Letter from Kate Field to Emma Crow, May 20, 1860
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Library of Congress, Charlotte Cushman Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.Creator
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[3298]Dear know-nothing Emma;
Your politics & I approve of; you have shown yourself a consummate thimblerigger by absconding from the Democratic ranks as the doings of the Charleston convention predict the downfall of this once omnipotent faction. America seems in a fair way being blown up and I beseech you know nothing as you are to at least remain this side of the waters until the next Presidential election decides the union's fate. Hang the union I say, I am perfectly disgusted with it Italy is progressing nobly. Garibaldi is setting +++ on fire and Naples is expected to revolt before long. We are in perfect exstacies and were I a man this letter should be dated from the camp of les chasseurs des Alpes instead of quiet Florence. We are fearful sober now; since Victor Emanuel's departure we have had no excitement but now the war down South promises a little comfortable agitation. About Nouvelle Carte d'Europe has sent us into fits a capital mapping out and appropriation of other people's property and the handsome American plays quite an important part. you have read it? Mrs. Browning's poems are grand for the most part. She has lately sent a poem on Victor Emanuel to the N.Y. Independent which is very good. Mr. Trollope's new work "Filippo Strazzi" is full of valuable information and well worth your perusal. His brother Antony with Chapman the publisher are expected here has for a visit very shortly since I last wrote you my dear aunt discended upon us: for the space of five days - she came - we saw - she vanished, and I am left stranded upon despair. What is the use of affections - they are always getting
[3298 reverse] people into trouble - down with them. You are very much mistaken when you imagine that I have everything to my liking +++ a wrong idea on your part – to be sure I am in Italy but that is not the only desire one is supposed to be possessed of. If you could only see me without my boots as +++ says you would behold what unrequited hopes are. Romeo and Co. must be now en route for Paris and there as I understand, you are to meet the party. What a jolly time you will have! Tell Romeo of my aunt's solitary journey to me and that she will find her probably in New York. Mr. Albinold has left for North and sails for America June 18th. He is as fine man. Mr. Garnes leaves for the same +++ the middle of June taking with him a manuscript work on art and many of his pictures. Hubby that is Miss Blagden sometimes talks of going to England but I think she will decide upon Sienna provided the Brownings pass the summer there. Miss Cobbe leaves for England early in June after having endeavored herself to everyone. One never would imagine she was a "moral" person We probably go to +++ for July and August. The physician has recommended this change and it ought to be made I suppose. Mother's health is cosè cosè[?] and mine is improving. Do you know a new and shining light has risen up in the literary firmament of America? A woman withal that, is the best of it – a Miss Prescott
[3299] of Newburyport and a friend of some of my great friends. She has written Sir Rohan's Ghost - Amber Lads & c. These I have not been able to see but a story of hers in the Altantic Monthly for may called "circumstances" is very bold, graphic and intensely original. I recommend it to you. The author is only twenty-four and is destined, it seems to me, to arrive at great things. I have written to her with yankee assurance, in the hope of extorting reply and finding out what she is made of. They say she is very reserved, good looking and I should fancy – very good. This last characteristic is decidedly a drawback for a person accustomed to the laissez-faire life of Florence. Before long, I shall have become thoroughly unfit for American society. Miss Riggs the young lady from New York, whom some report to be worth $ 50000. and other nothing at all, is said to be engaged to any Italian officer, poor but of good family. Miss. Coalley the other rich girl in prospective is engaged positively to George Magnay[?], the jockeylooking man, in the bank of +++ and Smith here. The young lady might have done much better in America - but fools are yet walking about the earth. Florence its positively bewitching - the weather is fine though rather warm and foliage is revelling in luxury. Yesterday we visited the celebrated gardens of Rencellai, once in possession of Lorenzo the Magnificent and where Macliavelli and others used to
[3299 reverse] assembled in a temple +++ for the purpose, where the discussed Play and philosophy generally [inserted] This lovely garden and villa is within the walls of a the city and now owned by +++ Piombino of Rome I am still sitting in oil[?] as aunt Corda when here decided on a profile instead of ful face. The first painting will be finished and retained by the artist unless some of my enemies will have the kindness to buy it. +++ bidder[?] goes to America and I am in hope he can dispose of it there, that be may[?] get the money. Aunt Corda takes the profile, a most unsatisfactory species of likeness I think. Have you been taken in photograph for me? Those little cards are very pleasant souvenirs of friends. Send me Mary also. Emma Crow, talk of knownothings! why I more than belong to the +++ judging from this stupidissimo letter See what you have brought upon yourself, by a correspondence with me. But you who are travelling almost constantly alighting upon novelties cannot of expect the came brilliance[?] from a poor, steady, mill horse who does nothing but- read Italian newspapers and dream of decapitating Francis Joseph and +++ no 2 or Bourbone.[?] If you won't have politics you must have worse. Mother joins me in love to Mary and Miss +++ not forgetting yourself
Ever your political persecutor
Kate Field