Letters of Mrs. James G. Blaine; edited by Harriet S. Blaine Beale

LETTERS OF MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

LETTERS

OF

MRS. JAMES G. BLAINE

EDITED BY

HARRIET S. BLAINE BEALE
VOLUME I

NEW YORK

DUFFIELD AND COMPANY

1908

COPYRIGHT, 1908

BY DuFFIEiD AND CoMPAHY

/

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v.)

THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, U.S.A.

MY first thought in bringing my mother's letters
together and putting them into readable form was
to give to her grandchildren some clearer understand-
ing of the home life into which her children were born
and to which they look back with such tender love and
appreciation as the years teach them its value. There
was no thought of making a biography, and it is only
as one letter has been added to another, and year after
year rescued from oblivion, that I have comprehended
that it is my mother's portrait which stands revealed
on the background of the past. With gratitude I
realize that she, who never gave a thought to herself,
living only in the lives of others, who was content to
be used, absorbed, obliterated if need be, in her service
of love, lives once more in these rescued leaves, in her
forcefulness, her honesty, her humor, and her splendid
courage that was so cruelly tried.

A brief introduction to the published letters is

perhaps needed.

[ v]

PREFACE

Harriet Bailey Stanwood was the seventh child and
fifth daughter of Jacob Stanwood and his second wife,
Sally Caldwell. She was born at Augusta, Maine, on
October 1 2, 1828, whither her parents had moved from
Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1820, when Maine was made
a state, and where her father carried on the business
of a woollen merchant. She was educated first at the
Cony Academy in Augusta, and later at Mr. and Mrs.
Cowles' School for Girls in Ipswich, where she was
studying at the time of her father's death in 1845.
On leaving the Cowles' School she went to join her
older sister, Caroline, as a teacher at Mrs. Johnson's
school in Millersburg, Kentucky. There she met
James Gillespie Blaine, who at that time was also
teaching, at the Western Military Institute at George-
town, Kentucky, and there in 1850 they were married.
From Millersburg they went to Philadelphia, where he
taught in the Institute for the Blind and where their first
child, Stanwood, was born in 1851. At the age of three
Stanwood died, and that keen sorrow, followed almost
immediately by the death of my mother's mother, to
whom she was tenderly attached, brought my father
and mother to Augusta, where they henceforth made
their home, living for the first years in the old
Stanwood house, with the oldest unmarried sisters, the
" Aunt Susan " and " Aunt Caddy " of the letters, and
moving later to the Rufus Child house at the corner

PREFACE

of State and Capitol Streets. The year after their
return to Augusta, in 1855, a son was born, Robert
Walker, followed in 1857 by another son, Williams
Emmons, by a daughter, Alice Stanwood, in 1860, and
by the three younger children who alone survive their
parents. In 1863 my father was sent to the National
Congress, and in 1869 he was made Speaker of the
House. From that time they spent their winters in
Washington, and from the year 1871 my mother's
letters explain her life so fully that little further
commenting is needed.

H. S. B. B.

WASHINGTON, D. C. , October 26, 1908.

[vii]

1869

From 1862 to 1866 Mr. Elaine represented the third Maine district,
the so-called Kennebec district, in the lower house of Congress. From
the period when these Letters begin, 1869, to 1876, he was Speaker
of the House, and the family residence alternated between Washing-
ton and Augusta.

Mr. Elaine was born at West Brownsville, Pennsylvania, Janu-
ary 31, 1830. His active political experience began in 1854 when he
became the part owner and editor of the Kennebec Journal, pub-
lished at Augusta, Maine, then the official organ of the Whig party,
holding the same relation to the Republican party when two years
later that party came into being. He reported the legislative debates
for his paper, and it is remembered that he never made written notes
of the votes on the calls for yeas and nays, but depended on his
memory alone, which was so accurate that the record was never in
error. An interesting fact is that the legislative reporter for the
Democratic paper at that time was Melville W. Fuller, later Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Mr. Elaine's political experience was first developed by his edi-
torial work, and then more directly by active participation in the
campaign of 1856 in the interest of the newly organized Republican
party. He had previously been a delegate to the First Republican
Convention which had nominated John C. Fremont for the Presi-
dency. In 1858 he edited the Portland Advertiser, but gave up active
newspaper work thereafter, except that he edited the Kennebec
Journal in the autumn of 1860 during the campaign which resulted
in the first election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United
States.

In 1858 he was elected to the Maine Legislature and re-elected in
1859-60 and 1861, serving the last two years as Speaker of that
body. In 1862 he succeeded Anson Morrill (brother of Lot M.
Morrill) in the lower house of the National Congress as Repre-
sentative from the third Maine district, the so-called Kennebec
district, which he continued to represent until the summer of 1876,
when Lot M. Morrill was appointed Secretary of the Treasury by
President Grant, and Mr. Elaine was appointed by the Governor of
Maine to serve out Mr. Morrill's unexpired term in the United States
Senate. In the following winter he was elected for the full term.

LETTERS OF

MRS. JAMES G. BLAINE

To WALKER, AT PHILLIPS ACADEMY,
ANDOVEB

AUGUSTA, Friday evening (1869)

MY DEAR WALKER, — I am sorry not to be able
to write you a long letter to-night, but as it is already
past ten, and Jamie is liable to wake up every moment,
I know I shall not be able to. Your three letters came
tonight, and I cannot tell you how delighted we all
were to hear from you. By we all, I mean Emmons
and moi-meme. I had been down town all the after-
noon, and my first question when we got in was as to
the whereabouts of my letters. I did you the honor
of keeping Father's letters waiting while I read all
of yours. No further proof could I give of my
desire to hear from you, as I often think my letters
from Father are my daily bread. Now, one word,
or rather several, about the boarding house and the
homesickness, and the last first. I hoped you might
be spared this most trying ordeal, but I did not

[3]

LETTERS OF

expect it. Does it not come to every one? Never
shall I forget going to Ipswich when I was nine years
old. The first evening after my arrival the fit came
on me in full severity. I fled out of the house and
crouched down behind a hogshead. In the pre-cistern
days, a hogshead for rain-water graced every back
door in New England. There was I found, but when
questioned, I remember that I prevaricated. Some-
thing disgraceful associated itself in my mind with
homesickness, so I said that I was crying for my
wormwood and molasses, a spoonful of which de-
lightful compound I was accustomed to take for some
humour I had. I was at once accommodated with the
dram, and so got well paid for my deception.

But to revert to yourself. Time will cure this,
If you can only hold out a few days it will disappear
like the early mist before the sun. And this ghost
once laid rises again never.

And now if I could only look in on your quarters,
I would unerringly advise you, but since I cannot
I must go by the data I have; and first I send you
Mr. Smyth's letter which Father sent me to-night,
and which you will find in the box. You will agree
with me that it is better almost to suffer three months'
discomfort than to make of no avail so kind an effort
on the part of Mr. S. If the other room you speak
of is airier, better furnished, more cheerful than the

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

one you now have I would take it. You must not con-'
sider the difference in the expense. But I do not
believe your Father would want you to have a room
mate. I hope that you will stay at Mrs. Mathers
and justify the high opinion Mr. Smyth seems to
have of you. He can not think more highly of you
than you deserve in my eyes, but then, I am your
mother, and have borne you these many years in my
prayers and my hopes. You would nowhere get much
of a table. You can buy yourself a good wholesome
lunch now and then when the inner man feels that it
must be renewed. At any rate, all you have to do
is to keep up good courage and God will give you the
reward of well doing.

You ought to see Emmons's sympathy in your
trials. " If he was Jack he would hump it to the first
train." " It pulls a fellow down terribly, I tell you,
mother, not to have what they like to eat," and so
he goes on. Alice is not very well. She has not
eaten anything to-day. I have been over to St Cath-
erine's this afternoon to make the arrangements for
her starting there Monday. Aunt Caddy has been
here all the evening. She thinks your case not to be
compared to Herbert's. Gen. Hodsdon and Capt.
Boutelle * have been here all the evening. Johnny was
in last evening to play some of the airs in La Grande

1 Charles A. Boutelle, editor Bangor Whig and Courier; later

Member of Congress. r K l

I D J

LETTERS OF

Duchesse to Emmons. You should have seen the
latter in his stocking feet dancing and singing to
the accompaniment. But I have written Jamie
awake, and must say good night. Keep me well
posted in all your affairs, and if Mrs. Mathers re-
mains uncongenial to you, I will arrange to have
you change, but I shall be pleased if you can stay
and be happy. The next time you write send a mes-
sage particularly to Alice.

From your loving,

MOTHER.

AUGUSTA, Sunday afternoon.

MY DEAB WALKER, — I feel very sorry about your
lamp, especially as on looking into my pocket-book
I find I have not enough to send you the German
Students'. I can hardly believe myself that my funds
are so low, with Father still to be away two days
longer, but I had to pay the workmen last night, a
disbursement I did not anticipate. Your Father is
in Boston to-day and I think very likely you may
have heard from him, so I will not take up my time
describing his movements. Emmons, Alice, M and
myself went to church this morning. Heard Mr.
Bingham, who was fighting a windmill, it seemed to
me, all morning. No one has been in this afternoon,
and I feel almost too lonesome to write letters. When
[6]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

you are lonely writing does not relieve the sense of
isolation as much as reading.

Have I written you that we are painting the house,
building a portico on the south doors, lowering the
chimneys, and resodding the north bank? Well, we
are, and Emmons has a great deal of enjoyment in
Sam Brick's society. He helped him yesterday paint
the blinds. We shall be well through by the time you
get home, if all goes well; how soon that will be!
Each and all send love to brother Walker. Jamie is
a lovely baby — M. very funny and entertaining.

As it is possible that you may have some money by
you, enough to make out for the lamp, I send you
five dollars. Do not be extravagant.

From your attached mother, who would write you
a longer letter if her paper were smoother.

The Newton boys got home Saturday. Emmons
says Ben Deering is to be a minister. The weather
is lovely, the grass turning green, streets in some
places dusty, and the Bingham boys and Fred Cony
just going up back of the State House for a walk.

Good-by my dear boy, and the best of Heaven's
blessings, a pure heart and good conscience, be yours.
From,

MOTHEE.

