Transcript of Letter from Emma Stebbins to Sidney Lanier, Feb 18, 1877
Dublin Core
Title
Subject
Description
Emma is able to grant Lanier a loan which he requested the prior year.
Transcripts by Jennie Lorenz
Credit
Library of Congress, Charlotte Cushman Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.Creator
Source
Date
Type
Letter Item Type Metadata
Text
[page 1] (Johns Hopkins Univ.)
New York Feb 18 1877 16. East 43d St.
My dear Lanier—
On this day, of all days the saddest! which took from us—"The sweetest soul that ever looked with human an eyes!—I feel like writing to you, and you only.–your poet soul saw keep into her beautiful nature, and lived and honoured it truly—and ever at this distance from as you–I feel in greater sympathy with you–than with anyone else–. How I must feel on this first anniversary of hr [her] loss, how the lapse of time has but intensified day by day its sadness–you will surely understand I have heard indirectly of you–through our good friends the Peacocks–Sallie who has been with me for a time, went on also to Phila, and saw them, and brought me back word about you–I grieve to know you are still surffering–but I trust earnestly the return of the more genial season—I may build you up again. a lovely little sonnet–republished in the Eveg Post—'To the Redbreast of Tampa [Tampaz?] [inserted] was an pleasant evidence that you were breathing a softr[?] air—and beginning summer early–about us–poor souls, the rough March winds–and the ugly city dust, is already whirling – – I have been bettr [sic] during the wintr [sic]—Then I had any reason to expect—but I am still an invalid–alleged to lead a very quiet–useless life. The work, goes on very slowly—no more as yet—than a fitting in—of crude material,—nothing at all from England. It is making bricks without straw or skill—which is a worse plight lad than that of the Isrealites.–But I do work a little and I think that little keeps me alive.—Sallie's wonderful memory help me—and her absolute confidence that I shall get well and be strong to do this—is bettr [sic] than medicine or doctors.—
[page 2] Now Dear & you will remember that last summer you asked me for a loan, of which I was then able to send you only a part–just now, I have been paid an unexpected Dividend—and it will give me a real pleasure— if you will let me place the enclosed at your disposal— I only wish it were ten times as much—but you will credit me with the will to untold amounts— My love to Mrs. Lanier—who is much in my thoughts and in my heart. the I trust the Southern climate has belped hr [sic] also—but I hardly dare to expect hope it, under the pressure of her anxieties. for yr god bless, & comfort, and strengthen you both– Yours in sacred remembrance
Emma Stebbins
[addressed to] Sydney Lanier Esq. Tampa Florida ([on back of envelope (,different ink)] [Gibsen] Gibson Peacock 1425 Walnut St. Philad
