Letter from Charlotte Cushman to Algernon Chase, Oct 8, 1857

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[page 1] Dear friend.
Too late in the day, but with all the love in my heart. I commend myself to your kind indulgence. for not sooner replying to your kind and welcome letter of the 4". which reached me in due time. Thoroughly like your generous & hospitable selves it is, & I fully & entirely appreciate all your goodness.- I will come & stay with you when I come to Baltimore. if you will have me. if only to show you that I can accept hospitalities with all the frankness in which they are

[page 2] offered. It is more blessed to give than to receive. & you will find compensation [?] in your own hearts. if not in my conduct. I am situated a little awkwardly I fear. I have invited my friend Miss Stebbins. (sister of Henry S. Stebbins of N. Y.) to go to Phil^a [Philadelphia] & Baltimore with me. & should scarcely feel myself justified in bringing a stranger to you. But we shall see? Miss Hays has not come to America this time. she [i]s busy editing a journal in London in company with a friend. so Emily must "keep her memory green"! & live on that for the present. It is better than "+++ in coffee". My engagement here. is very

[page 3] wonderful indeed considering the times. wonderful for any times. but particularly for these which "do try +++ souls." This makes my stay here a little uncertain. I may stay longer or shorter at all events. you shall have timely warning of my coming southwards & not be unexpectedly pounced upon! ever my kind love to Maria. I shall be very proud of her as a "servant" but hope she wont [sic] make herself too "Cavalier". as I am sensitive though old! Kiss all the +++ for me. I shall be so glad to see them all again. [rest of the page missing]

[page 2 reverse] know how. Sallie sends her kind love to the Children & Mrs Chase [?] if they will accept it & look forward with great pleasure to seeing you all again. I write in great haste. for I am very very busy. but ever. with best love to yourselves & yours
Your attached friend
Charlotte Cushman