not pattern after that “case” and tell fibs. How could you think[think] to hear from me either by letter or in person when your sister expressly forbade me by order of your Doctor either to see or write you until after weeks of rest your health should be in degree restored This is am rejoiced to learn from yourself has been done. I see that I have expressed my thought badly I should have said ordered all your friends not to do &c. and I most certainly enrolled myself in that list. Is the book done? Do you still mean to go abroad? When? Are you coming to New England? When? Not “may” come you have asked me some questions or rather say you desire so to do about some of your friends in reference to the “case” but prefer not to trust their names to paper. There are many persons in the literary world of the female persuasion that are badly [?]missled by the documents submitted to me. Whether your friends or not I know not. Why will people write foolish letters? Thank heaven my friends do not. Indeed some of them write [?] [?]! I have quite recovered my health and am very too busy but as a large portion of that business is answers to correspondents about their own affairs Why should I not as a portion answer or [??]write to those in whom I take some interest. So you see you are never again to apologize for not writing yourself or for not writing on my part because I am "too busy". Busy people always have the most time. Your idle folk are those that never find time to remember their friends and duties Now consider yourself scolded and tell me when and where I can gratify your curiosity about your friends and I can satisfy myself that you are regaining health strength and spirits all which you sadly needed when I saw you last. I am most truly (but not gushingly) Miss Anna E Dickinson Yours Benj. F Butler Boston Aug. 26th 75 My dear Miss Dickinson I have the pleasure to receive your note of the 17th from Chicago You need not trouble yourself with any further details in relation to the land until I see you which I hope I hope will not be long delayed. I am at present in a most joyful frame of mind because I think I have found Lizzie"- that wayward child whom I thought had left me forever. The fact would have been grievous enough to be borne by itself- but to have it complicated with the thought that the same desertion was because of misconstruction of my motives wishes and action was indeed too,too,much (over)If you have any news of "Lizzie" that will confirm my hope my I ask of you the great favor to write me a word or two confirmatory of my hope as to her return and frame of mind in that regard. Be assured for yourself that if my poor advice can be of any service to you it is yours without the asking coupled however with the burthen and drawback that "for all the world you would not be so suspicious of every body as I am." I most sincerely trust that you will find your mother for whom I have so high esteem, in good health and joyous at the sight of her, I am sure favorite, child. Will you also inform me when and where I can be at your service between the 10th and 13th of September when I shall be en route to Washington Sincerely yours Miss Anna E. Dickinson Benj F ButlerBoston Oct 1, 1875 My dear Miss Dickinson Do you think it just to liken me to the official who required Oliver to ask for "more" by the shortness of his allowance? that is the only reason why you need the intervention of a Sheet of note paper , So converse with me about any thing I can do for you as I shall be, like the child who is allowed to carry a bushel to the Pie-nia to happy to be of use and therefore if you could bear your troubles alone yet I, like that child want to be permitted to share the burden although you would get on better and faster without my aid For your heresy on the "money (over)question" I sentence you to the fast but severe punishment: To read at two sittings a speech I made six years and eight months ago on the finances of the country: (a copy of which is mailed with this) and that I may know that sentence has been been executed you are to write me some answer, that you will try but not succeed in making, to my propositions therein set forth. Then I shall know that I am avenged, "quite so." I shall not vary what I say to day so that I have had six years to advise myself on that question. Now to what is far more interesting to me; your own matters. I will apply to Mr Shook at once and give you the result. May I use my own judgement after conference with him whether to unfold the [Daly?] matter? When I say "at once" I mean within 15 and perhaps eight days when I shall be in.New York. It will be so much better if I can talk with him than if I write. Will your plans admit of so much delay? If not telegraph me and I will write if I cannot get away from here so as to go to New York at once. You say that you are to be detained at Pittston some time when then will you be in New York So the Shooks may see you if necessary? I got a note from Edwin that he fears the loss of his clerkship because of the Change of the contracts which passed in to the hands of the proprietors of the Graphie I mention this only, less he should communicate his fears to you and make another annoyance. I know the proprietors of the Graphie very well and hope to have the Clerkship continued by the department in carrying out this Contract I shall not cross "Lizzy" off form my books" because I cannot. Twelve years of knowledge of her virtues. her failings, of all that is admirable, and all that is other, (over)has left a picture when my memory (which you know stands with me in place of a heart) which never can be offered and could not if I do so desire (and I have tried). So that while I will take your direction in all things else, in this I will not. No detraction of her mental, or other qualities, no slander of her character (if you can be so wished as to make it) will make any difference with me You may report to me (if you please) any or all of her unkind sayings of thoughts (if you choose,) of me. but it will be of no use. When you have been speaking of that young person to me, as well as when you write a too evident inclination to underrate her to me. and while I do not forbid it, if it will give you any pleasure or you think there is necessity for it yet my mind is made up and I only grieve over your unkindness toward her, whom I know to be worthy of great if not all praise. Most truly yours Benj F Butler Washington Jany 6/76 My dear Miss Dickinson I have the honor to get your note of the last day of the year in which you