[V]

LETTERS OF

AUGUSTA, Tuesday morning, April 27, 1869
MY DEAB, WALKER, — I am ashamed when I re-
member how long it is since your loving mother wrote
you a letter, but I must say just one word in her
extenuation. And to resume the ego in toto, I have
so many things to occupy my head, my heart and my
purse, that the amazing wonder of it all is that I
remember to do anything, or anything well. To all
this large household I am obliged to be father, mother,
aunt and referee on every subject, spiritual and
secular. From John, with his poor, neglected, dirty
horse, to Jamie, there is no authority but myself,
and when to crown and commence the day Ada gives
me a poor breakfast, as she very often does, I feel
that I bring not the strength of a humming bird to
meet these many demands.

Yesterday Emmons commenced his school again,
likewise M the magnificent, hers. Mons came home
at noon perfectly disgusted with his arrangements.
He had been put into Caesar, although he is perfectly
unposted as to rules ; into geometry though he has
never been in algebra, and in arithmetic only to square
root. His other study — natural history — he made
no obj ection to. Then he has that bete noir — decla-
mation — threatening him. Altogether, I think
were it not for the fear of boarding-school hanging
over him, he would sit down in the ashes and wait for
[8]

MRS. JAMES G. BLAINE

his fairy godmother rather than try to help himself.
But with this dread harrowing his soul, he knows
that he must do or die, so last night he shut himself
in the parlor till he had mastered his geometry, and
this morning at breakfast while I cut steak and poured
coffee, he ate and read out his " Gallia est omnis
divisa in partes tres," and I will say for him that he
translated his nine lines very deftly and neatly. All
your old books come in play so well that he has not
had to buy a new one. As soon as breakfast is over,
he harnesses, then I put on my pretty hat, take in
the little Blaine girls and the one big brother, and,
leaving J'aime in his red night gown to the tender
mercies of his little nurse, forth we drive.

First we drop M at Winthrop street; she goes
off bowing her head and saying — " Now, Alice
Blaine." Then Emmons throws out the reins and
gives a spring as we come in sight of that dirty
hubbubbly high school, and lastly I drive over the old
bridge and deposit my saintly Alice among the saints.
She likes them much, and this is now the fourth week,
so I feel some confidence in the permanency of her
regard. When I come home there is Jamie to bathe
and dress, and Father's letter to write. This letter
to Father has become such a choice affair that I have
no doubt I shall go on jotting down my poor little
trifles even when we are under the same roof. Father

[9]

LETTERS OF

meets me with the salutation — " Well, old lady,
the separation is over. We have nothing to do now
but enjoy each other." This on Friday, but on
Wednesday I find myself at the door, that familiar
old bag in my hand which I could pack asleep, saying
good-by with the best grace I may. I give him now
till Saturday to get home in. If he comes not then
I have a fit of the blues all ready to put on.
f I was perfectly delighted to hear from him so satis-
factory an account of you. That your tongue ran,
that you ate the oranges, that the homesickness had
disappeared, that you addressed Aunt Caddy as Sir;
each and every item gave satisfaction.

AUGUSTA, Thursday A. M. May 27, 1869.

MY DEAR WALKER, — You will hardly believe that
you directed your last letter to Washington, and that
to that great and wicked and corrupt and corruptible
city it went before I had the satisfaction of seeing it,
yet such is the truth; and if I had not fortunately
been seized with a fit of curiosity respecting your
dear daddy's correspondence, it would have gone on
to New York, another city of notorious depravity, the
fame of which may have reached even your humble
ears, before it would have gladdened my waiting eyes.
I say my waiting eyes, because I had begun to think
[10]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

it high and higher time that I should hear from you,
and now, as my time before the mail takes up is some-
what of the shortest, — to plunge in medias res. This
is Latin, and Latin proper, my dear son, and not to
be confounded with Greek. Your Father left yester-
day for New York. He was at home just as long as
it took the Creator to make the world, only your
D.D. (short for Dear Daddy) rested his six days,
and on the seventh commenced his labor anew. F S
came home with him Wednesday, and left the next
Tuesday. His visit gave us great pleasure, to none
more than to Emmons ; and by the way, that dear
brother of thine is to come back to Andover with
thee; and I trust him to you, Walker, in the confi-
dence that in all that makes for brotherly love and
perfect harmony you will never fail me. You are
the elder, and doubtless you will often have to yield
more than you will think the elder brother should,
but whenever you are tempted to overbear, remember
the teaching and the example of the Elder Brother of
us all, and you will know just how to do.

MOTHEE.

AUGTOTA, Thursday evening

MY DEAR SON, — How long is it since I have writ-
ten you? Every morning I think I shall certainly
find time for a good long letter to Andover to-day,
[11]

LETTERS OF

and night lets down her curtain upon me and the
thing I would do I have not done. The truth is, I
have no nurse for Jamie, and the principal care of
him comes upon me, and this perpetual occupation
underlying all my other cares, robs my days and
evenings of all leisure. Ada, too, has been sick this
week, so that there has been an added demand upon
me for a few days. I often think that since in this
world some things must be crowded out (this good
idea is not mine but Mrs. Craddock's,1 in that serial in
the " Young Folks " — I have forgotten its name)
I will elect that tucks and embroideries shall be from
my life and my little girls', and perhaps I shall then
find that I have like other people, twenty-four hours
to my day. Can you make out my writing easily
enough to readily take in my ideas?

I have been over to-night to see John Bruce ; found
him bolstered up in his chair, very feeble, apparently
only a few days to live. I hope he will last a few
days longer so that I may have the comfort of show-
ing him a few little kindnesses. Father goes to Bos-
ton to-morrow. Am sorry to lose him even for a few
days, but his errand is an important one and he must
go. He will visit you at Andover before he returns.

1 The Hon. Harriet Lister Craddock, Maid of Honor to the Queen
in the early 40's and author of "The Calendar of Nature, or the
Seasons of England," edited by Lord John Russell, and of "John
Smith," "Rose," and other novels.

[12]

MRS. JAMES G. BLAINE

I would send you a basket of goodies but he takes the
eastern road. How did you like the buttons I sent
you for your birthday? We are having the house
painted. Quite an improvement it will be too. I only
wish we were building a new large room for my dear
boy at Andover, but I intend to select a large and
handsome one for him at Washington. Emmons still
insists that he will not go back with you next term,
although his Father is very anxious that he should.
He likes Mr. Lambert very much indeed, but is un-
fortunately situated as to his studies, having been
obliged to abandon his Latin. Monday the Blaines
had a grand hair-cutting. The barber shop did
not come until nine, and then there were the pater,
Alice, Emmons and M to be operated on. All
went merry as a marriage bell till it came to the
last, then trouble began. Such a time as we had.
Father stormed, threatened and coaxed, all to no
purpose. Then he resorted to strength, muscle,
Emmons would call it. But even here he was hardly
a match for her. She never gave in, no, not for a
second, and parted with her hair only as the dextrous
scissors took it from her. Every inch of the way she
fought. Great streams of perspiration flowed down
the artist's face; but little by little the work went
on, M all the time crying out amid her sobs —
" I shall look horrid, I know I shall ; I shall look like
[13]

LETTERS OF

a bride, I know I shall." She is not a bit reconciled
to her loss yet.

Mrs. Child, who boards in Andover, wants you to
come and see her. She is grandmother to Robert
Wainwright who is at your school.

Good-night, my dear, and excuse this short and
abrupt letter from,

MOTHEE.

Friday evening.

DEAE WALKEE, — I have just received your letter
of Sunday. Emmons also has his. Both we have
enjoyed very much indeed. Write early and often.
Emmons is at this moment on his knees helping Mr.
Sherman,1 Father's clerk, empty about twenty bags
of their contents. The library and the vestibule
are " all running out at the mouth " with humbugs
for the constituents. Father left this morning for
Boston. He expects to visit Andover before his re-
turn, but this I have already written you. About
your rooms, I think I may venture to let you take
a room at Mrs. Terry's. I have such confidence in
your good behavior that I believe you will prove no
exception to the gentlemanly rule, which, according
to your account, seems to obtain in her family. Have

1 Thomas H. Sherman, Mr. Elaine's private secretary for more
than twenty years, and later U. S. consul at Liverpool.

[14]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

I written you how much M enjoyed her dollar?
She bought a lead pencil, Faber 2, with it, and a five
cent paper doll. The remaining 85 cents found its
way into mother's purse.

Good-night, I would write more, but must get this
note mailed to-night. Each and all send love.

MOTHEE.

[15]

1871

To WALKER, IN ENGLAND

AUGUSTA, Monday evening, August 21st, 1871
MY DEAR BOY, — The great event since I wrote
you a week ago is your Father's Saratoga serenade
speech,1 which he made last Wednesday evening, and
which he considers, though this of course is in con-
fidence, a great strike. An immense crowd assembled
to hear him, and he has been overwhelmed with con-
gratulations. I think myself he was most happy, and
perhaps I should be more difficult than almost any-
one else to please. All the papers have said their say
about it pro and con according to the tone of the
journal. . . . No tongue can adequately portray
my loneliness since I came from Boston the day
after you sailed. I seem to myself to lead two
lives entirely distinct from each other — the one
when I am with your Father, all variety, wide-
awake, gay; the other all Aunt Susan, sewing
machine, «hildren. Another telegram we have also
had this afternoon from Mr. Alexander telling of the
arrival of the Tripoli at Queenstown only last night.

1 Political speech made by Mr. Blaine at Saratoga Springs
August 16, 1871, in which he contrasted the economies of the Re-
publican Administration at Washington with the reckless expendi-
ture and shameless corruption of the government of New York City
under Tammany. William M. Tweed was arrested for the first time
October 28th of this year.

[19]

LETTERS OF

Was it not a long passage, and how did you stand it?
I long to hear, not only this, but that you are well and
happy, and sure of enj oying all that the liberality of
your Father had planned for you.

