1706. Summer St., Phila
April 4th 1887 Monday Morning
[1887/04/04]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
Your letter of the 2nd is just now received. There was no mail brought to the house yesterday. As you have decided to publish your article on Wolsley I hope you will fortify yourself & buckle on the armor of indifference "against the slings & arrows" of outrageous malice for your enemies north & south will be down on you. I consider it a very fine article but I do not like to run the risk of seeing you made unhappy & dejected without cause. Your reasons are certainly good for the Rebs ought not to have the entire field & moreover you ought to be well paid for whatever you do. I wish you would write your reminiscences of the time since the War & leave it to be published for it would be a fortune for the children and a most interesting & entertaining work - besides being authority to later compilers of history. Your estimate of men is not the same as mine for there are some men - Garfield for one whome much overestimate - but your opinion will have great weight with future generations. I have supposed that I might outlive you a great many years but this past winter has told on me seriously & I am not now certain but that you will outlive me. You have always been very liberal & generous with me in money matters & I know you always will be even though you imagine that I give too much away - You like to growl a little but you have never questioned me or held me to a strict account. I have given away a good deal for one of my means but it has been my own money - generally. At dear Father's death I got $17,000- seventeen thousand dollars in all & before his death I had had from him a great deal & all is now gone except the balance you owe me on the St. Louis lots and my interest in the coal & a little piece of land over it - I enclose the two drafts of Lizzie's & mine & wish you to send me drafts in my name & hers to use here - These are certificates of deposit & instead of making them in our names they made them in yours, so please send me a draft or drafts for them. I fear you will not be comfortable without a parlor. If Mr. Hitchcock had been at home he would have given you a parlor for the same price which you now pay for the two rooms. By the 1st of May - before that - I will let you know how much I shall need. I do not wish to spend my own money on the family except for presents & it is out of that I must help Virginia. Lizzie sends best love.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
Phila
April 11th 1887. Monday afternoon.
[1887/04/11]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I am greatly obliged to you for the newspapers &c. this morning received. I fear you will grow impatient at the number but if you will have them left on your table & will send them to me it will be a great satisfaction. I will enclose a little mem: telling when & where to send.
We took dinner at Elly's yesterday evening taking the 240 train out & the 819 train back. Cumpy is there & is going with Mr Thackara Mont to a large ball match this p.m. & then coming to see us. He goes over to New York on Wednesday but he has to be in N. Haven Thursday. He does not allow himself long with you, for he thinks it is cheaper staying at Elly's. He don't spend any of his money unnecessarily. We will not go to Elly's until Thursday Morning. We have a few visits to make here & I am going again to Dr. Da Costa after a day or two. He made a thorough examination of my case & says the entire trouble is from the heart - that it is an affection of the muscles of the heart & the difficulty in breathing which I suffer from is cardiac asthma - I met Mr. Childs there the last time I called & he says they want to make you President but you will not consent.
Elly will be rejoiced to have you here for the play - Lizzie & I will meet you here & we will exchange Rachel for Lizzie - you and I - We are feeling the heat very much today & Lizzie feels indisposed but only slightly so. Give Rachel my best love. I will write her in the morning. Tell Mr. Barrett that you will send my mail please.
As I will be traveling &c I suppose you can give me from the 1st of May - the 700 - which you paid, if you are not willing to give me that much then you will give it to me from the time we all go to Lake George - $600 before that & $700 after that - Tell me what you think about it.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
I will tell Cumpy what you say about Maggie Stetson but as he told me he had to be at Yale on Thursday he will not be able to stay in N.Y. I am sure -
Bryn Mawr Pa.
April 21st 1887.
[1887/04/21]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I gave your letter to Elly to read & she will answer you regarding the date of the play which will be the 5th & not the 4th as they at first decided. The Lafayette is the better Hotel for you to stop at. On second thoughts I hardly think I had better stop as it would be an expense & yet I would like to see you & Rachel as I go west. I am very much obliged to you for the C. Review which I received this morning. This is Rachel's reception day & she is fortunate in the weather. It must have taken you back to old times to dine with friends of your Uncle Charles Hoyt. I should think you could attend the Loyal Legion & the play both in Phila.
You did not say anything in reply to my suggestion about giving Rachel a hundred dollars a month. I shall have to ask you to give her some now for herself - you gave her $100- for Florence Hoyt's present but she needs for herself now & what I got $400- out of it $100. was paid at the hotel for extras & carriage hire & I now pay as I go for Lizzie & myself & I cannot spare Rachel any. The $250. of my money I want for special purposes & cannot use for the family expenses. The months that Rachel would not need the $100- she would save in order to have enough for her dresses when the season opens next winter. She needs some now & we can discuss the balance later if you prefer - I would rather you would supply her next winter & then give me what you think you can give me for I do not care to interfere any more in her affairs - it destroys the perfect peace we would otherwise have & would leave my mind free of responsibility. She needs money now & I cannot spare it now - Who composed the Moulton party? Was Celia there? I hope Fanny has recovered. Give her my love when you see her - All send love to you.
As ever yours,
Ellen.
[EES]
We went in town today & I saw Dr. Da Costa who desired to be particularly remembered to you -
Bryn Mawr
April 22nd? 1887 Tuesday evening
[1887/04/22]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
Thanks for the papers received - the one I care most about did not come - the Catholic Review delivered at 5th Ave: Sunday Morning. You forgot to send me the Sunday Tribune. The weather has been so bad we could not drive so we have decided to stay here until Monday 25th. I shall not stop over in Phila for Elly's play because I am really not well enough to attend it & it will be a uselss expense for me. I think you had better stop at the Hotel where Lizzie will join you & Rachel had better bring her trunks directly to Elly's where she will stay a week after the play. I may stop over night at the Hotel with you but not the night of the play - We might meet at the Hotel the 4th & the play is set for the 5th altho' it was first put down for the 4th.