describe so feelingly the disagreables of [packing?] up for journey in bad weather I sympathise deeply I take leave to assure you. When do you go How is your health which you (over)go to restore I hope much that you may so do. I met with a horrible disappointment yesterday in New York the particulars of which it would be tedious to write and if I should see you could better tell them. Indeed I am sad, it seems as if an adverse fate were following me. I am getting actually nervous. I dread a great loss as I have just made one and know that misfortunes never come single But why should I inflect my weary thoughts on you? If I write at all if should be to cheer you who I learn is so ill. Pray thee take me " at my best" and that is bad enough and that I mean to write charmgly to a [?] sick friend. If possible I will see you before you go as there is a little matter of business that I must adjust for you before you go. Specially thatyou may feel quite easy about your brother before you go and while away. I hope to be in New York Monday or Tuesday next without fail, I believe the former. I trust you will not have set out before then if not I will see you if not I can write the details which I would rather say to you With best wishes believe me Yours truly Benj F Butler Miss Dickinson Personal March 27/76 My dear Miss Dickinson I have read your little book and find one great fault with it: it is by far too "little". It is a wonderful book and puts forth in eloquent language what society must learn for its own preservation You do the book injustice; it is not "heretical" and shows depth of thought on subjects that are not forbidden to atrue hearted woman endowed with all the Gentleness of the sex. The book has some faults but minor ones but which alas! I am not permitted to criticize if I were I would exercise that "Tyranny of Love" of which I have heard and bring each one to your mind for amendment. But that task must be left to some gentler hand and lighter heart than mine, to do justice to the faults of the book one should have bright dreams, laughing thoughts and a right to criticize when offence could not be given or taken. That is not to me. Dreams have vanished in the dull and stupid awakening of reality telling that the time for dreams has passed forever. Fanciful and laughing thoughts have given place to the Grim Smile which is not mirth. Rugged harsh monotonies of life succeeding each other in vapid but never ending succession are all that is left of me for the few years that best soon come.soon come to and end. "The glow which lit my spirits up Is fluttering burnt and low." No such misanthropical melancholy Should trust itself to analyse a book through which runs a vein of of most kindly benevolence and philanthropy. I note your expressed hope that I will look in when you when in transit. Believe me that which would have given me great pleasure is not for me now. I should only weary you and annoy myself. My mind has settled into sullenness; hope gone out, I seek and see 2 no society and have no ambition save to delve on till the "mighty cometh". As you know I have lately met with great political and other disappointments. Once they would have made, perhaps, but little impression. The rebound of a vigorous brain would have thrown them off but now they strike upon a defenceless unelastic one and leave their deadening impression there as does the maddening footstep in the mud I hardly care to erase thethe effects by effacing them what good to do it is the uppermost thought. Let dulness stay, 'tis better than perception or refraction. Mental lonelyness, intellectual solitude only remains why disturb it. Another blow, or a bare and weakened head may bring dementia who knows - or - cares? Perchance you will think it has already come when you read this stupid note. You may be right, were it not that I can add up a column of figures and comprehend a proposition of law, I should say it had come too. What I would say is that all is gone save the "mechanics of life" - the machine runs on and will till it goes to pieces and as it is weak we better not wrench it any more. Why write all this? You can throw it down when you choose but if I should call and tell it, you could not get rid of me so easily. I am yours truly Benj. F ButlerFifth Avenue Hotel, Madison Square, Darling, Griswold & Co. New York, April 14 1878 My dear Miss Dickinson: I shall need to see you at one. Have seen Shook. Palmer corner at two o’clock to see play. Yours truly, Benj F Butler Miss Anna E. Dickinson, at Miss Lausings, 104 E. 22d St. City. Comme je Trouve Washington May 11, 1874 My dear Miss Dickinson Kept here by the most imperative engagements & was unable to be with those who were delighted at the success of your debut on Monday. I have examined with much care and analysed many of the criticisms and reports of the occasion that have come to to my hand. Your play was a very (over)Great success and your presentation of the principal characters much more of a triumph of genius and merit than I had dared hope for I had hoped much but feared more. A marvelous undertaking marvellously carried out. Accept the most fervent congratulations of your truly Benj. F. Butler Miss Dickinson[House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., ] Atlantic City July 26, 1878 My dear Miss Dickinson I have written you two notes to Pittston; but having no reply I send to that envelope address in hope it may meet you there I have spent four days here and must say that nothing but the high hopes which originally brought me here would tempt me to Stay four days longer. We shall get through here by Saturday night I think and then I go to Massachusetts but to be brought back to New York about the 8th proximo to be 2 in that city three or four days. Will you be in the neighborhood You may think me a little harsh in the estimate of this place not that I complain of the Hotel. I am not troubled about my food. The "Sons of Africa" take splendid care of me. But bands crowds children Harpers, Minstrels and mosquitos are the bane of my life. The last are taking the last drop of [?] blood out of me leaving their virus instead so that I cannot tolerate the others Children run wild here, I had but one3 satisfaction. I was trying to read on the Cong. plank walk the wind so that the insects might be blown away. Band playing two harpers filling up intervals children rushing up and down with great clatter one urchin with a three wheeled velocipede diving back and forth with great clatter urchin attracted by harpers who were on the gravelled walk below platform urchin goes too fast and too near edge Velocipede tumbles off on to harps - both smashed. Two mortal enemies go down at once. 4 Undersigned delighted could hardly refrain from applause. I trust your mother is recovering, her health and you yours. With best wishes believe me Yours truly Benj. F. ButlerCOMME JE TROUVE Washington June 20/78 My dear Miss Dickinson I am much disrupted because of want of answers to my last note. I fear your health as reason for silence or some others equally unpleasant cause (over)I shall leave Monday night for home. A note will reach me at 6th Avenue Tuesday or on Fall river boat in the Evening Hoping that you have recover from your [sickness?] I am Truly yours Benj. F ButlerJuly 13- 78 My dear Miss Dickinson Our committee adjourned to day to meet a week from Tuesday and as the weather is very warm here to day came to the conclusion to go to the sea shore for their next session and at the most available point.