Transcript of Letter from Emma Stebbins to Sidney Lanier, Dec 21, 1880

This time, it was Lanier who was ill and could not reply to Stebbins's letters. Stebbins is once again addressing financial issues as she refuses to be repaid the sum of money that Lanier was paid for his contribution to Cushman's biography. Eventually, he did not write anything because of a quarrel and misunderstanding with Stebbins.

Transcripts by Jennie Lorenz

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[page 1] My dear Lanier 
I have just received your letter, and am glad and yet sorry to hear from you. glad, that the long  silence is broken, and very sorry to know that it  had been illness as well as pressure of work which  has caused it. I thought from seeing the announcements  of your books in the papers, that you were perhaps  +++ you ailment, and in bettr [sic] health. —  With regard to the sum of money which you wish to repay me – You will pardon me, if I decidedly refuse to receive it – at least I think you will when you hear my reasons. I never looked upon it as a loan, but  always as a small – very small, compensation to you for the trouble and expense, to which you were subjected at the time I was compelled to disappoint you about the Book. — I think when you/ reflect upon it - you will see that it was no more than justice — and will not subject me to positive pain by returning it to me  — Do not let any question of pride step in between us, I have always had the truest regard  for you - for her [Cushman's] sake, as well as your +++, and I  am sure you will not wound me by refusing me this favor, I hope earnestly you may be bettr [sic] when this reaches you - I should like to hear how  you are getting on If you do not feel able to write perhaps your wife will kindly do so — With my  best wishes — and sympathy for her 
I am always

[page 2] your faithful friend 
Emma Stebbins 
I am in better health than I have been  even  for a long time, and am able to work a little, which is a great pleasure to me.