The boarding house where we staid is too plain a place for you. You & Rachel seem to keep very busy. All send love - the children are hearty & happy -
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
220. I. St. N.W. Washington D.C.
April 30th [1887]
[1887/04/30]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
Today you and Rachel have completed a month at the hotel without the rest of us. I hope they will not charge you very high. On Thursday we will meet at the Lafayette in Philadelphia & the next day I shall proceed to Minnie's. I have been obliged to hire a woman whom I shall take with me because I cannot dress myself when my attack is at all severe. It hurts me to raise my arms or move my body except very slowly. I suffered extremely the day & night of my arrival here but I am now much easier and I feel greatly encouraged by Dr. O'Reilly's assurance that the asthmatic symptoms & attacks will after awhile wear away. He says there is not the shadow of doubt about the heart being affected but the muscular asthmatic trouble will not continue long. I am enjoying myself very much & have seen the most of our friends whom I care to see - Cecelia, Eliza, & Lizzie Cameron & her baby have all been here & this p.m. Lizzie is to send her carriage for me to drive. Dr. & Mrs. Moore have been to see me & are coming again. I was unfortunately lying down when Charley Hoyt called but he will call again. Lizzie goes today to Annapolis to spend Sunday with Anne Van Schroeder & will return on Monday - I have letters from Minnie & Elly this morning. I wish I could see dear Cumpy who is to be with you tomorrow. Give him & Rachel my best love -
As ever yours,
Ellen Ewing Sherman
[EES]
[220 I. St., Washington]
[May, about the 2nd, 1887] Tuesday Morning
[1887/05/02]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
You had better notify them at the Lafayette that you do not want a parlor, for they charge about twenty dollars a day for a parlor besides charging for bed rooms & board. Lizzie came up from Annapolis yesterday & found your letter at her Uncle John's. We will go over to Phila some time Thursday & I will be at the hotel whereas Lizzie will go to Elly's for she (Lizzie) wishes to stay with Elly until Sunday afternoon for the purpose of hearing the Bishop preach in the morning. I expect to leave Phila Friday.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
[Washington]
[May, about the 3rd, 1887] Wednesday Morning
[1887/05/03]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I was weighed in a Drug Store last week & I weigh exactly the same as when I left St. Louis 165 lbs.
When we went to Washington in 1869. Mrs. Grant weighed 175 & I weighed 150 - so I am not a monstrosity even yet, nor in danger of dying of mere fat. I know about Mrs. Grant's weight & mine because we were weighed at the White House one afternoon when I was spending the afternoon with her. I am going to Lake George before the 1st of July but Cumpy will not join us until after the Commencement at Yale - but the $600 will do me for June.
You might give Rachel a hundred dollars every month for her clothing & even then she will lean on me for a large amount. You will have plenty of money & she needs a great deal to keep up society - Elly is most happy that you are coming to her play. We will expect you at Lake George soon.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
[near Pittsburg] Edgewood Pa.
May 18th 1887
[1887/05/18]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
On Monday I received your telegram and yesterday your letter written on your return from Washington. I am sorry you have to have such work done in your mouth it is so disagreeable but I hope the Dentist will not be too slow about it. All are well here. The place is simply charming & the children are as happy and as free as the birds that hop about the lawn in perfect security and regardless of the screeching trains which pass every ten minutes.
Minnie & Rachel go to the City to attend a lunch party at one o'clock & then to Mrs. McCooks to a "full dress" reception, at four or five, where Rachel is to receive with Mrs. McC. Tomorrow afternoon Minnie has a reception and Friday Morning we leave for Detroit but so far as we can learn there is a detention in Toledo of five hours for a train, in which case we will stay there over night & go into Detroit by the first train Saturday morning. We will stay in Detroit about ten days. Rachel has had letters & telegrams from Mrs. Alger & her daughter who have invited company to meet her on Monday evening. My address in Detroit will be 376. Jeff: Ave: - It is a boarding house kept by a good family who have been reduced. Mrs. Elbert wrote me inviting me as a visitor which I declined of course politely. General De Russey - or his family (I do not know whether the the old General is living) are boarding there & it is just opposite dear Tom's abode. All send you best love.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
Detroit Michigan (376 Jefferson Ave across the Street from the Jesuits)
May 23. 1887. Monday.
[1887/05/23]
[WTS]
Dearest Cump, Yesterday I went from late Church to Mrs. Poe's to dinner, and on my return here late in the afternoon I was agreeably surprised to find a letter from you of the 20th. I had not supposed there would be a Sunday delivery & indeed there was not, but one of the gentlemen goes on Sundays to the P.O. & brings the mail for all. I was too tired to write yesterday as I had intended, for the weather is extremely warm. Rachel is in high feather at Gov. Alger's - and enjoys their kind attentions, their handsome house and the carriage & all the luxury which their wealth commands. Gov. A- is a great favorite here & uses his wealth most generously & handsomely, & the ladies of the family are very pleasant. Rachel dined at Mrs. Poe's with me. Tonight four hundred guests are invited to meet Rachel at Gov. Alger's & next week an expedition to the country somewhere is arranged for a party of young people - which jumps with Rachel's humor she being one of the nervous indefatigable Shermans - I have quiet lovely quarters opposite dear Tom's school rooms & he gets in two or three times a day to sit a few moments with me. Last night I took no supper (after Mrs. Poe's good dinner) & this morning I had my breakfast before the other lady boarders were down so I have had no opportunity to deliver your message to Col. De. Russey but I shall do so at lunch. Genl Poe is well & very friendly & pleasant. I will write again in a day or two.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
Detroit,
May 25, 1887.