AUGUSTA, August 89th, '71
Tuesday evening

MY DEAR WALKER, — I was obliged to cut my
letter short so unexpectedly last night and so un-
satisfactorily that I then determined to daily or
rather, nightly, chronicle hereafter my small beer, so
that you might in the future have a more faithful if
not a better record of all our petty family doings.
Your Father is better. He stays in the open air all
he can, so every morning after his letters are written,
we drive. Went yesterday twice, and once to-day.
( To-day we drove out over Western Avenue and round
by Coombs' mills, Daddy walking two miles of the
distance and horse of course ditto. We still keep,
and probably shall for some time to come, the Rock-
land horse. Mr. Sherman, as I wrote you, is here,
and trying to get the papers, documents and letters
together in order for the winter. Thirty boxes and
bags I think have been brought from the postoffice
this afternoon. At 4:30 your Father left for Lewis-
ton, has to meet the State Committee this evening.
[20]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Will look out for the election l rather more closely
because of the rumors of danger to the party. To-
morrow he goes to Boston, and is the next day to
come home. Will not see Emmons, though I begged
him to stay over one extra day rather than not do
it, but he thinks hardening good for boys.

This morning I had a long letter from Cousin
Abby.2 She is very busy getting her book ready.
Wrote for me to come up next week and bring Que
J'aime.

Thursday evening.

I am going to send my letter off to-night and have
but a few minutes left for final words.

Dear little M fell yesterday and broke her left
arm, broke it just above the elbow, quite badly. She
suffers dreadfully with it, and is very nervous, so
much so that I find it difficult to leave her. She was
playing at Mr. Swan's at the time and fell from an
apple tree. She took ether while her arm was set,
but suffered a great deal. By a most fortunate
change in his plans your Father had come home in-

1 The Maine elections were then, as they are to a somewhat less
extent now, considered as a "barometer" indicating the prospects of
the political parties in the general Presidential election to follow.

2 Miss Mary Abby Dodge, Mrs. .Elaine's cousin, who wrote under
the nom-de-plume of Gail Hamilton. She spent many winters with
Mrs. lilaine in Washington and is referred to in the "Letters" as
"Cousin Abby," "C. A.," "Miss Dodge," "Gail Hamilton," "G. H.,"
or " The Dodger."

[21]

LETTERS OF

stead of going to Boston as he intended, and this
happened j ust after he arrived. Dear little thing, she
said Emmons minded his so little in Washington,
she thought it would be good fun to break an arm;
but it is a very different thing when you come to
try it.

We have heard from Emmons, who likes his school
a great deal better. Your Father will send you his
letter by the despatch bag, so you will soon have it.
It is the greatest possible comfort to me to find that
he is going to do well. The Standard has been abus-
ing your Father in its last two issues, the main cry
his great wealth. To-day it has three columns cit-
ing his princely style of living, his retinue of servants,
and the expensive education he is giving his children
— one son now traveling in Europe. Gen. Chamber-
lain * has accepted the presidency of Bowdoin College.
Toby Candor sits here waiting to see your Father;
also the parlor full. Aunt Caddy and Emily have
just come in, and send love.

Good-by,

Your devoted,

MOTHER.

1 Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, who left the professorship of
rhetoric in Bowdoin College to enlist with the 20th Maine Volunteers
in the Civil War, breveted Major-General in 1866, and elected three
times governor of Maine, from 1866 to 1871.

[22]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Evening.

MY DEAR BOY, — I have just had a call from Mr.
Goodenow 1 and his sister, a most elegant looking
girl. They are on their way to Bangor, but stayed
over until to-morrow morning to see me. I was sick,
and could do nothing beyond receiving the visit.
M is so very far from well that she requires and
has almost all my time. " Uncle John " hopes to get
his leave of absence prolonged, and in that case I shall
be able to show him some attention in Washington.
This afternoon we received your letter of August 31st.
Very nice and interesting letters, too. I have read
them twice and have just enveloped them to Father,
who will get them to-morrow morning at the Parker
House. M. cannot quite decide on her doll's hair.
Alice Farwell had one that she could brush the hair
on, but Alice Wood's stayed on better. She will decide
before the next letter. It was Queen Eleanor, wife of
Edward I. to whom the memorial crosses were erected.
There were fifteen of them, and they commemorate
her resting places from Grantham to Westminster.

The little magnifier came all safe. I must close my
letter. You are a dear good boy, and your letters
give us unbounded satisfaction.

Good-night, and God bless you.

MOTHEE.

1 John Goodenow, U. S. Minister to Turkey.
[23]

LETTERS OF

AUGUSTA, Sunday evening,
September 2nd, 1871.

MY DEAB WALKER, — My time has been mostly
spent since I last wrote, as you may suppose, in
taking care of M. For two days she suffered
very much, had two very bad nights, probably the
bandages were unnecessarily tight. Dr. Brickett
loosened them, and she has been steadily gaining since
Friday morning. To-day she has been out driving
twice, and though very weak, does not complain of
much pain. To-morrow her arm is to be examined,
and if all is well with it, I shall feel quite light hearted.
Dr. Barbour has preached for us to-day; have been
out only once, but Aunt Susan has made amends for
all my deficiencies. Your Father has gone also
to-night.

The Standard is all taken up with his affairs. I
dislike it extremely, but suppose it will not do to let
all the charges and statements go unanswered. We
had a nice letter from Emmons this morning; will
send it to you by despatch bag, as it tells all about
his studies. I have no doubt the school is far better
than it has been since Dr. Taylor's death. Your
Father also had a very friendly and most excellent
letter from the President.1 I had no idea that he

1 General Ulysses Simpson Grant, eighteenth President of the
United States.

[24]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

would write so good a letter. He wanted to be re-
membered to you children. We are all longing to
hear from you, but do not expect our heart's desire
for a day or two yet. You seem to have gone down
into the very caverns of silence. M's great solace
during her illness is her kittens — Tiger and Snow-
drop. J'aime loves them, but his tender mercies are
cruel. To-day Tiger took refuge from him in the
warm ashes of my fire. He did not dare go there,
so the poor thing had an hour of quiet. Uncle
William,1 Aunt Abby, Ida and Lucy Cony expect to
start to-morrow week for Saratoga. They like to
fly high when they do take the wing. Aunt Emily's 2
family are all well; Aunt Caddy exceedingly tried
with the dog — a Scotch terrier, ugly enough to
be a pure breed. George represents it is worth a
hundred dollars. Jim and Wai take care of it, and
seem to enjoy it much as the Pickwick Club did their
tall horse when they were going to Mr. Wardle's.

Monday evening.

" Out of the depths have I called unto thee " —
this is all I can think of. Your Father came home
from town this afternoon, having intercepted the mail
with your welcome letter and diary, so you must have

1 William Caldwell, Mrs. Elaine's cousin.
1 Mrs. Stinson, Mrs. Blaine's younger sister.

[25]

LETTERS OF

got in Saturday instead of Sunday as the Cunard
gentleman telegraphed your Father. I read the letter
aloud, Dada the Journal ; both most satisfactory, but
be sure to write on better paper. That you use is
odious. You can give up Geneva, of course. I be-
lieve your Father has written you to this effect. Mrs.
Stillman — I wrote you, did I not ? — is the original
of Euphrosyne in Lothair. How good it seems to
be once more in communication with you.

M has had a very suffering day — not so much
with pain in her arm as pain all over and general
nervousness. Certainly I put stockings in your bag.
Have just had time to write these few lines.

Love from us all; oceans from

MOTHER.

AUGUSTA, September 8th, 1871
Friday evening.

MY DEAR, WALKER, — M's broken arm seems to
have worked sad woe to my journalizing, as well
as some other things. I got your Father to write a
few lines last night, but I am afraid he is not a very
good detailer of home affairs, and so, although my
day has been unmarked by events, I will not wait for
anything more uncommon, but will at once begin a
new letter by telling you that Aunt Caddy has just
gone home after spending the evening with us. She
[26]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

is knitting a stocking of huge dimensions, had eaten
a very hearty supper, and as the sitting room under
the combined effect of gaslight and wood fire was very
warm, I was not surprised to see her eagerly count-
ing the strokes of the clock as it sounded out nine,
and no less eagerly rolling up her work ; after which
with a prolonged and final yawn she departed. She
did not sleep well at all last night, and all her waking
dreams were of you, stimulated of course, by your
letter, which your Father read to her at the supper
table. He and I had the first reading of it in the car-
riage over on Malta Hill. How delighted we were to
hear from you I cannot express. Your Father is well
pleased with you, thinks you outdo him as a traveler.
He was saying at the supper table that next summer,
if Emmons wanted to go over to meet you, he should
make no objection, whereupon Alice insists that he
told you over and over again to keep away from
Americans. Surely Emmons is an American.

Tom Sherman left us this afternoon. Your Father
expects Tuesday to leave for Pennsylvania. The
local politics are becoming very interesting. A par-
tisan warfare is waged between the Journal and the
Standard, and of course your Father is a mark for
most of the shafts and honors. Warren Johnson,
it is reported, has gone over to the Democrats.
Undoubtedly he thinks Kimball is to be elected.
[27]

LETTERS OF

Heaven send that he may be well punished for his
lack of faith. To-night your " Dada " takes tea,
or as I should say, sups, at Sylvanus's.1 We were
both invited, but I was too tired and lifeless to go.
M thinks no one so good and handsome as her dear
and pretty Mum, and when my caresses and services
for the day are through, little is left me but a recol-
lection of past fatigues. J'aime I have hardly seen
for the day. Mary Nolan, the new nurse, proves very
efficient, and does not permit the earnest little soul
to come about me half as much as I really want him
to. He is a great toast on the street, and his pet
accomplishment is to tell where you have gone.
" Walker Blaine has gone to Obrope, I tell you."
This you can hear any hour during the day. Alice
and he went out into the country for cream this after-
noon, and returned bringing with them a full grown
cat. " Tiger " had been missing for a number of
days, but yesterday his select and cold remains were
discovered in a shoe box, J'aime having shut him in
and forgotten him. There was great grief, as you
may suppose, but it has been a great comfort to
change his name to Ginevra.

1 Sylvanus Caldwell, Mayor of Augusta, and cousin of Mrs. Blaine.
Mrs. Sylvanus Caldwell is the "Aunt Hannah" of the Letters.

[28]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Saturday evening.