[Chosi] Atlantic City What do you sat to that? was it not a singular coincidence I hope now to have time to read Danton or hear it read and criticise it as it shall deserves Write please at once when you are to be for the next week after Monday? I trust you received my last this morning it not please advise I shall be here till Tues day. I would like much to know whether you are pleased with the arrangement Yours truly Benj. F. ButlerUnited States Hotel, Atlantic City NJ Brown & Woelpper, Owners and Proprietors Atlantic City, N.J. July 22, 1878 Miss Anna E. Dickinson When one has planned schemed brought out any enterprise from which he promised himself advantage either of pleasure profit or still more happiness and fails therein because of accidents or circumstances wholly beyond his control the failure is very bitter, and is not alleviated because the hindering elements are not subject to his will or endeavor 2 Nay more it is lightened thereby if the scheme] promised success and he has done all he can do to deserve it. I give it up the fates or some stronger power are against me to attain what I wish is shown to be impossible by any effort of mine. I give up. I will strive no more The Chapter of accidents has controled and must continue so to do[United States Hotel" Atlantic City N.J. Brown & Woelpper, Owners 7 Proprietors] I am led to believe if fate does not direct that a stronger will than mine determine that I shall not succeed does guide events Robert Bruce's [shided] it is true tried thirteen times before he succeeds but then he saw the defeat lay in his own want of endeavor and for no other reason He was not dis- heartened for the fear or thought that perhaps another was fully employed in unweaving his web. I regret and for your sake grieve that that your mother has become so frail you did, quite right to go to her at once at whatever disadvantage to your day or any other. I hope however this beautiful weather will rest on the good lady to her [?] strength As the newspaper have inform you I am here and our CommitteeUnited States Hotel, Atlantic City, N.J. BROWN & WOELPPER, Owners & proprietors. 5 UNITED STATES HOTEL, ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. BROWN & WOELPPER, Owners and Proprietors. Atlantic City, N.J. 187 go on for a week or more here The Houses here a very full and apparently are well kept. Please let me here from you as I must soon return home to the Absorbing labors of the coming campaign in our State and shall not be able to see you. I am truly yours Benj F ButlerPemberton Square Nov 12 1879 Dear Miss Dickinson Your inferences from the fact that my note was written by my Secretary are erroneous. It was want of time not want of health that caused it so be so written During the campaign as my letters were accumulating by that hundreds I was obliged to direct that none should be brought to me but those that required answerat once and imperatively. Afte it was very destating answers to a phenographic secretary at the rate of twenty or more per hour yours come up and was then answered My health has not succumbed to the Cuba and I am sure you who know me will not dream it has so done at the the results of the Campaign I am quite well as ever. I am grateful for the interest which seems to make you care whether I am well or ill Are you ever in New York I shall be driven there by the necessity of legal business about the 20th instant and if possible would assure you in person of the facts herein set forth. I am very truly yours Benj. F. Butler16 Pemberton Square July 15 1881 My dear Miss Dickinson On my return from Washington I found your note on my table which I hasten to answer I will readily undertake to aid you in the recovery of your rights in the matters stated with any advise and assistance I can give. Will it be necessary to move in the matter in New York? or where? If New York 2 I shall be obliged to associate with me General Pryor as I am not au fait with the processes necessary to begin a suit in a New York Court in detail. If elsewhere I can command the necessary assistance I wait therefore for the information. I hope the necessity is not immediate action as the thermometer as I write is 90° office Most truly yours Benj F. ButlerBoston July 30 1881 My dear Miss Dickinson I did misread your former note or rather on rereading it I read at the same way but I evidently misunderstood it under the light of your latest epistle I understand that you did not intend to solely rely on your Honesdale counsel as I did suppose before I will most cheerfully do any thing I can in your affair with Miss D. or any body else After all I do not see over2 exactly what you wish me to do You do not want the publicty of a suit - that seems wise - but lawyers can only collect by suits. You do not give a statement of your case so in detail that I can see if there is any defect in it You seem to have full confidence in it Surely you do not need advice that "pure cussedness" not a legal defence to a Just claim either for property or money. Is what you do want that as your professional adviser I should address a letter to the woman or her putative husband demanding a return of the "manuscripts" or payment of them (over) 3 which? or both? If so what money what for? and what manuscripts? If yes, whereabouts shall I sent the note? I will do it or both in the most pungent style consistent with propriety Please advise with details and command me "Guilty" of the trick of not understanding always a versatile imaginative gifted lady, who when she writes does (not?) always -or usually shall we say -- think[s] faster than she writes and forgets that more prosaic mortals can not divine the thoughts she omits from her manuscript or color blind does no catch the exact shade of the lightning's flash Very truly yours Benj F. ButlerBoston, Mass. Oct. 16 1881 My dear Miss Dickinson: Your note of October 4th did not reach me until today. Miss Davenport is now advertised here, and here perhaps would be as good a place as any to attempt to collect your bill. But to do that would require your presence here. But of that you will judge. I shall be here tomorrow and next day, and perhaps longer. Yours truly, Ben F. Butler Miss Anna E. Dickinson} Elizabeth New Jersey}Blank No.2 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. ALL MESSAGES TAKEN BY THIS COMPANY SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS: Elizabeth NJ. 10. 