[1887/05/25]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
Yesterday several ladies from Ft. Wayne called & among them Mrs. Black and her Daughter who both desired to be cordially remembered to you. They were at Atlanta when you & Lizzie & the Van Vleits were there. The De Russeys also desire affectionate regards to you, especially young Miss De Russey who is very pretty.
I am very sorry you have to go through the trial of new teeth but I hope the worst of it will soon be over. You & Lizzie appear to be quite gay - taking little trips & planning more. I shall leave here some time next week - perhaps Tuesday & perhpas not for several days later. Rachel wants to return to New York to see the Blaines off & I do not care about having her in Ohio so she will arrange to go by the 3rd or 4th & the Governor & his daughters will go as far as Buffalo with her the Gov: taking his private car. She will notify you in due season.
I will come East about the 9th or 10th of June & Rachel will then join me for I am not going into N.York it costs too much to go into that City & three times too much to stay in it! I may go to Atlantic City for a week or so before going to Lake George. I wish you would send me my June money here & send it in two checks or drafts as I do not wish to cash it all at once. Before the 1st of May I asked you to give Rachel a hundred dollars for I knew from experience that she would have bills or indebtedness for that amount. You asked her if she wanted $100 & she said she might need $20- or $25 more for the wedding which you gave her & which she spent for her trimmings &c for the occasion. Now the bills are in & they amount to $102 Please give Lizzie $100- (not of my money) & I will send her the bills which she will settle. Mr. Barrett had paid out the $125 I sent him for odd accounts. I am to begin the 1st of June to give Rachel an allowance & she promises to have no more bills but she cannot hold her own in N.Y. without spending a good deal of money.
Yours ever,
Ellen
[EES]
a copy (Attached clipping) GENERAL SHERMAN FALLS IN LOVE
Gen. Sherman has just returned from his visit to Washington and professes himself in the position of the Lancastrian lover to the York maiden. He has fallen in love with that well-mannered and gifted young lady, Mrs. Grover Cleveland. He met her for the first time in Washington the other day at a Cabinet dinner, and sat by her side.
"She is a very remarkable girl," he said, in describing the interview, "perfectly quiet and self-possessed, and absolutely without affectation, accepting the dignity of her position with almost a queenly graciousness. I thought her very like the Princess of Wales, and I told her so, and she was very much pleased. Mr. Bancroft, who is very fond of her, remarked to me that it seems impossible for any bachelor or widower President to be elected a second term, and we both decided we'd hate to have this pretty creature turned out. She has not shown the slightest preference in her friendships to her husband's political supporters, and some of her most ardent admirers are the wives of men who are themselves prominently before the public as candidates for the Presidency. Mrs. John Sherman is one of her stanchest friends."
After spending an hour and a half with her, tete-a-tete, the next day he was still able to tell her at parting that he had seen a great many of the ladies of the White House, and not one of them was more his idea of what an American President's wife should be than is this young and lovely woman. - Hartford Courant.
Detroit
June 3, 1887 Friday
[1887/06/03]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I enclose you a slip from the paper which has been mentioned to me many times & I have been as often asked if you really did dine at the White House recently. Please let me know how much authority there is for the story as I shall have it brought to my notice wherever I go. On Monday morning I shall start for Columbus reaching there about three in the afternoon. I will stay there a week at least & possibly longer. Rachel will leave here tomorrow at noon with Mrs. Alger & her daughter for N.Y. via Buffalo & she will join me when I go East & most likely be at some place outside of N.Y. waiting for me.
As I said to Lizzie yesterday I recived your check in due time. I cashed it on Wednesday without difficulty Gov: Baldwin & Mr. Sheldon being at the Bank when Mrs. Alger went there with me. Gov. Alger was out of the City that day but he returned that evening in time for the banquet of the Loyal Legion of which he was nominated President by acclamation.
I have been out in Mrs. Alger's carriage so much that I have not had time to answer your last letter earlier. I think you had better remain where you are for this next winter & let Lizzie & me go to a quiet boarding house in Philadelphia during the gay months & when the weather & the streets preclude my getting out in N.Y. I can board in Phila (with Lizzie) & hire a carriage when I need it for less than it costs us in N.Y. for a room. I can see Elly & the children without the expense of entertaining them & Cumpy can visit me there with less expense than in N.Y. By the time Cumpy gets through at N.H. we can then make some such arrangement as you suggested - only I would not be willing to go to Yonkers or Irvington or any place suburban reached by railroad. By the time we are ready for the change we will find something to suit us.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
Lizzie tells me you were not very well on Tuesday but I imagine it was from fatigue.
My Columbus Address will be 48. S. Washington Ave:
[Lake George]
July 5, 1887 Tuesday
[1887/07/05]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
Yesterday Cumpy arrived much to our satisfaction. Having been caught Saturday night in Albany & finding no Sunday trains he staid there over Sunday & came up on the early train Monday. He did not go to New York & he proposes to write you his own explanation. His canoe is pronounced a beauty and he & the girls are lost in admiration of it. Rachel got your letter telling her not to venture out in it & she & Cumpy both request you to withdraw your opposition. Cumpy says if you will consent to her going in it he will not take her out except when the lake is perfectly calm - the canoe is 2 ½ feet wide & much longer than the boat Rachel uses. The lake is rough today & a strong wind is blowing - or rather a strong breeze yet he found it perfectly easy to manage it when out for an hour or two in it this morning. Please remember to say if you are willing for Rachel & (I suppose) Lizzie to go in it -
There isn't money enought in the world to induce me to go in it. Cumpy looks splendidly & he thinks we have a charming place here. A great many enquiries are made concerning you & the people generally are anxious to have you come up - I hope you are having a pleasant trip to Providence &c. and that nothing will prevent your anticipated yacht trip.
