Letter from Charlotte Cushman to Annie Fields, Jan 5, 1871

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[page 1] Dear friend
I have left your sweet note of welcome too long unacknowledged. but. believe me. The delay has been unintentional. my heart has been good to write every day since I read it - but I have found my days very very full lately. I am here. just trying what winter can be in this place. which all people report [?] as the mildest Eastern climate I can have in the north. & I am proving. dear. That it can be as better here - as any where.

[page 2] while in cities one can keep warm in the house. here. I find it quite impossible. These houses built for warm weather are like barns. they are so cold. & no place is warm but beds with four blankets. Emma & Mrs Garland were with me for a fortnight - but they deserted me last Wednesday — since when Anne +++ has been two days with me. & yesterday William Hunt & his wife came down to stay with me over today & tomorrow. Wont [sic] you & Jamie +++ down if the weather gets a little warmer ever. & see how I look. for I dont [sic] think I can get to Boston until the summer. I may be compelled to stop in New York for medical help the month of March.

[page 3] & after that, must go immediately to S Louis to Emma Cushman & her +++ for two months. Then I am due in Auburn & at Hyde Park & after that I shall come East again. I am looking for a house for Emma for the summer here & think I may make it a house for the year. so that I can come here later in the autumn if I choose. Will you not write & tell me that you & Jamie will come down here someday before I leave. (27" Feby [February]) & pass a day or two with me & talk over lots of things That have transpired +++ I saw +++ two happy contented fam [?]. Mrs Hunt will tell you of me. she is a diamond, aint [sic] she. I am very fond of them both but she is beautiful & fine. 

[page 4] How strange – but how right for Jamie to retire. You see I think the sense is in knowing when to retire. But it is very hard to be tempted back to work. as I have been this last week. by offers [?] from these [?] different cities [?] to read a lecture [?] or act. in each place more money offered me for a night [last three words inserted]! Than I ever made in two before. and I have not the courage to give myself the exertment or the fatigue! I dont [sic] like to be tempted. Ever my best love to Jamie - tell him I want you two to come & tell me any quantity of things as he always does & sets me going for Em [?] so long after I have seen him - Ever believe me affectionately 
Yours 
Charlotte Cushman