Transcript of Letter from Emma Stebbins to Sidney Lanier, April 10, 1878

Emma Stebbins informs Lanier that he does not have much time left to contribute to the biography as it will be handed over to the publisher soon. Stebbins needs to publish Cushman's memoir since since there is another one about to be published. She feels "fairly committed to the public" and suffers from the pressure as well as from the prospect of being confronted with critics.

Transcripts by Jennie Lorenz

Credit

LoC, JLP 2

[page 1] My Dear Lanier—

I have this morning received your lettr [sic], and hasten to state the case precisely as I now stand. In consequence of the threatened apperance of another memorial vol.—in advance of mine, I have been spurred on to a conclusion–perhaps not greatly to the advantage of the book, but it could not be helped. I promised Osgood, when he made the announcement to be ready by the 1^st of May—and as much sooner as possible. So I have worked had, and was enabled on Monday last to take the MSS. up to Boston, and arrange about its publication. I am so entirely inexperienced in such mattrs [sic], that I was surprised to be informed by Mr. Osgood that it could be brought out by the middle of May! – I have retained the three last chapters according to promise until Mrs Cushman returns from St. Louis, but immediately thereafter, I must/ despatch them With regard to your contribution, there is no longer time, nor space for anything very long–perhaps as you suggest, something in the form of a letter will be best, and it can be added to the last chapter, which is composed of tributes to their memory. I have spoken to Osgood about it, and he expects it, but there must be no delay. With your present busy life I can to scarcely see how you will do even that but I leave it to yourself–I think you will be glad to place your leaf upon her tank[?] Now that I am fairly committed to the public–I feel the full force of that ancient utterance of the Psalmist— I was it the psalmist– a Job?)– 'Oh that mine enemy had written a book'!—not that I/ think I have any enemies–really, only the critics–whose trade it is to find fault—, and who are nothing if not critical—and alas! I am conscious of so many faults!—I am like a soft shelled crab–before his new integument has hardened–very vulnerable–but I have been that all my life–forced by circumstances into hard shelled

[page 2] positions–But I hope she will still hold hr [sic] protecting shield ever me–as she always has done–and I shall escape, under cover of the love and tender interest which is so unversally felt for hr [sic]. You must be sadly overworked, my poor fellow—and yet this is comfort in knowing that you are able to work at all.—I have always wanted to tell you of a/ good kind simple remedy for your peculiar trouble, the value of which I have seen tested–It is only this add to me get of best Rye Whiskey–1 1/2 pounds of pure rock candy–let this melt togethr [sic]–it forms a pleasant and palatable cordial–take a small wine glassfull before every meal– It is strengthening, and cannot hurt you and it is said to act especially in +++ troubles. I am going back to NY. (16 Et 43d St) about the 20 th— on the 1st of May, I go to Hyde Park Duchess Co. N.Y.–pardon haste–with best remembrances to Mrs. Lanier

I am always yours faithfully

Emma Stebbins