As ever yours,
Ellen.
[EES]
"Lake George"
"End of July, about the 20th 1887" Saturday
[1887/07/20]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
In answer to yours of 25th I would say that we shall have to consult still farther & finally decide definitely & distinctly upon what we shall do. Out of the $400- you proposed for me I was to give Rachel (as I give her now) $60 a month. I pay for the washing of all the family which is $40. a month; I pay my maid $15 & I fear she is a necessity & I pay for extras on the hotel bill somewhere between fifty & a hundred dollars, which covers my cab hire for Church & our message extra meals &c. &c. &c. If you wish all calls returned Rachel's carriage hire will be necessarily unlimited especially if she goes to parties dinners &c. &c. &c. besides, we shall have to meet the difficulty & settle it before she rushes in. I would prefer to have you give me for my own individual use - and let Lizzie see to the rest for I cannot contend with it. I wish to be free to go to see Elly & to be near her a portion of the winter. I can get the price of my room deducted & that, with what you may give me a month will pay for me in Phila during Dec: Jan: & Feb: As I am incapable of taking any useful part in life & as I am drawing to the time of my departure from this world I must ask to be so situated as to be able to assist at Mass of mornings. I would like to have a room at a hospital or Convent in Phila for those three months & I could then hear Mass without going out of doors. I could later in the day take a ride in the street cars or a cab & keep up a better state of health than last winter. A hundred a month you might perhaps give me besides the difference in my room when I am absent - I am late for the mail - am better but not yet able to dress.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
Lake George
End of July, about the 25th 1887 Tuesday Noon.
[1887/07/25]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
Lizzie has a letter from you this morning & I hope we shall continue to hear regularly as they make it pleasant for us when the time would seem long without them.
It seems to me you have hit upon a good plan now - namely - to be the guest of Mr. Brislin all the year - either in N.Y. or at his country house. Being on the European plan will suit us much better, than the ordinary way and the Gilsey House is pleasantly situated.
When I go to Phila I do not want any of the family with me - Lizzie would not be happy away from you & Rachel could not stay where I would be. I will not necessarily take a room in a Convent - (indeed I fear I would not be able to secure one) but it would be nice for me if I could get to Mass of mornings without going out of doors. I think it likely I can get a room in some family near a Church. I do not intend to give out that I am there for three months but that I am there temporarily for my health - which will leave me in desired seclusion & will account for my being there.
Dear Cumpy left this morning for Woodstock to return here again & remain until time for his return to Yale. I miss him - Tom can give him more time now than a week later & Cumpy preferred to go now.
The present condition of my leg proves that I could not hope to get away before the middle of Sepr and that being the case I will remain until Cumpy leaves - the 18th or thereabouts. I shall not get to Pittsburgh but shall go to Phila directly from here & spend the time with Elly until the 1st of Oct. Rachel leaves on Monday. You seem to be having a good time.
As ever,
Ellen
[EES]
[Lake George]
Wednesday August 3rd 1887.
[1887/08/03]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
The letter with the checks came yesterday many thanks! Rachel has this morning your letter inviting her to go on the yacht trip & she will answer promptly.
Cumpy left this morning at half past four o'clock in his canoe to make a sort of "tour" of the lake to return on Saturday. He took some sandwiches but he expects to stop often for meals. I will be glad when he gets back, for it is something of a risk, no matter how confident he may be. All send best love to you. The G.A.R.'s are crazy to have you here at their reunion - if you cannot come you are requested to send a letter to be read shewing that engagements prevent your coming. There are twelve real veterans who have set their hearts on seeing you here. Lizzie forwarded to you the invitation & the letter will give you the name of the person to address. Elly's children have the hooping cough & the little trip to Naragnasett will cure them.
By next summer I hope you will have a place for us, near the City, where you can come conveniently.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
Lake George
"Aug., about the 15th, 1887" Saturday
[1887/08/15]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I think the carbuncle which has appeared on the other leg will not be as serious & distressingly painful as the first one which is now gradually healing. I am applying hot poultices renewing them constantly & hope to have the crisis past & this one healed by the time the other is perfectly well. Should I be still suffering from them on the 20th I shall go to N.Y. direct but I hope to be able to go to Phila. Before seeing a Doctor here I wrote to Dr. Smith who wrote me to "take a table spoonful of yeast three times a day" - what kind of yeast, how it was to be taken or where obtained he did not say - After seeing Rachel he wrote me to be out doors as much as possible - but those prescriptions did not cure any boils & carbuncles I have had, since they first began to appear, more than fifty boils & some of them painful but not like the carbuncle.
I hope you will enjoy your trip to Detroit & wish you give my love to Mrs. Poe and Mrs. Alger.
Cumpy is very lively & Lizzie devotes herself to me - we miss Rachel - & we will miss your letters very much - Poor Mrs. Kilpatrick! I never encouraged her to return to this country.
As ever yours,
Ellen -
[EES]
[Lake George]
Wednesday, Aug 23rd [1887]
[1887/08/23]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
Lizzie tried to keep your letter from me but I saw it & I saw nothing in it that you need care to keep from me - in fact, nothing that you have not said to me. We will all be at the 5th Ave. Hotel, God willing, on the 1st of Oct. Should sickness detain any of us you would not feel that we had been wanting in desire to obey your wishes. I hope to enjoy the fine fall weather there but I dread the winter months of Dec: Jan: & Feb: during which season last year I could not get out. I think the rooms are very desirable & I am glad they have been renovated but the assignment of rooms will I think have to be a little different from your arrangement. Rachel cannot sleep in the room next to yours on the north side because of the engine & I think she ought not to sleep in the room which communicates with the parlor because she sits up entertaining company after Lizzie & I have retired & when you may be out or away - I think she had better keep the room she had & let Lizzie take the room next to the parlor while I shall prefer to take the room next to yours on the north side.
