Transcripts of Letters from Emma Stebbins to Sidney Lanier, Sept 21, [1875] & Oct 7, 1875

Emma Stebbins calls Charlotte Cushman "our Regina," like Helen Hunt, and writes about the obstacles that Cushman is facing, also in terms of health issues. Cushman's health has been improving.
Lanier seems to be lonely and has suffered from health issues as well. Stebbins sent Lanier "notes of introduction" for Boston.

Transcripts by Jennie Lorenz

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[page 1] Dear Mr Lanier You will see by my date, that we have been enabled to accomplish the much wished for trip to this place–but under great difficulties, owing to the fact that our Regina always has to meet and conquer, obstacles wherever she goes.–We left Newport in warm weather–but a great and sudden change I weather & bad storm met us at Boston–and accompanied as to Springfield, and the next day we got out of the train at Pittsfield in the face of a 'cold wave' of terrible intensity–arrived hre [sic] I was obliged to go to work to warm the house. by putting up stoves, etc. Fortunately dear Miss Cushman has been as watched & protected that she has not experienced any ill effects, as yet–and as I think benefitted by the change. the air of this place, undr [sic] the worst conditions is so much finer and more vital than that of Newport–that I venture to hope it may help her. She is of course bettr [sic] than when I last wrote, & steadily gaining Now we are very anxious about you–your account of yourself was not encouraging–and got hearing from you again troubled us. How is it with you? We both feel your loneliness and isolation, and wish earnestly we might be able to help you in some way. Is there any prospect whatever of your being able to move?–We are only here for a week or two–after which I close my house. We go back to /Boston—& it is just possible, Miss C. may have to remain there for some weeks to put herself under certain treatment—from which we have hope she may derive benefit.— Let us hear from you soon if possible–if only a postal card— With love from both. Ever yours faithfully, Emma S. The Evans House. Boston. Oct 7./75 Dear Mr. Lanier. If I could have written yesterday in answer to you demand for speedy news. I could have given you a much more cheering answer–but yesterday we travelled fo Lenox here, and whethr [sic] it has been the fatigue of the journey or the change of weathr [sic]–or a too tight +++ up of the nerves, in the bracing air of Lenox—now suddenly let +++—I know not—only that this morning. my dear friend was taken ill again with one of 

[page 2] these strange attacks of hers–and I am almost too anxious to write about it–except to you–who have been ill yourself and therefore must be indulged/I think it may not prove as serious as the last one–she was so much bettr [sic] and stronger in Lenox—and +++ the journey so well–and her nephew who met us at the station was struck by the improvement in her appearance–I think I told you we had determined to come to Boston for treatment—and here we are now likely to be for most of the winter–not in this house–but in apartments yet to be chosen–but an address will be left here when we move—if you can get time to come to see us. We were glad to find from the tone of your lettr [sic] that you are surely better – that is well—only to keep so— with no one to take care of you–and make you take care of yourself—that is the difficulty!–/pardon a hurried word, you do not say if you ever received my letter enclosing notes of introduction, to aid you in you search for an illustration–I sent it to your Brooklyn address I think you would like both there ladies–Miss Booth, and Mrs. Dodge–We shall enjoy the Florida look, I am sure— Yours ever faithfully,
E.