Letter from Charlotte Cushman to James Fields, Sep 21, 1868

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[page 1] Dear friend
I was sorry to miss You on Saty [Saturday] but you went away 5 minutes too soon [?]. I will come in again come morning this week. Oh what a day this would have been for Coffiees [?, sic] had I send you back the "Overland" this +++ of first. bright strong +++ writing! & the poetry is far from bad. I have the +++ & will

[page 2] bring them to you myself. they are quite safe with me. I want very much to introduce to you the bearer [?] of this--a brother in law of my niece Emma Cushman. a man of tender nature but with marked ability. & a great deal of knowledge of books & politics. He was at the age of 19. almost principal editor of one of the most important St Louis newspapers.

[page 3] circumstances have thrown a cloud over his life. & subdued him--but you will find him exceedingly interesting. Take time--for my sake. & his own & if it ever comes in your way to reach out a helping right hand of fellowship to him. in The way of writing or enticising [sic] or any thing, remember that you are doing me a great kindness. if you will extend it towards him--His wife & children and himself are situated

[page 4] here in Cambridge, in young Farmers [?, sic] house. Mrs Carr [Cornelia Carr]. is one of the most elegant little women. & graced the salons [?] of the Dex's [?] & +++ the last winter in Paris - with charming manners & exquisite +++. I hope to make her known to Annie who will like her very much. He will send this note up to you to ask if there is any answer so you will see him now--or make an appointment for him to come in & see you when you are not [?] busy. but offer him your protection & you will make something of him for himself & yourself. for you seem to me to have the power

[page 1 added vertically] to make of people what you will. I think you are the great original philosophers [sic] stone. you turn every thing to pure gold addio. I will see you soon. I am ever affy [affectionately] Yours
Charlotte C