I think $400 a month not too much to give me, for out of that I give Rachel $60. pay my maid $15 & pay for my clothing & Lizzie's pay pew rent & Church and charitable obligations &c. I will pay the bill for extras with the understanding that it does not embrace carriage bills or Rachel's unnumbered messengers & telegraph boys. My money this year is promised partly for Eleanor Fitch who at this precise crisis needs the effect of a refined boarding school where Minnie cannot at present afford to pay for her but where she is most anxious to have her go - and partly my money goes to my share of the care of my dear brother's orphan children. Rachel has a letter from you this morning which I have read. She meant to ask you to insure her $600- a year to come out of her own property some way. I think she wants at least what will give her $100 a month with the $60 I give her. Even with that she cannot pay carriage hire, so that question will have to be looked at squarely & settled before we start in on a winter's dissipation. The fashionable calls require to be returned promptly as do dinner & party calls to be made promptly - they will take a carriage at least three hours a day two or three days in the week. The carriage & cab hire for balls parties dinners theatres &c. &c. &c. are innumerable. Before Dec. comes try & make an estimate & see what is to be done about that. Were it not for the demands of society - gay society we certainly could have comfore & peace but in that there is no limit & Rachel thinks that is New York.
You are mistaken in supposing that I or Rachel or Cumpy consider you "close" - on the contrary, you have always been most liberal in your dealings with me in supplying me with money at all times & all the children feel as I do about it. My carbuncle is beginning to improve and I hope to be soon able to wear my dress & go down stairs. As Cumpy has to leave here about the 5th or on that day we shall all probably go then. As well as I can tell now we will go directly to Phila whence Cumpy will proceed to Woodstock & Lizzie to Bryn Mawr - while I shall rest a day day or two at the Lafayette & then go to Minnie's. I may change should I not be well. Can't you come over to Phila? Please give Mr. Barrett ten dollars & then send my money as you had intended.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
[Lake George]
Thursday, Sep. 1st 1887.
[1887/09/01]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
We are all anticipating great pleasure in Oct. when we shall be together in the fine, newly fitted up rooms of the 5th Ave: Hotel. I feel better this morning that I have yet & the sore seems to be growing smaller & new skin forming quite fast but it is still extremely sore & hurts whenever I move. We will not leave - I think I shall not be able to leave before the 15th or 18th and then Cumpy will be ready for Yale & Lizzie & I will run directly down to Phila for a few days & be ready for our reunion on the 1st of Oct. Rachel expects to leave on Monday by which time Cumpy will have returned from Woodstock.
Miss Eustace of St. Louis niece of the Arch Bishop goes this week to join other friends.
We have all read Mr. Byers article with extreme pleasure & Lizzie will write him on the subject. It is morning now so I must leave the news of the day for a letter which Lizzie or Rachel will write later.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
I have received the drafts - this moment - many thanks. I am not certain of my "retreat in Phila".
Morristown
Oct. 19 [1887] Wednesday
[1887/10/19]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I am really not yet able to write without increasing the difficulty of breathing but I suppose you will expect to hear from me regarding our expenses. Lizzie gives you daily bulletins in regard to everything else. You supposed the difference in the 5th Ave: bill on giving up our rooms would $200. which would pay for us elsewhere.
This month it is not for the entire month & will probably be about $140 or a little less - I have three charges on the books for Cab hire - $1. $1. & $250 in all $4.50 - and I have also a bottle of wine charged which you will please deduct from what you send me; deducting also the expenses to Vortinan's & whilst we were there - The balance will not pay entirely for us here but with the full $200 next month I can make it even.
We were rejoiced to see Rachel & enjoyed her visit greatly - I hope you will pay us a flying visit too. I wish I could even write Mrs. Kilpatrick but it hurts me to use the pen.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
[Morristown, N.J.]
Nov: 2nd 1887
[1887/11/02]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
Your letter containing draft came this morning; sooner than I had expected. Many thanks!
I hope you will come down to see us again while the weather is fine & we can have good drives. I am getting so much stronger that I hope to be able to go with you when you come even if you do take a long drive. Telegraph us when you are coming & come the first pleasant day you have nothing else to do. I am gaining strength everyday - very little each day, but if I avoid cold & another attack of the asthma I shall soon be moderately well. I take a drive of an hour every good day but I have not yet attempted to walk because I am not yet strong enough.
With love to dear Rachel, as ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
Morristown
Nov. 9th 1887.
[1887/11/09]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I hope you did not take cold on Monday and that you will find it convenient to come to see us again during the three weeks we shall still be here. Lizzie will go up Friday morning - we are told that the train leaving at 8.25 is the most agreeable & I wish her to take that but I do not know that she will find it the most convenient for herself. Rachel writes me that she will come down. From a letter just received from Sis I find that General Tom has been in Ohio & I suppose it was from him Philemon got the impression that I was in a bad way. I was so very ill in Washington when Genl Tom was there - indeed I suffered greatly all the time I was in W.
I got the World this morning (it is now 11. a.m. but I cannot make out whether Fred Grant was elected or not & we have seen no one to tell us. The Doctor said the State had gone Democratic but the World gives the vote for Grant as larger than the vote for his opponant - I suppose we shall know before the day is over. I am glad Ohio went Republican as it will I hope ensure John Sherman's nomination & I feel certain he can be elected & I am sure he ought to be.