19 1881 To Gen, B. F. Butler no 16. Pemberton Square Boston Mass. Sorry, Impossible to come. Anna DickinsonBoston Sept 18 1883 My dear Miss Dickinson: I have your note in regard to your lawsuit against Mrs. Davenport, At the time I put it in the hands of Gen. Pryor, with whom I leave all business in the city of New York because it is simply impossible for me to attend to it there. General Pryor will do everything he can to have the matter brought to a conclusion. I saw him a while ago and we talked about the case and he said he had not the pleasure of seeing you for some time, and he did not know what you desired to have done. I would advise you, at the earliest time you are in New York, to call on him. I am Very truly yours, Benj. F. Butler Miss Anna Dickinson 1428 Spruce Street Philadelphia, Pa[Lowell] Jan. 3 1886 My dear Miss Dickinson A week since I sent you a hasty note saying I would write you as soon as I could. Perhaps you have thought me "heartless" in not writing sooner but I have fulfilled my promise to the letter. On Monday morning at 7:20 I left my house for Salem to engage in a trial where in the life of my client was involved; returned at 7:45 p.m. and so for each day till this morning, working in court nine hours each day and riding two and one half - the remaining one devoted to preparing for next day's work and sleep and eating I go again to my tasks tomorrow morning. I wish you to think and at least try to do as I say. My week before was a like lousy one. Without returns and I can shorten its story of incessant toil by the fact that I drove 12 miles Christmas day and spent 3 hours in Jail with my client and an2 expert on insanity and drove home to a late and solitary climes. I "seem perfectly heartless to you” because I do not find time under such circumstances to, on the day, send money which I can neither be at my office to obtain in, or to send in proper form and at cost borrow from a neighbor at home. When I had paid seven hundred [leass] less $1.60 within a fort night for expenses (personal) and the added fact that I had not written toto inquire after the health , of an esstimable lady whom I had been told was on her death bed! of any chage in her condition! was sure the telegraph would at once tell me I do not think the reproaches deserved You mistake, I promised that by monday you should have the needed five hundred dollars surely; and I have told you before of my efforts to relieve you mind by sending it Saturday. I fear you keep no accounts. You desired [do] $1000 dollars. I gave you two hundred (less $1,60) Sent you $15 80 and three hundred here. Again, i must call to your mind3 as a fact which must have in the future a practical bearing of consequence to you the amount of your expenditure You call to my mind that not quite seven months ago we had a conversation as to how far I could help you financially, if you went abroad I told you I would do what I thoughts proper under such circumstances in a certaine event which would materially affect my own financial condition otherwise my aid to you would be confined to your not lavish expenses. You have drawn for those expenses only, in seven month thesum of 2500 or more than the income that would he had from an investment of one hundred thousand dollars in the best Government Securities for a year after paying taxes, There is no reason why you should spend that amount of money and there is no reason that I should furnish it, no relations of friendship which exists between us either calls for is or will justify me in giving it. $5000 a year was all I thought of to venture in your enterprise abroad and you spend that nearly at home from one source alone I have no reproaches because I have no rights to make any but I deem4 but just to state the fact that it may enter into your calculations "The matter of which spoke to you [wh] as affecting my own resources is again postponed till spring after entailing on me a large expenditure. It is needless to say I regret it as it throws much embarrassment on me. You see that I have found time this 'Lords day' to write quite a letter but do you think this sort of correspondence on the one side or both sides will enliven or cheer the mind to take up in a happy frame of mind the labors of tomorrow and tomorrow after as it must till lifes labors end? Very truly your friend & servant Benj F Butler Washington Aug 30 '86 My dear Miss Dickinson I got your note last evening showing the result of my bad penmanship. I had to wait till the last moment for the enclosure so I could reach the mail and in my haste I blurred the super scription and could not stop to change the envelopeI regret it much as I feared from receiving no reply that I had sent it aright Please leave tonight for New York and thence to Boston. I shall be in Philadelphia on the (7) seventh of June and then a day or two. I hope your engagements in that city of which you speak may bring you ther at the [?] time of which please inform yours truly Benj F ButlerFIFTH AVENUE HOTEL MADISON SQUARE. NEW YORK. June 24 1846 Miss Anna E Dickenson I was acquainted with the contents of your second note almost simultaneously with the former one Being "personal" it followed me around from place to place and came with a package of letters to 5th Avenue Some times my mail is more than a week behind if I am not with my amanuensis on Sunday. I waited the acknowledgment of a late letter to you much longer supposing there was a reason for it as there was and I did not [?] on that subject, or unkindly on any FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL. MADISON SQUARE, NEW YORK. I do not desire to see one who believes and puts it in writing that I do thing so offensive as to make silence impossible That implies so