Letter from Emma Stilwell to Charlotte Cushman, June 21, 1875

Dublin Core

Title

Letter from Emma Stilwell to Charlotte Cushman, June 21, 1875

Subject

Actors and Actresses--US American
Cushman, Charlotte Saunders, 1816-1876
Fame
Family
Finances
Frustration
Relationships--Patrons and Protégés
Religion

Description

In this partially disjointed letter, Stilwell tells Cushman about her own childhood dreams of becoming an actress, growing up in a Methodist family. Being 31 now, she is teaching in a district school for meager wage and asks Charlotte for advice on how to proceed with an acting career that will pay her debt.

Credit

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

Creator

Stilwell, S. Emma

Source

LoC, CCP 13

Date

1875-06-21

Type

Reference

Letter Item Type Metadata

Text

[3800] Miss Cushman
Nearly my first day. dreams were of becoming an actress — however bred by methodist parents (my father a minister soon after) these dreams began I was — disappointed of the hope by being +++ of them or if our Church literature that such people were considered as acl aliens from religious society if not from heaven at least — As young as I

[3800 reverse] was —  so young that I wonder where in the seclusion of our country life and she meager range of my reading I ever found food for such — imagining — this was a sad enlightening for one — afterward — as dream I must — it was of book making — but the reality has been school teaching year after year — a wide field I grant[?] and satisfactory if — but I am — taking much liberty and will hasten to the Conclusion — At thirty one. I find myself again teaching a district school for a trifle over a dollar per day — out of which board is to be paid — I strive to get out of the ill paying work — at encouraged by

[3801] friends (who would not have flattered) to spending time and money in the study of Elocution (under Prof. +++ A. of Chicago) I found myself at the end of a year — After commencing teaching the same — receipts about $3,00. expenditure at least $375, and than to risk the further increase — am again teaching district school to strive to make up the deficit — interest of the same at least — There's many reasons for me to strive to become what I wish you to tell me how to become — I pause. my pen hesitating to pen what you may deem egotism – but I do feel and know that I might as an actress of Tragedy

[3801 reverse] lift — the load of poverty from +++ sisters and brothers and thus not have +++ in vain – I confess beside it all I think I partake of the noble ambition of minds like your own that have made for your – profession – friends who were enemies and judge without mercy – But I am ignorant of the first steps — The only bit of tragedy I ever beheld upon the stage (and I must confess that I imagine more than I witnessed) was Mrs Siddons as Lady Macbeth — Miss Cushman can you help me with advice – tell me what to study — tell me how — I can but believe you will pardon this wearisome letter

[3802] and of your experience reach a helping hand — to one who knows not where else to ask I am yours Emma S. Stilwell +++ — +++ Co. Pa.

From

Stilwell, S. Emma

To

Cushman, Charlotte Saunders, 1816-1876

Social Bookmarking

Collection

Citation

Stilwell, S. Emma, “Letter from Emma Stilwell to Charlotte Cushman, June 21, 1875,” Archival Gossip Collection, accessed March 28, 2024, https://www.archivalgossip.com/collection/items/show/381.

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