We went to Mrs. Sherman's yesterday at 11 o'c and staid until 5. having a very pleasant time indeed - It seemed to do me good to get out on the sunny porch & look out on the lovely lawn & shrubbery. We made excuses for your not calling but they hope to see you the next time you come over.
I have a distressing boil on the under part of my thigh and it is necessarily rubbed & bruised a good deal & begins to look like a carbuncle which I hope it may not prove to be. I will keep very quiet today & give it a chance to improve if it will.
Rachel is gone I suppose & you are alone today.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
Morristown,
Nov. 1887 15th Tuesday
[1887/11/15]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I asked you to let me have a part of that money if convenient & not at the expense of "abject torture to yourself". I can wait for the 5th of Jan. without an effort of any sort & shall reserve "herculean efforts" for necessary occasions. One naturally wants money due Jan. 5th a little in advance on account of Christmas but I shall do without this cheerfully until the regular time - Why don't you make Capen settle your taxes & wait awhile for the money instead of screwing & pinching yourself - he has screwed enough out of you & he would not object to doing that. Do not send me any of mine until it is paid to you. If we go to N.Y. for a day or two we will arrange as you suggest. Lizzie & I talked it over yesterday & had agreed upon just such a plan - paying our own bill & writing beforehand for rooms or a room. We may not go & we shall stay only a day or two if we do go. I still have two boils which are troublesome & painful but I think there are no more coming. The swelling has gone down greatly in my legs & feet & I am in every way better. Rachel suffered from her cold all the while she was here. I hope she is better now - With the best love to her.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
It is the Misses Roy & not Joy. Lizzie is well & had a pleasant visit & enjoyed the Reading greatly. She says the audience were moved to tears when old Peggoty started for Emily.
Morristown, N.J.
Nov., 1887 Day before Thanksgiving Wednesday A. M.
[1884/11/00]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
By the paper I see that General Marcy died at Orange yesterday. Dear old gentleman! I am glad he did not suffer long. I should think Mrs. McClellan would feel badly to have been so far away during the last year of his life.
We are getting on as usual here, Lizzie has had a cold & I have had a little set back but we are all right again. This day week we will be with you but we have written to Mr. Vilas & will pay our own bill before leaving so as not to embarass you or mix your accounts. Mrs. Sherman kindly insists upon our dining with her on tomorrow - Thanksgiving - when Mr. Sherman will be at home. On Friday we hope to see Cumpy & from Monday morning until we land at the 5th Ave Wednesday afternoon we will be busy, packing - I have just written a line to Rachel.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
I see from the paper that you have been dissipating & did not go home till morning.
[Home of Ellie Sherman Thacbara]
[Rosemont, Pa.]
Dec. 18th 1887. Sunday,
[1887/12/18]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I have yours of the 15th & have been suffering so much since then that I have been unable to write. I wish I did feel well enough, as you imagine I do, to stay in New York during the winter - If you are really unwilling to have us away, we will of course return but I would much prefer to go to Minnie's for a month & I will then be back at the 5th Ave: the 1st of Feb: instead of the 1st of March. I am glad you are not going with Bateman.
I do not coincide with you in the opinion that Cleaveland will be re-elected. John Sherman would certainly be elected if nominated & I hope the party will be wise enough to nominate him. I should be sorry to see Blaine nominated whereas I am very anxious that Sherman should be.
I was more anxious about Minnie's children because of tramps than gas fire. I had no thought of going to them for I am a burden only, wherever I may go & can be of no service to any one. We are all anticipating great pleasure in the Christmas reunion.
As ever yours,
Ellen.
[EES]
near Pittsburgh Edgewood Pa.
Jan. 11th, 1888.
[1888/01/11]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
Since my arrival here last Friday I have not been able to write a line or attempt a letter until now. I was very sick & weak when I left Rosemont & but for the kindest care of Mont in Phila & Will here, I could not have made the trip. It was raining when I came & is only now clear; the [sun] set clear last evening & has risen bright this morning. I still have great hopes of improvement here now the weather is good.
Yours of Sunday (misdated 7th -) came yesterday. I am sorry not [to] be able to agree with you in what I see is your preference regarding our future home. I never can be willing to live in W- & leave Cumpy in N.Y. nor would you or I be willing to have him in W- Let the Washington project be abandoned please, - or if considered leave me out. We will have to look about during the Summer for future arrangements & not be hasty. I will write a line now to dear Lizzie. Rachel is bright & cheerful & takes excellent care of me & dear Minnie & Will & the children are all extremely attentive & kind. Lizzie Tack is as happy as the flowers that bloom in the spring, the days are not long enough for all their pleasures.
I hope Col. Moulton is better. As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
Edgewood Pa.
Jan. 18th 1888
[1888/01/18]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
The unintermitting bad weather keeps me housed & deprives me of the opportunity of improvement for which I had hoped. Minnie says you wrote her we would report to you at 5th Ave Hotel Feb 1st. She kindly urges me to remain longer in order to have some fine weather but I think we will all return as soon as possible after the 1st, or by that date could I get my money before. It makes no difference to me & Rachel seems content & is cheerful & bright all the time.
This is Lizzie Tac's birthday & we are to have a little family celebration.
Minnie will not take the trip to Phila until the weather moderates as the slippery walking is not safe for women - She will probably go on Monday. I hope Col. Moulton is out of danger. All send love to you. As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
[Edgewood Pa.]
Jan 24th [1888] Tuesday.
[1888/01/24]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I have your kind letter of Sunday in regard to my suggestion of going South. I have given it up entirely & feel now that nothing would induce me to go. I am just now more than usually unwell but better than yesterday & I hope to improve some before starting.