much that it needs no reply I enclose herein the money I have with me to meet my travelling expenses to meet the [?] wants of not 'a friend but of a sick woman I cannot get any more to send here than this one hundred [dollars?] I propose to leave the City tomorrow Respectfully Ben F.ButlerOct 2 1887 My dear Miss Dickinson I have just got back from a voyage out West where I have been among other things to sell some lands so that I I can be in funds I am land poor i.e. I have invested too much in lands so that taxes & interest interferes with my income. I hope the negotiation will colse on the fifteenth of October after which I trust to be in funds I find your kind note which I regret to say is unanswered. I do not answer it now because you say you desire to talk the matters of correspondence over. I regret that I cannot do that [that I] until after the 15th inst as till then I shall be exceedingly driven not having a day that I can say is mine - I trust your health is improving slowly doubtles (as I find it takes long time to mend things but surely I send enclosed draft for your present necessities. I will explain my views about your indebtment as described to your sister when I see you I think we shall not differ on the cours to be pursued I wrote Curtly as you see it is with difficulty I write at all Truly friend & servt Benj F ButlerConfidential Lowell Nov 20 1887 My dear Miss Dickinson "On my return home yesterday I found yours note which gives me pain in all except the assurance of improving health although slowly and of continued friendship although so many things have happened which might well have shaken it. I did make a mistake in writing Oct. 15, but not in the sense you are kind enough to interpret it. When I wrote October I had full belief that I should be able to provide the means to meetall the necessary expenses of your own and mothers comfort and to remove you to some other genial climate for your health and happiness I have quite large properties there are in the [demanduhts?] of payments in a very large aggregate to maintain them and not sources of income as some of them have been. I have had many offers to purchase them and owing to the great stringence of the mony market they have each and all failed. The same stringency have made calls for all all the claims that a very extende property have entailed. For more then2 a year I have not been able to sell a single piece of property without ruinous sacrifice Nothing but a professional income from my own labors which evry body wonders why I keep up enables me to make all "ends" meet., while milles and quarries & mines fail to bring in any returns. From the 10th of October till I was recalled to Washington I was travelling all over the west to endeavor to make those pay me who owed me and those who had made bargans to carry them out If one tenth of those who owe me could not ?ay I should be able toany thing I wished to do and the wish to, aid you has not been wanting as you know. But too much of this: it has been written in the desire to retain if I can you good opinion and to give you the reasons of what I have left undone I enclose a check of $500.00 for you present necessities I am in daily certain weekly, hope of being able to do what & all you desire of your own situation I have said to you that I will see the Doctor to when you are so grateful, rightly, all that is just and if you care with your own hands but he knows that you are without money and while he may well suppose that your friends would contribute for your necessities he has3 no business to suppose that they will tax themselves to pay for his services and if any one does he will not be complimentary in his inferences His services are no better in his profession are no better than mine in another - profession and there are many thousands of that unafraid I write you thus frankly that you may see that it is better for you that this bill shall not be paid till you have the time to earn it on at least seem to,to him I will not ask you to tax your health and strength to come where I am at this inclement season much as I should be Glad to address myself to your recoverybut that I do nor ought not to ask: I would advise you going to California or New Mexico or Florida wherever you can have Early sprint and life giving air and quiet comfort and for that purpose I will try and see you provided I shall very probably be in Philadelphia on December 12 and if there will see you with great gladness and consult where you had best go for health I hope I have convinced you if you had doubt, of my continued friendship So far and so great as it ought to exist between two sensible people It can subscribe myself faithfully your Benj F Butler P.S. Let Susan not write no so often in less you are now unwell [Durins?] we will not do any good and I do not like my desk to look as if I were in correspondence with all the women as I am not. Excuse this writing It is the longest letter written in a year. 1.15.88 My dear friend, I take fro granted you have failed to receiv the letter I sent to meet you at the Continental in Phila. at the time you expected to be there - (the 12th of Dec) — Either you were not there? or [they] the Hotel people have failed to 'forward' spite of the written request on the wnvelope. If you having it can you send for it? for while I did not sign it I would [not] [wish f] be sorry fr it to fall into other hands, - Since in it I told you why it was impossible for me to come to Phila then, (greatly as I desired to do so) & asked you how long you intended to stay there. - & when you would be in New Yok. 2 I say to take for granted since I have received no answer to my questions - The more so as I wrote you under great stress of suffering. If you have thought that I had [quite] utterly failed to write you might have thought, also, that I was abominably rude & that you owed me scant courtesy in return, & have concluded that you were right in what you had written me concerning my debt entanglements & my general conditions, & that I was quite comfortable in all ways body & mind. — If you had read the note you would have realized that you were all wrong in your supposition & have seen under the ink the horrible wound that seeming indifference on your part to the conditions that are wearing me out have made. You [would] I am sure if you had you would have said no, that is not what I intended. To suppose any thing else would be to insult you. You have labored all along under some misapprehension, [all along] of the embarrassments that hem me round or you would