Cushman mentions that she missed Booth's letter of the 23rd because she was traveling. She urges him to engage Davenport as Macbeth for she will have to carry the play on her own otherwise. She mentions that she does not care so much who plays the…
Cushman writes to Mary, apologizing for leaving Boston without a note. She states that she wishes Edwin Booth would leave the country over the next winter but does not want to press him on it.
Cushman sends Mary pearls from Rome. Mary is currently in Boston and Cushman urges her to go to New York. Cushman herself is leaving London for Rome where she will spend the winter. She plans on returning to the United States in May 1860.
Charlotte Cushman allows Elizabeth Palmer Peabody to use Cushman's name if Peabody thinks that "will carry any weight." Cushman also mentions a fire that "interrupted" her engagement.
Credit
Boston Public Library
In this letter to an unknown recipient, Charlotte Cushman apologizes and declines their invitation during her stay at Bayswater, London since she is very busy and has no "breathing time". She invites the recipient to her home and wishes them…
Charlotte Cushman discusses accommodation arrangements and laments the physical distance between her and Emma, she "cannot bear to have you down there & I up here."
Credit
Library of Congress, Charlotte Cushman Papers, Manuscript Division,…
Charlotte Cushman discusses health issues, UK accommodation costs, how important it is to know French for one's reputation in Rome, and hints at a potential future pregnancy of Emma Crow referring to her son's "little sister who means to come some…
This letter discusses travel arrangements for Charlotte Cushman, Matilda Hays, and Sallie Mercer. Cushman has voiced safety concern that "authorities [...] will seize" her servant or "put a temporary stop" to their traveling when they go to New…
Charlotte Cushman orders a copy of one of Story's statuettes and asks about one of his poems for her to read. She also informs him about taking a break from stage and reading performances ("I want a long rest from public life") and her moving to Rome…
Charlotte Cushman would like her family to live closer to her, thinking of Ned but Emma Crow Cushman in particular. She mentions translation issues and cultural differences between Rome/Italy and the US. Cushman also informs Emma about the pain in…
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…
Cushman discusses financial issues, theaters as potentially attracting "vulgar" audiences, the future of the US-American and English drama, Macready's rivalry with Edwin Forrest, newspaper reviews of her performances ("Have them copied when they will…
Cushman verifies Oct 27 as the date for her charity performance. She has prepared the roles of Lady Macbeth and Meg Merrilees.
Credit
New York Public Library
Cushman writes to Chase family in Baltimore about their invitation. She alerts them to the fact that Emma Stebbins will accompany her – even though they might have expected to see her still in the company of Matilda Hays (who is, however, as Cushman…
Willard has asked Cushman to do a reading of Shakespeare's Henry VIII in Brattleboro in January. She demands $500 for five nights in advance.
Credit
New York Public Library
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…