When I wrote you, I thought I should like to have the rooms that Lizzie & Rachel had when we first went there, but since receiving a letter from Lizzie on the subject I find that I prefer to have the room next to yours & to have Lizzie take the large one which Rachel had at first & which you moved into for awhile. Rachel is now writing Mr. Vilas on the subject. She is also asking to have the 5th Ave carriage sent for me on the other side of the ferry. We expect to reach N.Y. Tuesday evening without fail.
Here I have received your telegram announcing the poor Col.'s death which is far preferable to such life as he would have had could he have survived. I am just sending a telegram to Fanny.
Rachel is writing Lizzie.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
near Philadelphia Rosemont Pa
June 2nd 1888
[1888/06/02]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I never had finer weather for a trip & I bore it without much fatigue. Mont met me with a Porter & rolling chair & had me wheeled into the dining room at the depot where a small chicken was delightfully cooked for me and a part of which I enjoyed. We found all the family except baby & Emily at the depot here where old Prince horse was as staid & reliable as ever.
It is perfectly charming here & I feel the benefit of the pure fresh air already. I look out upon lovely grand old trees & hear the songs of the free birds.
I hope your back is improving - I see that you made a mistake about your invitation for celebration day - I thought they always "waited upon you" with invitations. Look out for Horace Porter for any meanness - he is an adept at the business & has had long practice against you - having graduated at the White House long ago -
They have promoted Sheridan - such honors have small weight in the next world. Give my love to the dear girls.
As ever your affectionate
Ellen
[EES]
Rosemont Pa
June 16, 1888.
[1888/06/16]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
Some days ago I hurt myself writing too much & since then I have scarcely been able to write a line decently, although in other respects I have been better. Thursday we went into the City to meet Rachel, who, after all, did not come this way. We went to see Cousin Hamp, who is I really beleive, improving. Dr. Pepper is treating him. I had thought that I would see Dr. Pepper about my stomach but I am so much better here that I postponed calling on him & shall probably not do so. Dr. Magruder has been very kind. Our Dr. Smith I consider a fine Physician & shall try to be near him. It is the good air here that improves me. I do not wish to intimate anything against the 5th- Ave- Hotel but I am unwilling to expose the health of the family & my own health there, any longer & I wish you & Lizzie were not there now. I hope Rachel will enjoy her Chicago visit & secure the nomination of her Uncle John. All are well here - the children are very interesting - nature is lovely about us & I enjoy the porches to the fullest extent. I hope you will soon get rid of your ailments & you will when we move. Won't you come to "Mizzen Top" with us?
Ever your affectionate
Ellen
[EES]
Rosemont
June 20th [1888]
[1888/06/20]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I have yours of yesterday & will make this letter do for answer to yours & Lizzie's for it hurts me to write & Elly has gone in to the Dentist's. She is always very busy but she takes time to brag of her elegant little Alderney cow which gives milk too rich to drink without water. I wish you would tell Lizzie that Dr. Smith said good rooms en suite could be had at Albert Flats University Place & 11th- I dare say Dr. Smith could hear of any number of good places. - You must never imagine or say that I have said aught to injure Mr. Hitchcock's hotel for you said yourself, in your letter that it was "news" to you. I have & I shall refrain from saying anything about it but Lida Hoyt & many others (& Mrs. Newton here) have said they did not consider that floor had good air. I will explain to Mr. Hitchcock how & why it is I am anxious to be elsewhere & he cannot feel hurt with you.
I think our family should sit at one table if in the same City but I do not wish it to be a table at the 5th Ave Hotel nor anywhere at $5. a day- for Cumpy - he & I could go to the country & you could keep the girls in rooms on another floor at the hotel. I have a line daily from Rachel. I do hope John Sherman will be nominated. Eleanor Fitch is coming here Friday to wait for Willy whose Exhibition is on the 27th- Minnie hopes her confinement will be over before their return & we would like to have the children here.
Tell dear Lizzie that I shall probably not leave here until the 2nd day of July & then not go to the Hotel in N.Y.- I expect to take poor Charley Ewing with me. I shall hope to have you & Lizzie join me at the N.Y. Station & go with me to "Mizzen Top". I am not certain yet, but I think I shall go in that way, & at that time I shall be glad to get the $100- & you will get it back the 5th of July when you are sending my money. I learn that Latta Turner is in a serious condition & I think it is the result of frequent use of hyperdermic injections of morphine for head aches. There is no question about her present state & positive danger of non recovery, but not immediate danger or apparant suffering. Do not write or say anything about it to Mrs. Turner or any of the family. Love to dear Lizzie who is so good to write daily.
Your affectionate
Ellen
[EES]
Rosemont
June 25 [1888] Monday
[1888/06/25]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
There seems a fatality about your letters - the one of the 20th containing check for $100- was not received until this morning with one written yesterday. I enclose both envelopes. The Democrats make a great mess of the mails. Many thanks for the check.
I shall hope to have you go with us to Mizzen Top Monday July 2nd. Cumpy & Rachel might also go but I guess Rachel will be tired & will wish to stay at Mrs. Ried's very quietly.
I am sorry that Sherman has not yet been nominated but I still think he will be - There is something wrong about Sheridan I fear. They ought to have allowed him to die in peace. We have had extremely warm weather but all are well.
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
Woodstock Md.
Aug. 10 [1888] Friday
[1888/08/10]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I got Lizzie to write you at once that I am entirely unwilling to have the homestead given to Cumpy - I cannot sign away my right of dower in a good homestead without the same right in another.