destroy them & that right speedily, Is it not so? You are too absorbed to realize how time is going & what work time can 4 accomplish elsewhere. — If you will [crowd] tax your memory you will recall that every one who has claims upon me, here, have been family told that the money to pay them was my own -- held in the hands of a trustee - & that I neither pay not explain [a] things [absolute] alike infallible, subjects me every day to comments that are growing [with] intolerable even had I the means [I am] to go elsewhere I would be forced to go remain since I cannot leave without subjecting myself to I know not what of scandal -- or [even] worse. -- [even had I the means to go elsewhere,] I did not as much as venture [to so much as] a ride across the mountains to see my sick sol mother on her eighty ninth birthday. [I had not the ?] to begin with I found I would be thought to be [running away--absco] absconding & be [stopped] called to account by the way (being hampered on more sides than one.) That of itself was enough. [I was] but if none were needed to detain me it [could be] was found in the impossibility of telling her in her feebleness that I stayed from her not because my doctors demanded it - as she supposes- but because my [necessities?] compelled it & that they would compel [my] a return to an atmosphere of cold, [discontent,] anxiety fear & debt that renders6 day & night alike a burthen & pushes health & strength for present comfort & future work & independence far [into the] away. You [provide me by the w] can see that I could not tell her that, ________al to the climate I do not know that cone que & cold are with him than elsewhere but I do know that the conditions of life under which I move & sleep would destroy the good of any climate tone is that of Paradise._____ Is it stupid work to say this on paper, [&] Since you fail to know the real nat state of the case in that way. [but you] Still right that you did not long since have in your hand my last note [long since] Since in that case you would have comprehended in part at least the [?] [of some] distress that [possible] encompasses me. You may not really care enough for me as I feared & said to find it of any great moment to yourself whether I live or die but you have too muchheart to subject even an enemy who might appeal to you.- how much more one you know [have] as your faithful friend [well within known & know and your faithful your friend] to such a life of torture as this mouth of decay [in the] have entailed. Or give without saying that while I mourn your sunning personal indifference as this [indifferently] written8 [would seem] appears to show I have full faith in your promises, to one to whom you used to say you owed a debt & whole life for may [slite?] regard as of some value [& ? be large that general ? to the ? to ? would] to herself & others even if it is of none to you. It makes me sad to think so, & it would make me glad to be [?] [?] & to know that what you do for me you do with your heart, & only need to comprehend the Situation which you plainly have not up to this time -- so do write [expedition?] even if at inconvenience to yourself - What is [death] destruction to me much longer to delay. I am losing all that the autumn gave me. & am writing you this [long letter] in torture of body as well as distress of mind. My Doctors are annoyed at my stay in this cold when they ordered a change of the Middle of Sep at least, but I cannot take them any more than the rest of the world into my confidence, for nothing but the truth would serve, after what is good faith they have been told already. So they have to surmise what they please about that -- & about other things, & whose later surmises at least, I know are not to my credit. My hand troubles me too much to write as clearly as I wish what I have said here but you will anyhow, understand that I am in10 great & urgent need of relief & change & for you to really understand that is I am sure for it to come. — May I again ask when you will be in New York? If I could see you I know you would comprehend a deal, you fail to - even with this long letter. - Mean while is it asking too much that you take off from me without more delay than you may be compelled to the thumscrews that I endure here. There are points reached when flesh & spirit can endure no more. I wish that this will find you in health & comfort - spite of business care, & I am always faithfully & sincerely yours Anna Dickinson To/ Gen B. F. Butler[*[From Benjamin Franklin Butler]*] Feb 13' 88 At Home Sck will write later B.Form 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 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, beyond the amount of tolls paid thereon, nor in any case where the claim is not presented in writing within sixty days after sending the message. This is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE, and is delivered by request of the sender, under the conditions named above. [**OS. **ECKERT], General manager. NORVIN GREEN, President. NUMBER SENT BY REC'D BY CHECK 15 Dg [?] Received at 7 pm 5/25 1888 Dated Washington DC 25 To Miss D. E. Dickinson In Office 35 Nassar Street Tuesday morning Bery F. Butler [this may is evidently a mistake of the entries each made] Personal Boston J[une?] 1 '88 Cashbuben place My dear Miss Dickinson You will find enclosed a type [writen?] very singular concatenation of events that has caused us all this unfortunate disappointment I so weak it at my own hand is not to be depended on. You desire me to Lend you a large sum of money, if I wished to send you ever so much I doubt 2 canot do it for reasons I can well explain to you at any length & so I write but must wait till I see you I enclose check for what I can spare. In a few days I shall be in New York Say about the 14th I then will telegraph you the day and if nobody else interferes I will have the meeting so arranged as it shall not fail I regret very much the events which have so affected you with evil but do not see they were within my power to prevent yours truly B F Butler Miss Anna E Dickinson 5th Avenue HotelLaw Offices of Benj. F. Butler Washburn and Webster No. 6. Ashburton Place Frank L Washburn, Rooms 1,4,5&6, Prentiss Webster Boston June 1, 1888. There seems to be about as many untoward happenings as could be to prevent my meeting you according to arrangement. In answer to a telegram I said that I would be in my office in New York on Tuesday. I do not go to the Fifth Avenue any more, having an office. I supposed that the argument of the case that I had in