Anna Dickinson General Correspondence Rogers, Stuart 1887 & undatedProvidence, R. I. Jan. 23, '7 Dear Anna Dickinson; It was very sweet of you to think of sending me the New Year's Ko Ko, and the letter following. I have written you daily in a spiritualistic study but this is the first appearance of the materialization. I have been as unlucky as yourself in missing Wilson Barrett. The reports from the various cities seem to favor his roman parts, but I do not gather that any genius is shownEven in Them. The more intelligent expressions seem to be: "good at times – never great – unique business – elaborate productions but not the equal of things's, as to atmosphere. If I do see the man, I will write you my impressions, but if I meet him and think him worthy, you may be sure I will [write] howl for "Aurelian"! George Riddle has a new play by Edgar Fawsett – It is called "The Earl" – Some say its like 'Coleridges play, "Remorse" – others that its founded on one of Fawcett's poems. All speak well of it, but there is a doubt expressed as to whether Tenge is equal to the part, which in itself is admitted to be good. As to the play which Frank Lee wrote: It was finished last summer. I liked it altogether at first, then as I went over it more carefully, I thought it lacking here and there, and just as I arranged to go on to Philadelphia for a couple of weeks to make the desired changes, yourBenedict was on his back, you know, of course, how very ill he was for weeks and months. This, of course, put a stop to the work, but I am now arranging to go on in the Spring, if possible. I am not yet out of the ambition, and some day I will make the plunge. No, I have not seen the Everest daughter, though two or three notes from Mrs. Everest, have told of her successes. I hope to stop there en route West – Anna was fifty years old the first of the month. There 2. was a gathering of old friends, among them Lillie Chace Wyman, and her husband John C. I mentioned to her that I had heard from you, and both she and others made me promise to send you their love. John Wyman is not over his enthusiasm for you as an actress. My own show is waning. As an extra bait this season, I have added an impersonation of Gladstone, and it has made some money.The wanderings began in the [Not] Nova Scotia in September. In ten days I start for the West – but the trip will be short, as the business is not over inspiring out there – Yes, it was Admiral Nichols, the daughter of whom you met, who died in Pomfret last summer. It was the separation of two close companions. I spoke to Miss Nichols of your remembrance and she was much pleased – By the way, is Aurelian printed? And have you Had copies? And if so, would you have any objection to loaning me one of them some day. I would like to read the play by myself and have two or three friends read it – If this is an extraordinary favor for me to ask, tell me so – At any rate, please let me hear from you again – addressing me always here – Vry Sincerly your, Stuart RogersOffice of EUROPEAN HOTEL 137 to 143 Main Street. Galena, Ill. Feb 26, 1887 Dear Soul: – Since that sudden, unexpected, most welcome burst of a letter, what has become of you? I am sure I wrote you something and there were qustions, too. But perhaps the liver is behaving badly again – I hope not. You ought to be spared that with your other plagues. Nor have I lately heard from Frank Lee – I am worried lest he may be on his back again. He is such a patient, uncomplaining sufferer – Office of EUROPEAN HOTEL 137 to 143 Main Street. 2 Galena, Ill. 188 Did I tell you that George Riddle has a new play by Edger Fawcett? It is called "The Earl" – He read it to me, and I was much impressed. I believe the play will be a surprise – Whether George can play the part is a question – but Fawcett has given him big thing – great variety – clever transitions, indeed quite a new character– The play is mour ful, and it may not have any "plaster." The opening is down for April 11. I am to celebrateOffice of EUROPEAN HOTEL 137 to 143 Main Street. 3 Galena, Ill. 188 celebrate my birthday by being on hand - Mayo I have not seen for months and am getting desperate. Saw a german actor [Mitterwurgh?] in Chicago two Sundays back - was much pleased - we have no actors who are the equals of these leading Germans in light comedy. The effects this man produces in repose are marvellous. Plympton has come to grief with Mrs. Becketts play, "Jack" - Office of EUROPEAN HOTEL 137 to 143 Main Street. 4 Galena, Ill. 188 Per myself am finishing my wanderings in the West and will be back in New England in a couple of weeks - Then a few scattering dates around home - Am always glad to get away from these demons of the small western towns. Still have not seen William Bennett Now it will be a pleasure to hear that you are comparitively free from bodily pain - and to know that the mother is not now a sufferer - Providence, N. J. is my address. I'm sincerely yours, Stuart Noyer.Providence, R.I. July 21 '87[?] Dear Soul- The clipping from your sister came to me yesterday - Pray thank her for sending it - That very morning I had read a journal paragraph telling of your illness. That was dated Scranton, this clipping is from a [Honesdale?] paper and thelast letter from you was dated Pittston - I am dazed as to where this might to go - but I'll list Honesdale. It is such a blessing to hear that you have pulled through the sickness. I am supposing the trouble was the same stomach- nerve - liver- systemic - difficulty that has been your hated companion so long - or was Fate not content with that and thrust a newer pang? One things I am sure of - nothing was lost by not giving Aurelian to W. B. His return engagements to Boston and New York showed the cities his shortcomings, and good judges have declared to me his weakness - I am confident he could not"touch" the part. Lately I have seen a mention that Irving is going to try a Roman part. we smile--but in spite of the absurdities of the idea, Henry will make it interesting. Nothing would be more preposterous than to fancy "long legs" in Aurelian but how well he would mount it. I saw Barrett (Larry) play Rienzi 3. last winter. It was of course fuming and spitting but it told with the audience. Poor Riddle has collapsed since he told Boston he would never honor her again. When I last saw him he was flawless. I can't make out whether Mackaye's play "[Aubuchy?] was a genuine hit or no. At all costs it is booked to open anew theater in Newport before long. I have