Letter from Charlotte Cushman to Hanson A. Risley, July 2, 1869

Charlotte Cushman finds herself in a "poor & nervous state of health" and seeks treatment in England. She turns to Risley for business advice submitting to gender steretypes: "I can not know so much about business as if I were a man."
She also mentions that her "nephew M^r Cushman was decapitated by Mr Fish," which is why Cushman asks for Risley's support on her nephew's behalf.

Credit

Hanson A. Risley Papers, 1774-1908, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University

[page 1] Dear Mr Risley
In consequence of my having fallen into a poor & nervous state of health. I am obliged to seek the quiet of This English mountain place where I am being treated Hydropathically[?] — which always makes me better. Thus I am brought nearer to my American friends. & it makes me reach

[page 2] out my hands in even this small way to find those I value in my own land. among others you will let me seek you. first to ask you to let me know if you have received the font & if you find it satisfactory. and then to ask you to let me hear from you about it, & about your own beings & doings— How your daughters are, & where they are purposing to spend this summer & then to ask you to drop me a line. as you promised. to let me know something about

[page 3] our mutual intrust[?] man +++ Stone C — what it has been doing and what its prospects are you know that as I woman I can not know so much about business as if I were a man. & where I have invested my small earnings I am naturally a little anxious to know how they are progressing — I shall be thankful to you for a line at your best leisure. addressed to me care of M^r Cushman Law Fire Insurance office 114 Chaucery Lane London. England
you know my nephew M^r Cushman was decapitated by Mr Fish. at

[page 4] [line missing] I thought I had deserved something at the hands of Mr Fish. but I suppose I could scarcely expect it. If there is a chance of getting any thing in the Treasury office gift I should be very glad. if you could use any influence for Mr Cushman either at New York or Boston. You must forgive me if I ask too much of you. I shall see you all next Summer I hope — when I purpose visiting the states again. Commend me to your daughters, & hoping to hear from you very soon. Believe me ever very truly yours
Charlotte Cushman
I saw the departure of our dear friend announced at Chicago. Bless him.