Your Father and I have been this afternoon to see
Mrs. Lambard. She got home a week ago ; would
have liked to see you very much. She showed me a
good many things she had brought home, mostly
Dresden china. You cannot think how high the par-
tisan spirit seems to run this election. Your Father
has just had sent him from down town a Democratic
sheet which that party in lack of a daily paper have
just issued. Two thirds of it certainly is devoted to
him. Judge Rice 1 and Mr. Vickery are their candi-
dates for the Legislature. How glad I shall be when
the City and State are well carried Monday evening.
We had a letter from Emmons this morning, very
brief; he says he is too busy to write, really seems
to be studying hard. It is occasion for unbounded
happiness on my part that he is happy and doing well
at Andover.

Sunday evening.

A very quiet day. Out this morning to hear Dr.
Caruthers, Father with me, to church. Returning,
he walked with Mr. Farwell and Aunt Cad rode with
me. Aunt C has forgotten " Pie," and the dog is as

1 Richard Drury Rice, of Augusta, appointed Judge of the Supreme
Court of Maine in 1852. He resigned the office in 1863 to accept the
presidency of the Portland and Kennebec, now the Maine Central
R. R. He was also one of the builders and a vice-president of the
Northern Pacific Railroad.

[29]

LETTERS OF

a shadow which flitteth away, so overwhelming is her
interest in the election to-morrow. It seems to be of
vital consequence to her, but in reality it would make
no difference in her basket or her store whether
Perham 1 or Kimball governed the State. But I am
immensely interested, for I feel there has been a
deliberate effort made to break down your Father.
Nothing at the bottom of it, I presume, but envy.

Monday evening.

Well, Walker, the election is over, and well over.
Every ward in this city is carried by Republicans, —
a thing which I think has hardly ever been before.
This city is carried by 237 ; other towns have thrown
very large votes. Gramp 2 voted among the first,
fearing that he might die during the day if he put
it off. Poor old Prince has been out all day, and
still is going his weary rounds. Father is at the
Journal office awaiting the returns. He expects to
be out very late. By good rights this letter ought
to have gone on the 10 o'clock train to-night, but
Joe 3 and Sue 3 have been in, and I could not bear to
send it without a closing word.

1 Sidney Perham, Governor of Maine, and later member of
Congress.

2 Mr. Sewall, Mr. Manley's grandfather.

8 Joseph Homan Manley, of Augusta, and Mrs. Manley. Mr.
Manley was chairman of the Republican State Committee and later
member of the National Committee for Maine.
[30]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Everyone congratulated your Father on the elec-
tion in this city as a personal compliment. How he
would feel to have it telegraphed all over the country,
as it was to be, that Augusta, the home of Morrill 1
and Blaine, had gone Democratic. But I must close,
for I mean after all to get this letter off.

Good-by my dearest boy. Everybody sends love to
you. I cannot particularize.

Most devotedly,

MOTHER.

HOME, September 12th, 1871.

MY DEAR WALKER, — We have had a great treat
this afternoon, namely, your first and second batch
of London letters, the last date of which was August
30th. Father expected to go to Boston to-day, but
as his stay is to be quite a serious one — two weeks
at least in Pennsylvania — and as there were a great
many telegrams concerning election to receive and be
sent away, he concluded to defer his departure until
to-morrow, so he was here to read out your letters.
First they were read in the spare chamber, Susan,
M and I the audience. When they were about half
through Alice and Que J'aime added themselves to
the circle — the former very indignant that we had

1 Senator Lot M. Morrill, Secretary of the Treasury under President
Grant, became a resident of Augusta in 1841, forming a law partner-
ship with Senator James W. Bradbury and Judge Rice.

[31]

LETTERS OF

not sent for her to hear the beginning of the narra-
tion — then George was told to put old Prince into
harness and go for Aunt Caddy. Of course she was
more than ready, so at supper we had reading No. 2,
and Aunt Hannah coming in during the evening, there
was a third reading, your Father officiating every
time. We all think you are doing splendidly ; seeing
a great deal, and describing all to us with great
accuracy and freshness. But do not write any more
on both sides of that paper. Your Father says, use
it, if you wish, but write only on one side. You have
no idea how impatiently we want to read and how
slowly we have to feel our way. I have been up to
the dam with your Father to-day and also drove
around town a little. The election, as you will see
by the papers your Father has sent you this evening,
has turned out splendidly — a grand vindication of
your dearest dad, that of this town is. All the capi-
tal of the Democratic party seemed to be centered in
him.

Thursday morning.

DEAR WALKER, — I have just settled with Mary
White, who goes home on a two weeks' visit, and find
that I owe her so much that I have just $1.85 left in
my purse. Hope you feel richer than I do this morn-
ing, with all Europe on your shoulders. Your Father
[32]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

got off yesterday noon; started in his usual hurry.
At the last moment there was the key of his strong
box missing; was fortunate enough to find it care-
lessly left on the clock. Think of that! At the
Journal office there was proof to correct, cars mean-
time in. Then there was the bank, and at every
corner some one running to stop him. However, he
got off cheerful and bright, for he feels that he has
conquered gloriously in this town, and I have already
had two notes from him, one sent from Brunswick
and the other from Portland. Be sure your journal
will be faithfully preserved.

AUGUSTA, September 17th, 1871
in the afternoon.

Mr DEAR WALKER, — If I could get a few minutes'
relief from attendance upon M I should be too
happy. All day we have been inseparable. I have
read to her, have conversed with her, and lastly have
written you a letter for her since six o'clock this
morning. We have got Aunt Fortune married to
Mr. Brunt,1 and Ellen knows that Alice is going to
die, and now at last Aunt Susan has been knocked up
from her bed and has taken up the tale. After one
chapter particularly devoted to John Humphreys,
M. said to me, " I suppose Mr. John is about such

1 A character in "The Wide Wide World."
VOL. i—3 [ 33 ]

LETTERS OF

a looking young man as Walker." " Whether he was
or was not," said I, " I have no doubt he was very
interesting looking." " Well," said she, " I do not
think he could be any pleasanter than our Walker."

Home looks very pleasant this afternoon, though
it sadly misses the three Elaine men. To think of
J'aime being the only son with whom I can take sweet
counsel ! Your Father is, I suppose, to-day either in
Elizabeth or Pittsburg, as I had a telegram from

him yesterday at P . He has pushed on so he

may get home sooner. At Boston he saw Mr. Fisher
and Mr. Caldwell; had long interviews with both
gentlemen; everything exceedingly vague and un-
satisfactory; still I have great, the greatest, con-
fidence in your father surmounting all the discour-
agements of the situation.

AUGUSTA, September 19.
Tuesday evening.

MY DEAR WALKER, — When I went out to the
doorstep this afternoon to pick up the mail which
Lebbins had carelessly flung into the yard, I was
delighted to see the end of a bluish foreign envelope
sticking out — a sure sign of a letter from you. And
by the way, one of the things about your letters which
pleases your Father especially is the address. I often
see him showing it and challenging admiration for
it. Just as I have got seated at the front parlor
[34]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

window prepared to work my slow and laborious way
through the first sheet — which you will remember
was written all over on both sides — Aunt Cad comes
in, congratulating herself upon her great good luck
in always coming in upon your letters, whereas Aunt
Emily says she might come down every day in the
week and she should never be here to hear one read-
ing. Interruption number 1 was put up with, but
when number 2, arriving in the shape of Lizzie Thorns,
was seen, patience failed, and I beat a retreat to the
sitting room. Here, after I had, I am ashamed to
say, snubbed Aunt Susan for coming in, with some
irrelevant question, I was permitted to go with you
on the two or three days' travel you had sent us. All
the places associated with Mary and her brother
Murray seem full of significance to me, because I have
within a few years read Froude, who bestows, of
course, great care and research on the Stuart part
of the history. I greatly miss the enjoyment of
reading your letters with your Father. We have, since
they began to come, read them together, and gener-
ally alone, and sympathizing with you and with each
other to the fullest, we have felt united over you to
a wonderful degree. Always may you give as much
joy and satisfaction to our hearts as you have in the
way you have improved the first two weeks of your
stay in Europe. But to go on with my narrative,
[35]

LETTERS OF

when I had got through, Aunt Cad took them up,
reading and rereading every word, for she pays her-
self the compliment of thinking that she has a great
deal to do with your first start in life, and that you
are, in some sort, her own product.

Thursday evening.

I am really almost mortified when I think what
commonplace family affairs I write about, and here
begins another page of what old Mr. Mulliken would
call " the same old cat with a different tail," though
I perceive my figure does not in the least hold
together.

The afternoon mail brought a letter from Gen.
Schenck l full of regret that he was not in England
to meet you; saying that he remembered you per-
fectly, and that he expects to leave the Continent to-
day, and that if anywhere within his jurisdiction after
this time, you must not fail to report yourself to him.
Uncle Sylvanus has been in, with Charlie's picture,
just sent. Again, good-night, — I hope I shall not do
as I did last night, wake up after one sound nap,
think about you, whom I fancied from your letter,

*

lonely and homesick; deluge my poor pillow with a
perfect flood of tears, and thoroughly waked thereby
have finally to get up, light the gas, and pursue sleep,

1 Gen. Robert C. Schenck, for some time member of Congress
and later U. S. Minister to England, 1870-1876.
[36]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

the rude sailor boy's blessing, through the pages of
a dull story.

The mail also brought me a letter from your
Father, written Sunday afternoon, at Elizabeth,
where he was wandering over coal fields and thinking
sadly of his mother.1

Augusta, September 28, 1871.

MY DEAR WALKER, — Tuesday evening, just be-
fore eight, I got a telegram from your Father saying
that he was on the train due at that hour, and would
expect to find George at the depot. . . . The night
was stormy, and George had been dismissed till the
next day. Of course there was not a bit of meat in
the house. However, it was everything to have him
coming home. Mary flew down the lane, and George's
father came to the rescue and harnessed. A good
supper was knocked up with the help of Mons, and
at fifteen minutes past eight your dear dad was
comfortably housed, sitting before a blazing fire in
the back parlor. He had spent Monday night at
Hamilton in company with the Stowes, having, of
course, a most brilliant time, Harriet Beecher being
in one of her most communicative, social moods.
Emmons went back to Andover Monday morning
early, looking, your father says, as well as he ever
saw him in his life, and appearing like a good boy
and a faithful scholar. He thinks he shall lay up

1 Mr. Elaine's mother died the previous spring at Brownsville, Pa.
[37]

LETTERS OF

on his allowance! One hundred dollars is due him
already, though, of course, he has not paid his
board.