The good God only, knows our future - but imagine five years from now - you dead (which we pray may not be the case), Cumpy married & his wife the mistress of the only home I would have. How long do you think I would stay there? I would go to the Little Sisters of the Poor first. And where would Lizzie & Rachel be? - they would not want to live in their own houses but would want the rents for their support. To leave the homestead to Cumpy is treating your family strangely putting another man's daughter over us or to turn us out - Cumpy is as dear to me as ever was son to Mother & there never was a better son but he has been made good by the Christian law & I will not go into a family relation that puts a Son over his Mother.
I want to know your decision on this before I am called on to sign any deed. I have just written a few lines to Mrs. Sheridan. I am sorry you are to be in the close church so long especially as the corpse is to be there so long beforehand. Love to Cecelia, & Mary.
As ever your affectionate,
Ellen
[EES]
I am charmed with the prospect of a home & appreciate your kind efforts to have things comfortable. E.
Woodstock Md.
Aug. 16 [1888] Thursday
[1888/08/16]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
It seems that Cumpy was mistaken in supposing that you had taken another house in the place of 75. W. 71st St. My heart feels very much at rest since I can go in fancy any hour of the day or night to our own home.
I shall be obliged to ask you for more money by the 1st of Sepr. At Bryn Mawr I shall have to pay more for board than here. I shall really want money by the time I leave here. The climate here & my facilities for being in the fresh air have conspired to increase my health & strength & I am really much better than when I left N.Y.
I feel concerned about Tom Fitch the poor little fellow is suffering from asthma & whooping cough combined. Lizzie was under the weather for two or three days but she is herself again now. I hope you keep well.
As ever, your affectionate
Ellen
[EES]
Woodstock
Aug. 17th [1888] Friday
[1888/08/17]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
I feel so happy to think we are at last to have a home.
Casson refused to give up that pretty little piece of furniture which we left in the house - a kind of boufee or side board which was in the back parlor - Minnie wanted it & we would not give it to her & now Casson should not keep it. He tries to make all he can off you - He must give that up & it is so heavy it ought to come on with the rest as seperately it will cost a good deal -
Cumpy is under promise to come to me on the 27th and escort us to Phil- on the 31st - or 1st - I hope you will spare him then.
Do not expose yourself to the hot sun - Lizzie has gone this a.m. with a party to Carroll Manor - where Charles Carrollton lived.
As ever your affectionate,
Ellen
[EES]
Woodstock Md.
Aug: 20th 1888
[1888/08/20]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
Yours of Saturday just recd - many thanks for the check enclosed - we will be as careful as possible - indeed our minds & hearts are filled with thoughts of our home which you are fitting up for us. I fear that the necessary linens will cost more than you imagine. We will get tham at Wannemakers. For Charley Ewing I am paying out of some money I have from the little piece of land in the Valley the deed for which you signed & which I wished to avoid paying taxes on, & sold to pay for the publications of a little memorial of my dear brother. I have more than enough for that in a Bank in Phila as I got about $900. for the land.
Cumpy will find no difficulty in getting to you Sep 1st if you really wish him at that time, but by deferring to reach you until the 3rd (third) he could take me to Bryn Mawr - Unless we hear again however from you, we will send him on the 1st & Lizzie can get me to Bryn Mawr, I am so much better. Since I heard of the house I have been growing younger & stronger every day. I hope you will let Lizzie come over before you buy any bed steads or anything for up stairs, for we want iron bed steads as far as possible, especially do we want single iron bed steads for the servant's rooms & we would like to know where our own furniture is placed. We will buy the blankets & spreads at Wanne's in Phila if you say so.
I hope you will not have hot weather for your Ohio trip & that you will avoid the sun.
As ever, your affectionate
Ellen
[EES]
Rosemont [Ellys home]
Sep. 17th 1888 Monday
[1888/09/17]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
We have your letters - Lizzie & I feel happy that you find the house satisfactory on your return. I am getting tired & feel very anxious to go to the house - to our own home which I shall be slow to leave. It has almost cured me to feel that we are to have this delightful home & are never again to be reduced to a hotel life. I would like to go over on Thursday or Friday of this week & unless I hear from you to the contrary I shall certainly go notifying you of the time of day but we can get to the house without calling on Cumpy to meet us before we get to the front door. You had better send me a hundred dollars for balance of board - washing living & traveling - I shall not need it all but very nearly. The $100 you sent Lizzie she is using for a new dress & some other personal expenses. My $250. is now due (Sep 5th) & I shall see you about it when we get home. I cannot give it towards the house. I find that Elly can get along without the rugs & I will ask her to send them on for your room & Lizzie's - so be sure to count on them.
Minnie returns to her home tomorrow night & Elly goes with her taking little Eleanor without a nurse as Minnie has a nice girl who can take care of her. She will not stay long in Pittsburgh. Send me the money promptly please as I am very anxious to go home. I am glad Casson has given up my piece of furniture. With best love to dear Cumpy,
as ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
Mrs Sherman sister Mrs. Stute in Lancaster O. Sis has written me a glowing account of your visit which made her extremely happy.
Rosemont, Pa.
Sept. 22nd, 1888 Saturday
[1888/09/22]
Dearest Cump,
[WTS]
We will drive up to the door of 75. W. 71st St. some time in the afternoon of Monday & we shall not be in any haste for dinner. You can continue to be "Boss" - (Lizzie says) as long as you choose so you need not dread our coming. I write to say that I am very uneasy for fear you may let Cumpy lift & carry too heavy weights & too much - remember he has not the constitution for that kind of work & he has not had the practice -
As ever yours,
Ellen
[EES]
The check has been sent to Wannemaker's.
E-
Ellen Sherman reached this new, long hoped, for home on September 24th & died two months later November 28th R.O.P.