Partial Transcript of Letter from Emma Stebbins to Sidney Lanier, Nov 29, 1877

Partial Transcript of Letter from Emma Stebbins to Sidney Lanier, Nov 29, 1877

Stebbins, Emma, 1815-1882

Lanier, Sidney, 1842-1881

Cushman, Charlotte Saunders, 1816-1876

Cushman, Edwin "Ned" Charles, 1838-1909

Crow, Wayman, 1808-1885

Transcript

Family

Fame

Finances

Intimacy--As topic

Arts--Literature

Reputation

Emma Stebbins deems Charlotte Cushman's time in England to be the most difficult period to cover for the biography due to the lack of facts. Stebbins is very concerned about the idea that the biography is mostly based on facts as opposed to insecure memories or a 'literary ability' which she lacks. Looking for financial security, she asks Lanier what he thinks about finding a new publisher that pays more than Osgood.


Transcripts by Jennie Lorenz

Credit

Library of Congress, Charlotte Cushman Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Stebbins, Emma, 1815-1882

LoC, JLP 2

1877-11-29

Reference

[…] Mr. Crow, who is usually a sanguine man (Mrs. Cushman’s father – and the Chief trustee) writes the most gloomy letters from St. Louis, whick make Mr. Cushman quake in his shoes – (this is between ourselves) [...] have succeeded in compiling about six chapters – comprising the most difficult period - +++ the English one – the materials were very desultory - & it has been a +++ and difficult task, which has convinced me more & more as I have gone on, that no one but myself could have done it – it is a simple & straightforward record – mingling of facts & memories & a few fancies drawn from them – put together with no literary ability, to which I have no claim, but possessing at least the merit of being done con amore [last two words underlined], and with the most earnest desire to do justice to the noble woman – as well as to the true artist. The chapters thus far seem to give entire satisfaction to the family and were also approved by friends in whose judgment I have confidence. If I could only bribe my own approval I should be glad. but that is a thing that I have never been able to do yet, and probably never shall, I want now to ask you one or two business questions, since you were concerned with me in that part of the affair. – Do you think that the contact made with Osgood & Co, was as favorable a one as I could procure? Would I be justified to give the book to a higher bidder if I could find one? or am I in honour bound to Osgood? – when he abrogated the contact – he expressly reserved what he called the right to publish the book whenerver it was written It seems to me that now the circumstances are altered – he will not be called upon to advance money – and therefore +++ to make more favourable terms. – I am more interested now in the pecuniary part of the enterprise than I was then. my financial affairs not being secure. and I have responsibilities which male me anxious. – Everybody thinks the book would sell itself – and although there has been delay, I am sure its announcement would arrise[?] all the old interest which must forever attach to the name of Miss Cushman. – I am not able yet to fix any time for publication – so much depends on my state – but if I keep along [?] as well as I have been of late – I may be able to get it ready by Fall – or perhaps one vol in the spring and another in the Fall – so you see you have plenty of time for your contribution […] I want to tell you there is a friend staying here now – who was also a great friend and lover of Miss C. – Miss Mary Martin – of +++, N.Y. […] She is a very intimate friend of the Seward family […]

Stebbins, Emma, 1815-1882

Lanier, Sidney, 1842-1881

Villa Cushman, Newport, RI, US

41.4899827

-71.3137707