AUGUBTA, Thursday afternoon,
October 5th

MY DEAR WALKER, — It is a very close sultry
afternoon, and although there is not a particle of
fire in the furnace, I find myself very uncomfortable
sitting at my sewing in my room, so I have come
down into the back parlor for the sake of the fresher
air. In the library Mr. Sherman is diligently at
work making an accurate list of committees, together
with the resignations of new Members and the
( ' outs " — a very nice j ob indeed. And I heard him
tell your Father yesterday he thought he had gone
over the names in his anxiety some thirty times. In
the kitchen Mary and Maggie sit at their sewing,
and in the nursery Bedlam under the generalship of
Alice, has evidently broken loose. There are gathered
Que J'aime and M and Alice and Eliza, and as their
leader stands in awe of no one, the liberty I permit
soon becomes license. Susan has gone over to Nancy's
to call on Mrs. Pike. Out in the yard George plods
away raking the leaves — a perfectly foolish business,
as they come from the trees faster than he can pos-
sibly clear them from the walks. Your dear Father,
I am happy to say, has been out for a walk, and as he
[38]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

turned his face down townward, I am in hopes his
admiring constituency will have the pleasure of see-
ing him. I think perhaps he never stood so high with
them before, certainly he never stood higher. This
morning I drove down town with Que J'aime to get
the darling some boots, also to canvass the field a little
before making the change in his clothes; called at
Aunt Emily's and took her down with us. At half
past 12, just as we were turning our faces homeward,
your Father hailed us from Mr. Hendee's to come over
and have J'aime's picture taken. His dress was torn
and his boots shabby, but I hope we got something
that will at least remind you of the little brother.
Your Father also sat, and Alice, who came in on her
way from school, wanted to, but it was too late.

This morning we had a letter from Uncle Jacob l
saying that he had sent the girl with the broken arm
fifty pounds of Delaware grapes which she was to
share with Alice and J'aime. She is getting along
finely, does not even wear a sling. Since I wrote you,
your Father has returned from Boston. He was there
only one day, but in that time bought me blankets,
two fenders, got my mended jewelry from Shreve
& Stanwood where it has been ever since you sailed,
and to my great surprise he got home on the 4 o'clock
train yesterday afternoon, his beloved Kinglake

1 Jacob Stanwood, Mrs. Elaine's older brother.
[39]

LETTERS OF

(Crimea) still accompanying him. You see, Walker,
I write you the most trivial details of our life. I go
out but little, and even if I went more, my narra-
tives would still run on the same lay. I wrote just
such letters to your Father when he was away as you
are, and he said the very sight of the home names was
a refreshment to him. Your Father thinks it not
advisable at all for you to go to Germany with the
Washburn boys. As soon as we hear from you in
Paris he will write to the Minister * about you.

AUGUSTA, October 8th,
Sunday evening.

MY DEAR WALKER, — I have just written a note
to Mr. Hale,2 giving him Cousin Abby's address.
He wishes to send her cards for his approaching

1 Elihu B. Washburne of Illinois. Mr. Washburne was one of the
few foreign ministers who stayed in Paris during the Commune. The
late Hon. R. R. Hitt of Illinois, chairman of the Foreign Affairs
Committee, said of him in the House, April 17, 1894: "All the other
diplomats, every one of the lords, and counts and marquises hurried
away ; Washburne stayed — stayed through it all. The stars and
garters all disappeared, but the stars and stripes stood fast. His house
was pierced with shot. The bombshells fell all about the Legation,
but he never failed one day nor one hour from his post. He had the
respect and confidence of both the French and German governments
when they trusted no one else. For weeks he was the only means of
communication between the contending forces, a pure politician
turned diplomat, a dignified, courageous, discreet American minister."

2 Hon. Eugene Hale, at that time representing the Fourth Maine
District in the National Congress, later U. S. Senator, married the
daughter of Senator Zachariah Chandler of Michigan.

[40]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

wedding, which comes off on December 31st. I heard
from him yesterday — the first time for a long while.
He says he is very much in love, and I suppose that
must excuse him. Also, I have written to Cousin
Abby, from whom I had a bright and racy letter this
morning.

Monday evening, before tea. ;

Another day has come and gone, dear Walker,
since I made the above miserable attempt at writing
you a home letter, and yet no line from you. A week
yesterday morning since we heard from you. Your
Father sits in the parlor toasting his feet over the
fire, a suspicious dampness having settled upon them
in the garden, where he and Tom Sherman have been
exercising or exorcising, which you will. I have just
been saying to him — "Am I not better to thee than
ten sons ? " " Yes," said he, " and if you are better
than twenty, I still want the sons." I thought he
was uneasy about you, but he says he is not; still,
my dear boy, be particular to send off a letter if of
ever so few lines, by frequent mails.

Your Father and Mr. Sherman are desperately
busy over the committees. It is the secret of the
power of the Speaker, and like everything else worth
anything, is a rock of offense and a block of stum-
bling to many, though to others the chief corner
stone.

[41]

LETTERS OF

Friday your Father expects to go to Boston to
participate in the honors to be paid the President,
all of which he will see and a part of which be, as
he is himself the city's guest. Tuesday he expects
simply to come through town with the President on
his way to Bangor. The President stops, I believe,
about twenty minutes only. He, your Father, hates
it, but I suppose it would not do for the President
to come into Maine and the Speaker not be here to
see him. Mr. Merrill gets rid of the whole tiling
by starting to Kansas to see M . . . But I sup-
pose this information will be more interesting to
Mons than to you. I have had a short letter from
that youth — as Mrs. Prescott called him — Friday
afternoon. The weather had been warmer, so they
had had a very good chance at baseball. This was
really the gist of the letter. I sent him, or rather,
Mr. Sherman did, at my request, on Saturday the
Anabasis and Virgil.

Do you get the Kennebec Journal? Your Dada
says he sends it to you every week. I try to keep
you posted about everything, but happily little in the
shape of news occurs; no news is good news, you
know. We want to hear from you very much at
Paris. Do not fail to chronicle every little thing
about yourself as well as the larger things. It in-
terests me to hear of your cravats. I think of you
[42]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

constantly; never wake in the night that my first
impression is not of you.

Be a good boy. Good-night,

Most devotedly,

MOTHER.

AUGUSTA, October 14, 1871.
Saturday morning, just after breakfast.

MY DEAR WALKER, — I got as far as the date of
a letter to you last Thursday afternoon, but just
as I got so far, Aunt Emily came in, which of course
delayed me for the time, and everything here being
very cheerful, she concluded to stay to supper, and
when that ceremony was over, I found that no trains
were to leave for no one knew how long, all culverts
being washed away by the vast quantities of rain,
more having fallen in a given time at the hospital
than there has been any record of for the last twenty
years. So, though it hurt my feelings terribly, I
was compelled to let the mail start for Europe with-
out any missive good or bad, for my dear boy. The
heavy storm broke up all the water works of Mr.
Johnson back of the State House, falling down in
floods; the water bringing with it any quantity of
earth, has thoroughly altered the topography of the
country about Canada Brook, filling the hollow and
making of it a large flat. There, — I 'm glad to be

[43].

LETTERS OF

through with that sentence, having been interrupted
during its laborious construction more times than I
have fingers.

Your Father goes to Boston to-day at 12 to meet
the President. He stops at the St. James, and has
written Emmons to meet him there this evening. I
have had a letter from him this morning full of the
Chicago calamity.

M and J'aime are playing on the sofa. The
latter has been trying all the morning for a cat. I
heard him before breakfast on the porch calling for
George to go out and find him a cat. There are so
many on the premises that they go out very much
as one would hunt an elephant in Africa. Sure
enough, he came in a few minutes ago hugging up
a very fair specimen of the feline race. This is a
specimen of M's manoeuvring to get the kitten : —
" O J'aime, you be the mother and play that you are
out shopping and buy something for the baby's birth-
day, a little gold chain or something. I '11 be the
nurse and stay at home and take care of the baby.
Here, darling, come to nursey." And J'aime, over-
powered by the argument, surrenders, and M sits
on the sofa fondling and enjoying to her heart's
content.

I don't know how much you may have heard of the
Chicago fire. From the prominent newspaper ac-
[44]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

counts, alas, there never was, and God grant there
never may be anything like it.

Sunday afternoon, October 15.

All the family, Eliza and J'aime excepted, went
out to church to-day. Heard Professor Barbour *
preach on the Chicago fire, after which a contribu-
tion was taken up. Your Father has already sub-
scribed and paid $250., and to-day Alice had $5. and
I put in $20 more, and again I shall give when they
take up collections for old residents of Augusta. Un-
expectedly a double dividend or something of that
kind came in yesterday morning from the Eastern
Express, and I think it a direct intimation of provi-
dence that we should give it to Chicago ; anyhow, it
is going that way. Then we shall send off large boxes
of clothing, new and half worn. Think of the winter
which is before those crowds of people, — any quan-
tity of work but no shelter. In five years — your
Father thinks less — Chicago will be rebuilt.

I drove your Father to the station yesterday at the

usual hour ; whipped up to Harrington's and bought

him some black gloves, as I did not think a hat in

mourning and colored gloves looked well together.

Came back to the depot and found that the cars were

thirty minutes late at least, so Dada and I whipped up

the old nag and came back for a lunch. I flew

1 The Rev. W. M. Barbour, D.D., of Yale College.

[45]

LETTERS OF

around and got up a cup of tea, cold meat and toast,
a delicious pie. M and J'aime crowded in to the
feast. I ate and waited on the others, and when in
twenty minutes we started again for the train the
whole family agreed that they had dined. This time
we and the train — a very heavy one — reached the
starting point together, and your Father on enter-
ing the Pullman had the pleasure of being greeted

by Mrs. F , never a favorite of his, who, sick

and alone, had left Belfast in the morning starting
for Washington. I was sorry for him, not for her
mind you, but could afford no help. So I took in
Mr. Bradbury l and started for home ; occupied my-
self in coming up the hill, while Mr. Bradbury dis-
coursed, in trying to decide which was the slowest,
he, I, or old Prince. As I had only a lonesome after-
noon before me, decided to stop and call at Aunt
Emily's. Found them just sitting down to dinner,
a very nice dinner, roast chicken, etc., but did not
join, though pressed to do so. I suppose Mons and
your Father are to-day at the St. James. Tuesday
the President goes to Bangor, stops here about 20
minutes. I shall go to the depot and get a passing
word with your dear Dada, who is to keep with the
President till Friday.