nothing today of my own bones. Tomorrow night I give to Shar for the last time this season. Anna knows I am writing you, and she sends very much love. So would Shisha were he here. They are both well. Likewise the four children A line from Frank Lee indicates that he is much better than a year ago. showed him. I am here for a few weeks probably will not get away till the middle of July. May not then for I have a scheme or two on hand which, if they materialize will take my time through the Summer. Miss Nichols whom you remember I took to see you is here. She oftens speaks of her impressions of you--how much sheliked you--how easily she would go with the rest of us, if she knew you better. I wish I might have something more interesting to write you. I may have later. Meanwhile let it go at this. I've just wanted to add my "delight" that you are getting on your pins again. Bye and bye I will xpect a line from you. My regards to your sister and mother and believe me as ever your obt servant Stuart RogersRussell House Detroit, Mch. 16.4 Dear Miss Dickinson, I have your salutation note. Thanks. How are you today? In a paper I read that you have gone for Davenport. Good! The "stunning" must be better & prompt your spunk in this way. I have been brooding over you and The San Francisco "skeme", but can't hatch ou t much of anything. These are my conclusions, with the "data" in hand. The fact that GardinerIs in the good grace of the people in the slope, makes me still feel that he ought to be the manipulator. Would it not be possible to make some arrangement with him whereby he would be sure of no loss and a share of profits for a Spring season? It would probably be necessary to take but only two or three first class people (who could be hired at cut rates after the close of the Easter season) and the balance of the cast could doubtless. be made w/ a good advantage on the const. You certainly have strength but there to make the actual risk very slight. Then there is the John A Stevens idea. He has a company in San Francisco at present including Jewett, Harry Lee & others from the East. I have made some inquiries about him and am informed that he has money, but that an iron bound contract is necessary- The Fred Wardecompany has split, and Sheridan is to take Warde's place. I have been well impressed with the way Warde has been handled by his manager - one John Collins - rather a Celtic name, but not as bad as a jew. It may be that he would be open for some arrangement. Now, for a new idea. How would it do to have a "squib" of this sort inserted by some confidential newspaper acquaintance in some 2. prominent sheet? Anna Dickinson is resting at the Palmer House, Chicago. She contemplates going to California shortly, and it is possible that she will produce A Crown of Thorns, Hamlet, and other plays on an elaborate scale. It is many years since Miss Dickinson has been seen on the Pacific Coast. She has a large following [there] in California and she wouldmeet there very little of the prejudice which handicapped her in the East. If the right management were secured, Anna Dickinson's appearances on the stage in California' would be a great success. Then you could have plainly marked copies of the papers sent to the California managers, and to any others in the East. It would be an inxpensive xperiment and might amount to something. Perhaps your sister or Sallie Joy White (do you know her) could have the articles inserted. Your Palmer House address would then be given, and you could leave word at the hotel when you depart, to have your mail sent over to Slayton's Shop and he in turn would forward it to you. This scheme might put some good managermy correspondence with you if nothing more. What do you think of it! This is the only suggestion that presents itself now and if I can turn out anything else, will write you of it. If a California engagement should be successful this Spring it would doubtless be the means of bringing to the surface some desirable manager for next season. But if you go there, by all means do I have seen here an insipid performance of Esmerelda and Charlotte Hampson in the "Sea of Ice". The old lady surprised me with some rather good work. For myself, my throat is better. I reluctantly leave for my crakings in Canada tomorrow. If I am ever worth anything of you for suggestions (I hardly feel equal of advice) [?] and me. I expect to be at the Genesee House, Buffalo, next Saturday but my permanent address remember is simply Providence R.I. [*Ever sincerely yours, Stuart Rogers*] in Correspondence with you, if nothing more. What do you think of it? This is the only suggestion that presents itself now, and if I can turn out anything else, will write you of it. If a California engagement should be successful this Spring, it would doubtless be the means of bringing to the surface, some desirable manager for next season. But if you go there, by all means do 3 the pieces well, even if it makes a big dig into your profits. Have the flags well staged. By the way, I want to caution you not to have too much confidence in Slayton's promises for lecture appointments in California. Not that I know one word against him, but on general principles, a lecture manager is more or less heartless.They look to the commissions they are to receive without regard to the continuous and well arranged route of the lectures, and the actual profit he is to receive. I would make him tell - yes show you just what he has put there that he can depend on. This, of course, is said to you in confidence. I did not see my Bureau people before I left Chicago, and have not yet been able to ascertain Gough's fees for his California trip, but I think an agent will be sent ahead six or eight weeks to make the engagements. Larger fees can always be obtained in this way. Stayton could probably do this in addition to what he would get thro' the regular channels of his Bureau. I should think the fees put that way ought never to be under $150 - and generally $200 and upwards -I have seen here an insipid performance of “Esmeralda”, and Charlotte Thompson in the “Sea by Yee.”. The old lady surprised me with some rather good work. For myself, my throat is better. I reluctantly leave for my crakings in Canada, tomorrow. If I am ever worth anything to you for suggestions/ i hardly feel equal to advice/ command me. I expect to be at the Genesse House, Buffalo, next Saturday — but my permanent address remember is simply, Providence, R.I. Ever Sincerely Yours, Shu Net Rogers