Transcript of Letter from Emma Stebbins to Sidney Lanier, March 27, 1876

In this letter to Sidney Lanier, Emma Stebbins laments that they "have nothing but letters and our memories to trust to" as the basis for their biography of Cushman, a perceived lack that was later turned into the book's title: Charlotte Cushman: Letters and Memories of Her Life.
Charlotte Cushman ostensibly had been "indifferent on the subject," which is why few relevant materials have been preserved in their shared household. Those which have been preserved are mixed with material that is "purely personal," and therefore should "pass through [Stebbins'] hands first" before they can be made public.
In the meantime, Stebbins recommends that Lanier should visit in old acquaintance in Philadelphia to obtain information about the early stages of Cushman's career, which Stebbins considers essential for their shared project.
Between these organisational matters, Stebbins repeatedly refers to the great love she has for Cushman and the loneliness she feels upon her loss. Stebbins closes by reporting of the expected visit of Emma Crow Cushman and Sallie Mercer.


Transcripts by Jennie Lorenz

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[page 1] My dear Lanier
I was beginning feel anxious at your silence, and feared that this hard & cruel month was dealing treachrously with you. My sister and myself have been compelled to keep indoors most of the times the world[?] seems oddly out of joint and all the elements apparently combine[?] to kill off the weaker member. Since the loss we mourn I hardly see the use of trying to live, that other sphere draws me so, as the days go by – and I feel less and less the impulse and power to keep up – But I must never forget that I am writing of speaking to those younger than myself who have not yet arrived at my point of view – and for whom life has not yet lost all its charm. Your letter tells me that you came to a stand still in the way of work, early in April. Am I to understand by this that you have not realized your project of joining Thomas's Orchestra? – I want you to/ keep me informed of all of your movements & plans - Edwin Cushman was in town yesterday on his way to St. Louis – and we talked over the possibility of your making a visit to Newport, whenever it would best suit you to do so He will write you himself on the subject My[?] movements are as yet somewhat vaguely defined. My friends say my mission is to live ard to serve I desire no better motto for what is left to me of life. I find myself still in that via[?] — not yet able to make plans independently – but I shall hope to divide my summer between Lenox and Newport - and shall certainy make the effort to be there at the same time with you – so that we may have an opportunity of talking our that mattr [sic] of the memoir which is slowly taking place in my mind – Of course you know as well as I do – that it is not a thing to be done in a hurry – no preparation has evr [sic] been made for it – no materials ever /gathered together – Miss Cushman has always been singuarly indifferent on the subject – she never kept journals or diaries - and I was much too hardworked during my life in Rome to do so greatly now to my regret - we have nothing but letters and our memories to trust to, & mine is of very little value so far as names dates & facts are concerned – There is much to be considered – I feel that it will be a work of time & of love to produce a worthy memorial of this great life – great in all its different phases – in its material aspect as well as in its high moral & spiritual significance." I propose now to begin at once collecting what materials there are – and as everything relating to hr [sic], was always mixed

[page 2] through her affections with much that was purely personal. no one but hr nearest & dearest as I was, and am thank God! – should have the sifting of these materials – It will be necessary for all to pass through my hands first – before my preparation for the public can be made. After that you & I can come to some understanding about it – mean/time let me have any thoughts or suggestions which may occur to you with reference to it. Ned was speaking to me of old Mr. Fredericks in Phil^a. Charlotte's oldest friend – and a perfect mine of reminiscences about hr [sic] – as he is very old – and already very infirm – it would seem important that we should procure[?] from him whatever he remembers of hr early time in the profession, and if you should be in Phil^a at all, as I thought you might be likely to be, on account of the Cantata it may be possible for your to do this – you know the Peacocks are intimate with Fredericks – and you could approach him with authority – from us, as we concerned in what he would also be deeply interested in – But I do want you to speak with me frankly and do not let me impose upon you anything difficult or impossible - let us know your position – and whatever will be needed in carrying out this sacred duty – will be provided – speaking of the Cantata – my sistr [sic], who has the most delicate and appreciative mind you can imagine has been reading it – and she is much struck with it – finds I think your meaning – which like music  stretches far back & forward & into the unknown – it is very much too good for the place & time/ but these things do not apply to space & time they are for the great heart of humanity – around which all the material facts are as visions & dreams & unrealities – I am pleased to be brought to rapport with your wife[?] and that any utterance of mine should elicit such gracious commendation will you thank hr [sic] for hr [sic] kind message, which is heartily recipocrated I hope we may meet[?] I hear from Mrs Cushman that she is coming to N.Y. on the 12 – to pass a few weeks with her children. I shall be very glad to be near hr [sic] once more - & see my dear Sallie again – I have felt very much my separation from all my associations – so suddenly & completely – it has made the great absence greater and the sense of a great presence/ more difficult – ah, the world without her is too lonesome! – Let me hear from you soon and hold me always with affectionate regard

Your friend –
Emma Stebbins
Do not forget to send me the poem of which you speak – I enclose you two sonnets by H.H. [Helen Hunt]– which you may not have seen – please keep them for me. She sent them some time ago & they appear this week in the Independent. I wish I could ease my heart in a sonnet!

address to
Sydney Lanier, Esq., 66. Centr St., Baltimore, (Md)