1 Hon. James W. Bradbury, Senator from Maine, 1847-1853.
[46]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Monday evening, 8 o'clock.

I have heard from your Father this afternoon. He
reached Boston at 8-1/2 Saturday evening. Found
Emmons and an alderman waiting for him. Saw the
President, the P. M., Mrs. Grant and Nellie and the
boy. Breakfasted with them, then went to Dr. Put-
nam's church, Roxbury. Emmons and the Grant
boy went with Collector Russell to attend service on
the School Ship. I believe I never was in Boston on
Sunday that Mr. Russell did not appear to invite us
to that School Ship. At six they were to dine at
Mr. Hooper's.

Que J'aime fell Saturday morning and nearly broke
his precious nose, catching his feet in one of the
thousand holes in the old nursery carpet, so I have
had it pulled up in a hurry.

We took in $250 in our church yesterday, the
Episcopal $700, the Universalists $350; but many
of our society subscribed on the papers, as your
Father, Mr. Johnson and the Potters. O the suffer-
ing, the appalling suffering of the Chicago panic!

Most devotedly,

MOTHER.

AUGUSTA, Thursday evening,
October 19. Before tea.

MY DEAR WALKER, — The evening for sending off
a letter to you has again come round, and not one
[47]

LETTERS OF

word have I written. But a few lines chronicling the
uneventful days since Monday I will at least write.
As usual, when I begin a letter to you, Emily has
just come in, but as she has turned aside into the
parlor, I will leave Aunt Susan to entertain her while
I sit on in the library and write. The little family
is well. M. has been to school all day; is fast
getting back to her health before the break, though
the stiff arm is a perpetual reminder of how hard it
is for man to make God's work good when we are so
unfortunate as to mar his perfect mechanism. She
and J'aime are in the kitchen keeping warm and listen-
ing to Eliza, who is crooning over some old Irish tales
to them.

Father is in Bangor, accompanying the President.
I took M. and J'aime and drove as near the depot
as I dared Tuesday afternoon. There was a great
crowd, and Grant was as miserable as is his wont
on such occasions. I did not see him, as I sat high
up the hill in the carriage, neither did I see the
other dignitaries who were present. But I saw, best
of all, your Father, who, as soon as he had introduced
the President to Mayor Evelyth, hunted us up and
spent a delightful quarter of an hour at the carriage.
Joe says there were many comparisons drawn between
the bearing of the President and the Speaker. Prob-
ably the latter never stood higher in the affections of
[48]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

his fellow citizens than he does at this moment. After
an embarrassed stay of fifteen minutes, the cars left.
I think from the newspaper accounts that the whole
celebration at Bangor must be a great success. Your
Father told me that he dined at Mr. Hooper's Sun-
day evening with Agassiz, Longfellow, Holmes, Lowell
and other savants ; enj oyed it extremely.

When the show was over Aunt Caddie came down
to tea, and we were fearfully disappointed not to
receive a letter from you. Your Father could not
believe that I had none for him, and now as late as
Tuesday afternoon, none has come. You cannot tell
how anxious it makes me not to hear. I knew when
I gave my consent to your going to Europe that
necessarily anxious days and nights must be mine,
but if you are well, you ought at least twice a week
to send off a few lines. It is delightful — nothing
could be more so, to have long letters from you, but
a line would keep me from imagining all sorts of
disasters.

A letter came from Mr. Hale Tuesday. He is laid
up with a lame leg ; got hurt trying to get on a car
at Portland; cannot be in Bangor, as any risk now
endangers the limb for life. Also have had letters
from Mary Wilson and Martha, asking to be taken
into service next winter; also from James Jackson;
nothing from Robert. As is my custom, I dread to
TOL. i — 4 [ 49 ]

LETTERS OF

take up the gay life in Washington. Shall like it
no doubt when my dresses are made and I am well
initiated. I suppose you see by the American papers
all the Catacazy 1 gossip. I don't think his wife has
anything to do with the trouble, as it is really all
diplomatic, but it seems very hard on her.

O Walker, that Chicago calamity grows ever more
heartbreaking. Five hundred children they say — •
though I do not believe it — have been born in the
open air. A great many, happily, have not lived.

Good-night, and God bless you,

Devotedly,

MOTHER.

AUGUSTA, October 23.

MY DEAE WALKEE, — This is a summer day witK
us, no wrappings needed, a haze like that of Indian
summer hanging over all the out door world. Your
Father sits here at the table toiling away over his
committees. Hard, hard work! As fast as he gets
them arranged, just so fast some after considera-
tion comes up which disarranges not one but many,
and over tumbles the whole row of bricks. It is a
matter in which no one can help him.

••-1 Constantin de Catacazy, Russian Minister, recalled at request of
the U. S. for "his personal abuse of government officials" and "per-
sistent interferences . . . with the relations between the U. S. and
other powers." (President Grant's Third Annual Message.)

[50]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

All the family is as usual this morning. What
your Father and I are doing you know. Susan is,
I judge from the odor, cake making. M. has gone
off hanging on the arm of Maudie, precisely as she
did " before the fall " ; J'aime is out with Eliza shuf-
fling through the autumn leaves; Alice at school;
and the girls, where all New England sisters of toil
— to use Mrs. Dalton's term — are to-day, at the
washtub. The doorbell has been ringing the whole
morning, your Father seeing not one in twenty who
call. So now you can picture to yourself the menage
precisely as it stands.

Saturday was made memorable by the arrival of
your first Paris letter. You cannot think how
anxious we were to hear. As I told you in my last,
your Father could not believe that I had not a letter
.for him when I met him Tuesday, still he would not
permit me to express the least anxiety; but when
he came Friday afternoon and still no letter, he could
not quite conceal his own anxiety. Of course we cal-
culated for the despatch bag, and I should have
allowed for one day more before quite giving up,
but when I came out of my room at the ringing of
the breakfast bell Saturday morning, I was greeted
by the j oyf ul words — "a letter of the longest kind
from Walker ! " Down we sat at the table, and while
I poured coffee and tea and otherwise waited on the
[51]

LETTERS OF

children, your Father read; then when he had read
about half, I took the manuscript and read out while
he ate his breakfast. With thankful hearts we read
of your getting to Paris and among friends. Now I
shall feel entirely differently than I have while you
were in London entirely isolated. We like your
arrangement about school very much. Of course
it is an experiment, but I hope it will work satisfac-
torily; at any rate, you will not fail to master
French.

Friday morning I had a telegram from your Father
saying he would not be at home until afternoon. He
had left Bangor the night before with the President
and gone through to Portland, then after a wearisome
procession, at one o'clock he took leave of His Ex-
cellency and set his face homewards, and here he now:
is and here he expects to stay for at least a week.
I suppose there never was anything like the time they
had in Bangor ; the speeches were good as they could
be, underlying the speeches the best of feeling. Hos-
pitality flowed like a river, and not one untoward
circumstance marred the perfect whole. Your Father
stopped with Mr. Hamlin,1 and was obliged to borrow
his host's dress coat to wear to one dinner and recep-
tion. Don't you think he must have looked funny?

1 Hannibal Hamlin of Maine; U. S. Senator, and Vice-President
in President Lincoln's first term.

[52]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

As Hannibal never wears coats of any other cut, of
course he had one in reserve for himself.

We are still continually sympathizing with Chi-
cago. The M's got back to the city Saturday even-
ing. Sunday night they went to bed; were called
up about an hour after midnight, and taking what
clothing they could carry in their arms, fled for
their lives. One hundred and twenty took refuge
in the house where they found shelter. There they
stayed for a few days, sleeping anywhere where
they could improvise a bed and sharing with each
other whatever they could obtain. Now they are
three miles out of the city, will stay there for the
present.

This afternoon Aunt Susan has been to the vestry
to devise ways and means for sending clothes to Wis-
consin and Michigan to the burned out people there.
Nothing can exceed the misery and desolation of those
regions.

Your Father is waiting to take my letter to the
postoffice, so I must say good-night to my dear boy.
I long to see you — no words can express how much.
I have every confidence that you will not abuse your
Father's indulgence. If you make any mistake, be
sure to write me or him all about it. Do not be
afraid under any circumstances of giving us your
fullest confidence. When your Father was in Bangor
[53]

\

LETTERS OF

he saw a great deal of Rear Admiral Alden.1 He sails
very soon for Europe — takes out General Sherman.
His ship is the Wabash, the flagship of the European
squadron. He has invited you to go with him, but
your Father felt obliged to decline because he wants
you to improve your stay in Paris by the acquisition
of French. Good-night, be a good boy, and Heaven
bless and keep you, —

MOTHER.

AUGUSTA, November 12, 1871.

MY DEAR WALKER, — As you see by the date,
this is Sunday morning, and a small portion of my
large family is j ust filing out to church — Susan
and Alice. Real genuine and deep snow covers the
ground, and as the best carriage is essentially a
summer bird, and the old admits all the mud and
slush to their dresses, they walk. Meanwhile I sit
at home in my own chamber at the east window and
write to my dear boy in Paris. I think how the very
last time I went to church he also went to the American

1 James Alden, U. S. N., who led Farragut's fleet at the Battle of
Mobile Bay. In 1871, at Admiral Alden's invitation, Gen. W. T. Sher-
man, then General of the Army, with the consent of the President and
Secretary of War, accompanied him for a cruise in the Mediterranean
on the U. S. Frigate Wabash. General Sherman arranged to be gone
five months but made the condition that he should be in readiness to
return within thirty days' notice by telegram. — The Sherman Letters ;
edited by Rachel Sherman Thorndike. 1894.

