Cushman presents herself as shocked and surprised at the "gross motive [that] might be attributed" to her performance of Romeo on stage together with her sister Susan: "your hints have only plunged me into trouble — for I find the subject, in a new…
Charlotte Cushman calls Emma Crow Cushman her "daughter." Cushman laments the dishonesty and greed in the times of the Civil War. She was relieved to hear from Ned and Emma and is now longing to return to "America."Ned and Emma may have to move in…
Cushman regrets that Crow could not be with her, due to Crow's father not allowing her to come with to New York. She was disappointed to only see Crow's mother instead of her. Crow's parents had decided that Cushman was too occupied for their…
Charlotte Cushman apologizes to Emma again for not writing any sooner. Charlotte has been very busy due to social duties and troubled by the construction work in her house in Rome. Language barriers proved to be a serious issue in advancing the work.…
This letter is the first one available from the time after Charlotte Cushman's breakup with Matilda Hays. It is a prime example of Charlotte's longing for Emma Crow whom she met shortly before this correspondence at the beginning of…
Cushman is worried whether Emma has safely arrived by ship. She encourages her to be on good terms with her father "who loves [her] as no as no other man ever can or will." Cushman also informs Emma of her travel itinerary.
Credit
Library of…
Cushman has been anxious about the delivery of Ms. Jane's laces. She has been enjoying her peaceful stay in Wales, away from the noise of the city, and praises Miss Lloyd's efforts as a hostess. Sally has already left to attend to matters in…
Cushman recounts her travels with Miss Lloyd from Gateacre to Bolton Abbey. Miss Lloyd has convinced her to pay her a visit in Wales, which will cut her stay in London short. She is feeling much better in regards to her health as she realized that…
Cushman thanks Emma for her thoughtful letters and states that the world would be "very bare & bitter" without her. She asks Emma to be patient with her as she is still struggling with her health, but she assures her that she "shall come out all…
Cushman has been feeling physically weaker and her disappointment in various people has added to her suffering. Especially Emma Stebbins' infidelity has affected her and only Emma Cushman's love has "[kept her] above drowning."Upon her arrival in…
Emma is with Miss Whitwell who interferes with Emma's traveling plans to see Charlotte. Cushman feels that Whitwell is jealous of Charlotte and Harriet ("Her remarks with regard to your dear friend Miss Cushman are simply womanish spite"). A ring…
This letter is particularly hard to read since it was written in pencil.Cushman will meet Emma in a hotel in Paris. She goes over detailed travel arrangements.Cushman and Emma Crow hope for a future that allows them to be together as much as…
Cushman assures Emma Crow of her love for her. Cushman will travel from Paris to London soon and meet Crow in the accomodation arranged by Mr Fields, which Cushman, however, deems to be way too expensive. She touches upon the issue of protecting her…
Cushman recounts her tedious journey to Baltimore and the events when they arrived. She suggests to Emma to keep a journal of Cushman's letters as a "record of affection" for her grandchildren to remember her by.Cushman's letters to Rosalie Sully and…
Cushman responds to Emma’s previous letters, expressing how much pain they have caused her. She is shocked that Emma would expect Cushman to tarnish her reputation so willingly. A "poor old worlded woman" exerted "pressure of her stupid little will"…
Cushman advises Emma not to visit Mary in Saratoga but that she should be accompanied by Ned if she will. Mary Cushman herself is behaving rather "imprudent" concerning her health which Emma should not indulge.Cushman is dismayed that her paper…
Cushman writes to Emma about leaving Connecticut on Thursday in time for Mary Cushman's possible arrival in New York. Cushman is very worried about Emma and apologizes for her anxiousness.
Credit
Library of Congress, Charlotte Cushman Papers,…
Cushman deplores the bad weather Emma has to fare with and provides her with instructions upon her arrival in Manchester. The Fields are visiting Cushman.
Credit
Library of Congress, Charlotte Cushman Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of…
Cushman writes Emma that she will be looking out for her at the Worcester station the following evening in case Emma wants Cushman to stay with her. If not, she will continue to Boston and meet her there on Sunday. Leaving Emma leaves her…
Cushman mentions Emma's "deep tender passionate love" for her. Cushman laments that she finds herself "constrained" in her action denied "free frank expression of love" for Emma, "for fear of wounding & hurting others."She informs Emma about a…
Charlotte Cushman becomes widely known on both sides of the Atlantic as the first successful US-American actress. Earlier, she was a singer under the tutelage of James G. Maeder, married to actress Clara Fisher, in Boston. Charlotte has been the sole financial support of her mother since her father…