Washington would be finished on Monday night. The argument was not finished, and the Court adjourned over to Tuesday so that I could not leave Washington until Tuesday night. As soon as that was known I telegraphed trusting that you had not left home, that I would be at my office on Wednesday. I did not reflect that Wednesday was a close legal holiday in New York, and that I could not get into my office on that day, and if the door was open I should have to climb six flights of stairs, as the elevator would not run, and that would be as much a bar as the closed door; but the doors were closed. I got no telegram from you or any intimation where I could meet you elsewhere than at my office. Finding that on Decoration Day I could see nobody I went down to my daughters at the Highlands and spent the day and night. I came back and was at my office, which was open as usual on Thursday morning, and I spent all day Thursday at my office. My directions at the office are to have a list made of all persons calling during my absence from the office, with their addresses, so that I may communicate with them when I come. I did not find your address, and I learned that the office had not been opened on the day before, and nobody representing me in any way had been in the building, and that the building had been closed all day. I heard nothing from you except the first telegram, and I remained in my office until five o'clock last evening. I could have been 2 reached by telegraph from any point in the City at any time, but I had no means of reaching you because I had no address. Your telegram which you say you sent to Washington was not forwarded to me in New York for some reason, - - probably because Decoration Day was a legal holiday there also, and there was nobody in my office. I regret very much this wonderful set of circumstances which I have been to the pains to have set out at length so that they cannot be misunderstood, I could not write them out because my writing powers will not permit. I trust the explanation will be satisfactory. Very respectfully,Boston June 14 1888 My dear Miss Dickinson As suggested I send Mr Briggs of the Poland Springs House to day. He is very kind. His price for board is four dollars per day. with a good room in the large Hotel. Upon my representation that you being at the Springs would be an attraction and advertisement he proposes to take you at two dollars per day. He is desirous for you2 for you to come early and stay as long as you like I advise you strongly that you so do at once. You will get perfect rest air pure water and the best food that can be got any where To Go there from Boston take the Cars to Portland and then by the Grand trunk R. R. and Lewiston Junction. You can best leave by Eastern R. R. Division at 7.30 A. M or 9 A.M. and get there in 5 hours at Portland they will tell you the way to the Springs. You can find herewith the means of going My lame and trembling hand bids now stop, but I go on. My daughter sends me this from the Graphic | Statement that I proposed marriage to you and you declined the honor. If any such silly story is put in print it should be thus: that you had the good sense and taste to refuse. I care nothing about it; but it evidently pains her to see, if she hardly believes that I have tried to fill her mothers place Will you therefore in the words that your own good sense will teach write me a frank denial that I have tried to get another wife so far as you know I much wish this to come from your pen. Will you so do? And oblige yours truly Benj F ButlerNew York 6. 3. 88 To Gen. B. F. Butler Lowell Mass. It is impossible for me to leave town without seeing you. [Must] Must have settlement at once. Suits will not wait. A.Boston, Mass, April 9, 1889 Miss Susan Dickinson: I have your note suggesting pecuniary assistance from me to Miss Anna Dickinson, your sister. Several months ago I had an interview with Miss Dickinson on this subject. She will remember it. I gave some under conditions that have been wholly repudiated. I have not since heard from her, and have been simply insulted. I shall therefore not answer any communication from you respectfully Benj F. ButlerFifth av Hotel 4.13.1892 To/ Gen. B. F. Butler [Si?] I want to see & hear from you at once. — If I do not you will see every letter you have written to me in print within the next [fortnight] month. This is neither black mail, nor the letter of a mad woman, - You know what [you] I was [and] What I was, I am. You know what youhave written about many matters. — Among others You may remember a letter written while your wife was dying, it will make good food for the public's palate in connection with the fact that you in your Book do not know, by a [?] month, the [?] in which she died. I have endured all I am going to suffer. Enough is enough. Do you understand? I need some money. I need it immediately — It will be better for both if you come here. — If not, send [the] a check. It is of no moment to me - if you put this in print tomorrow or at your convenience, but it will be of moment to you if I do not hear from you at once.[if?] you want to stand friend or foe? Anna Dickinson If you [man] Secretary Mr Major opens this it will be [best for all concerned] better for you after reading if he passes it on to your hand[s?]Law Offices of Benj. F. Butler. Washburn and Webster. No. 6 Ashburton Place. Frank L. Washburn Rooms 1.4.5&6. Prentiss Webster Boston, December 13, 1892. Mesdames:- The last letter I had from Miss Dickinson and the proceedings taken in reply to it, renders it inexpedient that as matters stand there should be any further correspondence concerning her, or that I should give her any further aid. Yours very respectfully, Benj. F. Butler Rev. Phoebe A. Hanaford, Ellen E. Miles, 47 West 12th St., New York City.[*[1889?]] My sister has recently shown me a letter written by you at the dictation of your employer Gen. B. F. Butler dated Boston Mass , April 9. 