[54]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Chapel in Paris. The next Sunday morning long be-
fore the bells were ringing the little sister was here,
and of course public devotions were and are sus-
pended for a season. This morning she lies here on
the bed, quite a girl I assure you. The only other
room occupant is a dreadful trial to me. I call her
everything I can think of — Goody, a Witch, a Crone,
an Old Hag, a Circe, a Fateful Sister; in fact, she
is only a nurse, but if you will transpose the n into
a c you will hit her character much better. I have
had seven children, but I never longed before with all
my heart to be well enough to wait on myself. Her
name is Burns, and she says one of my boys used to
drive her cow home from pasture for her. Of course
it was Emmons, I am morally certain you never did
anything of the kind. Just here comes a rush. The
door flies open as though a whirlwind had set its
shoulder against it, and J'aime projects himself into
the room, — almost as fat as Emmons, growing hand-
somer every day, and fascinating by every word he
speaks.

I have little to chronicle beside the quiet annals
of a convalescent's room. George's grandmother is
dead. She died Friday afternoon. As she was very
old and very crazy, so much so that the family often
feared for their lives, there did not seem to be any
good reason why they should send to me for flowers,
[55]

LETTERS OF

but there they were, my delicate chrysanthemums,
blooming in my vestibule windows, and the eternal
fitness of things, to their comprehension, required
that they should fade and die on granny's coffin, and
Susan cut them off untimely. Poor flowers, high-
bred things, I really felt for them in their uncon-
genial end!

Father left for New York Wednesday. I could
hardly let him go, I needed his reviving society so
much, but he had wool and cotton manufacturers to
meet in Boston ; dinners, breakfasts and luncheons,
all or some, to give and take in New York, and
over and above all pressures to resist or permit
of congressional committees. He had to go, but felt
that my desire to keep him was all right and natural,
so, with a man's appreciation of a woman's nature,
he promised to buy silk dresses for M. and Alice,
to say nothing of half a dozen for myself. When I
look at the bed and the little heap of flannel on it,
laces, silks, feathers and gew-gaws of every descrip-
tion resolve themselves into preposterousness ; but
your Father is strong of will and I am weak, and
he is determined that I shall be in society this winter,
and I know I shall. Very few women with a baby
two weeks old would sit up and write a letter — I
never expect to have a daughter-in-law to do it, —
but there is something within which forces me up,
[56]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

recuperativenesss, I suppose it is, for I remember an
old country doctor telling me, when I was a year older
than Flo Gibbs on her birthday, that I had more
recuperative power than he had ever seen in any
other person. Since your Father left I have heard
from him several times. He spent Thursday even-
ing at Aunt Eliza's, — everyone pleasant and pleased
to see him, but he sighs after his own bright fire-
side, indescribably dear to him. You cannot think
how interesting all your letter was to me. I enjoy
descriptions of public objects, but infinitely more the
least thing about yourself and your personal sur-
roundings. Your birds elicited a great cry — " Two

canaries, O mother ! " I recollect the H girls

very well, though I never was introduced to them.
Their dress at Willard's was very nondescript. I
well remember their red slippers, also I think they
wore red satin jerkins, or something of that sort.

Your Father will be delighted to find that you are
getting under headway in French. Let nothing keep
you from earnest application. O how fond I was of
study when I was your age! I never had any gift
at writing, but other gifts I certainly had. In this
deficiency I am sorry to say that Mons is my own
child. He writes me little, short, unsatisfactory
letters, usually mostly taken up with acknowledging
a letter of my own, and ending always one way.
[57]

LETTERS OF

According to his own story he is a perfect Mussul-
man for prayers — the evening bell invariably calling
him away from his letter. When you receive this
letter he will probably be at home spending his
Thanksgiving vacation. The Wyman children are
getting ready for him. I see they give Alice two
apples every day.

Greatly to your Father's discomfort, I cannot go
on until after the holidays. On this I take my
stand, and he has to submit. He will sleep in the
house, have a servant or two, and take his meals at
Wormley's,1 and the menage will open with the New
Year.

Good-by now. If this does not hurt me, I will add
to my letter to-morrow. Can see Eliza hustling
J'aime into the house in slippers, his ruffles en des-
habille and a Paris sacque on his shoulders. He got
out for a snow-ball. Think of that, November 12th.

Monday afternoon, 4-$.

DEAR WALKER, — I resume my letter of yesterday,
though I have h'ttle more that is new to tell. Have
just had the pleasure of reading two letters from
your Father, one written yesterday afternoon and
the other in the evening. This seems very quick

1 "Wormley's," a hotel on the southwest corner of H and Fifteenth
Streets.

[58]

MRS. JAMES G. BLAINE

time from New York. He does not expect to reach
home before the very close of the week. The Presi-
dent's whole family, General and Senator Sherman,1
are there to see the Wabash sail. They had been to
see Lord Dundreary by the same actor you saw in
London ; 2 said it seemed to bring you very near.
Was exceedingly anxious to get your letter. I sent
it to him by the early mail of the morning.

The children have been out all this afternoon mak-
ing a snow man. In everything of this kind Alice
is really artistic and this afternoon she has surpassed
herself. The baby is crying, so I have got to get off
my letter at once, so goodby. As soon as your
Father comes to instruct me in the mysteries of the
despatch bag, I will send Bret Harte and periodicals.
Now good-by,

Devotedly,

MOTHER.

November 26, 1871.
Sunday morning.

MY DEAR WALKER, — A half hour alone with the
little sister while she takes her nap gives me an op-

1 Senator John Sherman, of Ohio, General Sherman's brother.

2 The elder Sothern enjoyed a tremendous vogue in those days in
the part of Lord Dundreary in "Our American Cousin," by Tom
Taylor, first produced in 1858 at Laura Keene's Theatre in New York.
It was during a performance of "Our American Cousin" at Ford's
Theatre, Washington, that President Lincoln was assassinated by
Wilkes Booth, April 14, 1865.

[59]

LETTERS OF

portunity of at least commencing a letter to you.
Down stairs Mr. Sherman is trying to put some
final touches to the copying of the committees. Alas,
if final touches are not soon put to them I am afraid
your Father will give out entirely. For the first time
in his life he says he feels a strain upon him which
affects his brain. His head aches badly every day,
and at night his circulation is feeble and he is very
languid. Tomorrow he leaves for Washington, get-
ting there Thursday or Friday. He made his usual
preparation last night by having up a barber at the
house. The door-bell was ringing continually and
people calling on him all the time, so after the ton-
sorial professor had been introduced to my room and
a large linen spread down for the protection of the
carpet, Emmons sat down. His hair had been cut
very lately in Boston, but it certainly needed clip-
ping, and then Mons was not averse to saving one
fee. When he was through we put J'aime into his
high chair. The pretty little fellow would not permit
himself to wink. When he was cropped, we had up
father. It is a work of art now to cut your Father's
hair and leave at the same time enough on the head.
Happily however this desirable end was achieved, and
at ten Monsieur took his leave with $5 out of my
pocket book for himself and $3 for Dennis Berry,
that poor handless man. Emmons got home, as you
[60]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

know, Tuesday afternoon. When he was going to
bed he came to the stairway and called down to Susan
to know if she would mend his trousers. Of course
she would, but when she took hold of them she was
perfectly appalled to find one side of the seat almost
gone, and not a scrap to mend with, and these were
all he had — his new ones not having come from
Boston. Your old clothes — all which have not gone
to Wisconsin or Michigan — were overhauled, and,

0 good luck, one pair of Scotch grey trousers did
turn up, which Emmons by never putting his hands
into his pockets, has managed to wear. What would
he have done without them ? — for the Boston ones
proved so small they had to be sent back. You
will be amazed to see how large Emmons is ; his appe-
tite too is immense. He insists this time on trying
the club. His Father is opposed to it, but he says
he is bound to save on his board.

Mrs. Stowell is dead, — she died Wednesday.
Emmons' report came by the morning's mail, and is,

1 believe, quite satisfactory. What did not come
and what your Father, Alice, Emmons and I were all
watching at the window for for a full half hour be-
fore Henry Breen came along, was a blue enveloped
letter from you. Your Father would allow no one to
go to the door for it but himself. But alas, though
there was a very bright letter from Gail Hamilton,

[01]

LETTERS OF

a racy one from Horace White,1 and a gossipy one
from Joe Manley, who had ridden over a western rail-
way with Colfax 2 and interviewed him, there was
nothing from across the water. The detention by the
despatch bag is sometimes very much longer than it
should be.

I have had three dinners this last week got ready
for Governor Coburn3 — Tuesday, Thursday and Fri-
day. Friday he came, and your Father and he had
a very satisfactory business interview. Yesterday
John Rice was here to dinner. I seem to have resumed
all my cares. The baby is four weeks old to-day.
My nurse has been gone a week. I go down to all
my meals, cheer your Father if he is down-hearted,
coax him out of medicines and into food, am all
things to all moods. Then I do the marketing
through George, overlook sewing, keep the children
in abeyance as much as I can, and over all and
.through all care for the little baby, who is too young,
I think, to be trusted to a nurse. I was never in-
tended for anything but an old fashioned woman, all

1 At that time editor and part proprietor of the Chicago Tribune;
editorial writer on New York Evening Post from 1883 to 1903.

3 Schuyler Colfax, Member of Congress from Indiana, Speaker of
the House, and at this time Vice-President under Grant. Though
exonerated in the Credit Mobilier investigation he retired from politics,
and devoted himself to giving lectures, his most popular subjects being
"Across the Continent" and "Abraham Lincoln."

* Abner Coburn, Governor of Maine 1862-64.

[62]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

hands. The modern idea, and the better, is to be the
head, and let others serve for hands.

November 29, 1871 Wednesday evening.