1889. Since you were the medium selected either because you are in what he callshis confidence or because a false & unmanly letter was to be made doubly atrocious by transmission through a second hand - in either case you have been thrust into knowledge of my affairs, presumably without consulting your judgment - by Gen Butler & in justice to the truth & to myself he is to correct the falsehoods he told to you by this transmission Anna E. Dickinson 1 copy To Gen B. F. Butler Dear Sir; Your friend "Lizzie" has brought to my attention a dictated interview with you which seems in part at least to have for its purpose a proclamation to the general public of your single hearted devotion in word, thought &2 deed to your wife, living & dead, = of necessity it reminded me of your last letter to me - that of June 14, 1888, & for various reasons which you will understand I placed it under her eye. = You may remember that accompanying and apropos a newspaper clipping you say to me in that letter "if the story that I proposed 3 marriage to you & you declined the honor be again put in print it should be thus - that you had the good sense & taste to refuse," & & add "while I care nothing about it, it evidently pains my daughter to see, if she hardly believed that I have tried to fill her mother's place" - You then, make the astounding & dastardly request,4 "Will you therefore write me a frank denial that I have tried to get another wife so far as you know." - I say you may remember as my observation of the last these fears has taught me that in addition to the loss of faculties you have so often deplored is to be added that of memory. This may explain a letter that otherwise would be past apology. However even with this failure 5 you have doubtless realized on afterthought that it was a impossibility for me to "oblige" you as desired. =It is a lie! =Aside from this main reason, in the first place since I never said directly or by inference aught concerning your proposal of marriage, I certainly would neither volunteer, nor be bargained, nor be starved into a denial of printed matter that is of value to yourself alone.6 =In the second place, as I have been credibly informed & believe the original statement emanated from yourself. = In the third place you say your daughter "hardly believes," - by which I judge she has had a denial made her by one whose veracity she doubts. If this be so, she could scarcely put greater faith in the story of an absolute stranger - especially since 7 this stranger would be compelled to add that her own experience had taught her the untrustworthiness of the original informant. = In the fourth place since you write professedly in behalf of your daughter's feelings why not write what even is to be written to her. — The direct way is the best way. - one form of dishonesty as your practice8 has taught you is apt to be accompanied by another - For instance, the unreliable informant or the informant of treacherous memory might from sinister motives hold the communication in transit. = In brief then as gathered from your letters which your friend "Lizzie" characterizes as "the letter of a scoundrel" & from this recent authorized interview you wish to have your 9 daughter, your private secretary, & the general public convinced, as before stated of your single hearted devotion in word, thought & deed to your daughter's mother - living & dead, - again, as I have already stated it is an impossibility fro me to write what you demand - but Lizzie desires you to be informed that she will find10 great pleasure in forwarding to you, to your daughter, to the secretary you have taken into your confidence to the extent of placing the private affairs of others in his or her keeping & to the general public through the channel of your selected syndicate or another, certified copies of a multitude of letters written, by you to me concerning her & therefore 11 properly in her keeping that yourself may testify for yourself in this matter. I approve, on the ground that an honest man in a good cause can have no better witness than himself - but as she has declared that you write not alone the letter of a scoundrel, but that you are an epitome of voluntary pledges unredeemed, promises broken, & sentiment12 dishonored, it would seem that she holds you had "worse than "a fool for a client: You may say this is not complimentary language, no, but it is frank, & you asked for frankness, You may also think I am doing your friend "Lizzie" an ill turn by this repetition, & so might I, had I not just re-read in one of your letters to me "I 13 shall not cross "Lizzie" off from my books because I cannot. Years of knowledge of her virtues, her failings, of all that is admirable & all that is other has left that on my heart, which never can be effaced, & would not if I so desired & I have tried) so that while I will take your direction in all things else in this I will not.14 You may report to me any or all of her unkind sayings or thoughts of me but it will be of no use. =So then, following your lead without fear of its effects on her . I do her behest & give you the information she desires you to have. Awaiting your reply, believe me, at all times, anxious & ready 15 to meet your hand as extended, Anna E. Dickinson[*[187?]*] Clifton House Monday 2 o clock My dear Miss Dickinson Pity me! I come, you are gone! The only day I can call my own for the week is lost. I shall not see you and learn whether I have offended you by the quarrell with the Advertiser Besides I need your aid, if you will give it Will you write me a note which I may use describing exactly your treatment by the Advertiser people. They now say they hastened on the very - day that the attack was made on you; the 6th of November to retract - Where as you knew that it was not till the 14th thatwe could get a new world said. If I have offended I am grieved, but I had paid too much for [doing?]- only an honest Just act to bear their attacks in silence longer. "The flesh will quiver where the pincers tear. "The blood will follow where the knife is driven" I shall be at 12 Pemberton Square tomorrow. I shall not go to Long Branch at present. I must crush out my enemies at home for a while at least Again I shall lose the pleasant [hours?] of a "mentors" role to a very perverse and wicked but a very good hearted and right acting pupil. Yours truly, Benj F. Butler Miss DickinsonMonday morning Will Miss Dickinson see Gen. Butler? And at what hour? Mt dear Miss Dickinson With pain I heard that you were to try the platform again. on Tuesday night I hear of your success but fear for your health. When may I call and inquire? Truly yours Benj F Butler Miss Anna E. DickinsonWashington April 15 My dear Miss Dickinson I hear you are in New York. I am quite desirous of meeting you. I shall be in New York on Saturday morning en route for Massachusetts. Shall I meet you then a note at 5th Avenue will receive my attention Very truly yours Benj F. ButlerWashington April 24th My dear Miss Dickinson Are you to be in Philadelphia? and when? Are you to be in Boston at any time in May? Two questions which I much desire to have answered? Yours truly Benj F Butler