DEAE WALKER, — It has just occurred to me that
to-morrow being Thanksgiving, I shall have no time
for writing letters, so although it is already late,
I will sit up long enough to write a few lines. For-
tunately I am not in France, so I shall not have to
go to bed to keep warm. It is a stinging cold night,
however, the wind blowing a hurricane and carrying
away apparently all the heat we should have within,
walls. Emmons has gone to a Thanksgiving ball at
Granite Hall, so of course he will not be at home
for a long while. I coaxed him into letting me get
him a pair of pantaloons made by Bosworth. They
turned out so much handsomer than Callows', that
he preferred them for f,he ball ; also, I got him sus-
penders, which helped his appearance very much;
and at the last moment I produced an old pair of
gloves of yours, which I had providentially put away
when I was taking care of your leavings. He took
a dollar for his own ticket and another for Jimmie
Stinson's, and his own supper, so I presume he will
turn up to-morrow morning with a good headache.
His present purpose is to get up to an 8-1/2 break-
[63]

LETTERS OF

fast at Aunt Emily's to-morrow morning, but I shall
let him sleep till noon if he wants to. He and Alice
are also to go to Aunt Em's to dinner. I will send
her a turkey and other things, and they and Aunt
Augusta's family and Aunt Hannah's, with the
Mason's come here to supper. Aunt Susan has been
in the kitchen all day, so you can imagine the turkeys
and oysters, the pies and salads, the cake and coffee,
which long before you are reading this letter will have
gone to join the innumerable company of Thanks-
giving suppers.

This morning, to my great delight — for I had
given up expecting anything from the Scotia — your
two letters in reply to your Father's turned up. I at
once telegraphed him to the Parker House, saying
that his surmises were correct, both as to person,
money and address, — calling no names, as a tele-
gram always seems to be semi-public. His anxiety
I knew was great, and he could not get your letter
until he reached Washington, as he was to leave at
3 this afternoon for New York. He will be so pleased
at his own shrewd guessing that he will not be very
severe on you, but Mr. S. will not escape. I want
to know nothing more about him. To borrow of
a boy of 16 traveling for educational purposes under
his father's instructions, and to borrow while he was
inviting him to his house, — oh, the bad taste ! I do
[64]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

not think one hard thought of you, but what would
I think of your Father doing as Mr. S. has done?
Your letters were admirable. I never had a fear
that you had done anything wrong. You made a
great mistake in not writing about it, and a mistake
in not declining to lend to Mr. S., but I never for one
moment feared that you had been wicked. If the
money is refunded, it will make no difference in my
estimate of the man.

Tom got away yesterday afternoon, a happy man,
as your father had told him he need not go to Wash-
ington until New Years. We have had quite a sud-
den death in our neighborhood. Gallic Breen, nee
Williams, died at four o'clock this morning of ty-
phoid fever. I only heard of her sickness yesterday.
She was 22, so it is two years since she took care of
Alice. I saw her to-day, and the color of her race
stood out very markedly on her dead face.

I have just been reading of the execution of Rossel.1

1 Louis Nathaniel Rossel, Chief of Legion of the 17th Arrondisse-
ment of Paris, formerly Captain of Engineers at Metz, whence he
escaped after the surrender of that fortress and was made Colonel by
Gambetta; being reduced to his former rank by Thiers, lie deserted
the government and joined the Commune. He wras chief of the com-
mission of barricades, and one of the few leaders of the Commune thr.t
had any military ability. He was unable to agree with the Comite
Centrale and was subsequently imprisoned, but escaped. After the
Commune he was executed at the age of twenty-eight, for bearing
arms against France. Of the prisoners taken after the Commune
VOL. i — 5 [ 65 ]

LETTERS OF

I know nothing about the politics of France, but
how dreadful that people must still be condemned
in that unhappy country.

Mrs. Warren Fisher has another daughter — a
great disappointment to her, as they are anxious
to have a son and this is the fourth daughter. I
am sorry to say that Mr. Fisher seems to be fast
losing in the esteem of all good men. Every new
discovery your Father makes only seems to show a
baseness still deeper. Will he ever reach the bottom
of his treachery towards himself?

Emmons has been skating all day — fun for him,
but hard fare for the horse as he rides to his pleasure
grounds, blankets poor old Prince, and comes home
only when he is hungry. I expect he takes girls, as
he has the best carriage. He is so kind and pleasant
and is so bright and gay I can refuse him nothing.
I make a very poor mother. Your old grays gave
out Monday. If they had gone west and fallen into
the possession of a slim youth, doubtless they would
have endured some time longer. Fortunately an-
other pair of yours came to light, striped, rather loud
in style for you. These are now pressed into the
service.

some twelve hundred suffered various penalties, ninety-five being
executed. Thomas March, The History of the Paris Commune,
London, 1896.

[66]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Cousin Abby has written me since she got your
letter. She writes me often the brightest and wittiest
of letters. She was very much pleased with your
writing her. She is going to Washington this winter.
But paper, time and baby cry out to say good-night,
and I say it, only first repeating how satisfied I am
with your explanation. Be always a good boy and
delight your affectionate,

MOTHEE.

Thursday evening, December 28.

DEAE WALKEE, — After getting off your letter
Monday evening I turned my attention to your
Father's toilet. I do not know whether or not I wrote
you that we were invited to the golden wedding of
Mr. and Mrs. Fuller, and that just at tea time, when
I was rejoicing in the thought of wearing some of
my finery in Augusta, it came out that your Father
had no clothes at home except those in which he was
then standing, a roughish suit a year old. What
Chicago had not swallowed up, had gone to Wash-
ington. We were both full of regret, as you may
believe. The Pater took a candle and made search
in the trunk room, but nothing came of it but two
gaiters, and even those were not alike. To match
the gaiters, I myself went westward, and returned
triumphant, bringing on my arm a pair of black
[67]

LETTERS OF

trousers not too much the worse for wear, a swallow
tail coat — very much of a swallow, too — made in
Paris when your Father was in Europe; lavendar
gloves almost new turned up in the pantaloon
pockets; — in short, every essential of a first class
society dress was drummed up from one quarter or
another, with the single exception of a white cravat ;
and at nine o'clock behold us in the narrow sleigh with
George for postillion en route. Over my own dress
I sported almost $300. worth of black lace, so I hope
nothing more need be said about my own toilet. You
never saw any one so pleased as was your Father with
his dress. When I went down into the parlor on my
way to the sleigh I found all the burners lighted,
while he turned himself about and about admiring old
clothes as good as new — as good ! a thousand times
better in his eyes ! Of the wedding you will not care
to hear much. There was a table laden with pres-
ents, a handsome supper, a poem by Mme. Dillingham
read by Mrs. Beach and sung to the tune of Auld
Lang Syne, the house trimmed with Christmas greens,
the whole Williams clan, — and last a dance, the j ig
led off by Mrs. Fuller and Arthur Edwards' grand-
father. I was taken out to supper by Dr. Harlow,
and saw your father leading in Mrs. Lang. Emmons
was invited, but preferred to spend his evening with
the Wyman girls ; he told George he might stay in the
[68]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

kitchen and he would drive over with us. When he
rang the bell Aunt Helen came to the door, so of
course Mons had to go in. He did very well, but said
coming home he wished his hands had been clean.
When he was coming away Aunt Helen brought him
a napkin and cake, also Anna Cutler's picture to look
at. Emmons got off Tuesday noon. Had a lunch of
cold Indian cake and apple pie, and was not other-
wise burdened with luggage even to a collar. We
have not heard from Emmons since he arrived in An-
dover, for Emmons, though a very good talker, holds
a more cramped pen than even I do. Father wrote to
Mr. Tilton and told him that he and he alone was to
blame for the delay in Mons' return. Mr. Sherman
came that night. Yesterday morning your Father
went to Boston ; hopes to return to-morrow. By the
way, they are just taking off the Pullman car from
this road and putting it on the other — doing it to
appease Lewiston. As it has been well patronized
by Augusta people, such treatment seems rather
rough.

Mr. Hale went through town yesterday on his way
to Ellsworth. He says he shall stick to Maine, means
to buy the old Peters place in Ellsworth. Had I
known they were going through I would have seen
them, though it was out of the question for me to ask
them to stop. I believe our first Washington dinner
[69]

LETTERS OF

is to be given to them. Your Father has to buy, while
in Boston this time, cutlery, table linen, china, and
ornamentation generally. I shrink perceptibly when
I think of taking up all the ceremonies of Washing-
ton life. As we expect to leave Wednesday, I am in
all the rush and pressure of preparation.

To MR. ELAINE, IN WASHINGTON1

Monday evening, December 11.

MY DEAR, — I am getting discouraged about the
little sister and the receptions and dinners, etc. of
the winter. Whom can I leave the baby with so that
if she cries I shall not fly the table to your and my
unutterable disgrace? It does not seem that I can
do much for podsnappery this winter. Professor
Barber has been down to see me this afternoon, really
overflowing with congratulations on your most happy
selections of committees ; says he shall tell you to
" cut off the tail of the dog." When Alcibiades did
so many fine things that he was afraid of being forced

1 This is one of the few existing letters to Mr. Elaine, and was
probably preserved by being enclosed in a letter to Walker. On
Mr. Elaine's return from any journey, it was Mrs. Elaine's invariable
custom to destroy any of her letters she could lay her hands on.

[70]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

into some great office, he cut off the tail of a dog to
show that he could do a foolish deed.

The afternoon mail brought me your letter telling
of Charlie Caldwell's prospective promotion, but I
have not seen any of Sylvanus' family this evening.
I am thinking of having our Society the week you are
at home. I fancy it would be a most gratifying and
popular thing to do. Shall you be at home the Fri-
day before Christmas? Be sure to tell me. I am so
tired I cannot spell. Do excuse the lifeless notes I
write. I certainly must find time in the morning to
do a cheerful line. You do not know how this mat-
ter of dressing and partying haunts me. I am getting
to love the little sister so, and everything savoring
of neglect to her is so foreign to my usual life.

To WALKER, IN FEANCE

December 81, 1871, Sunday evening.

MY DEAR WALKER, — I must commence a letter to
you to-night, even though I write by a poorer fire
than yours in Paris. The house is in the last stage
of confusion preparatory to the breaking up here
and my starting for Washington next Wednesday,
and all my good andirons are doing duty down stairs,
while here in my room are those tall cold solitaires
which, as Charles Lamb once said of a man, would
[71]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

cast a gloom over a funeral. Mr. Sherman and Uncle
Jacob are both here. I had Miss Sanborn here yes-
terday sewing for the little sister, making her a trav-
eling cloak. Went down town to make some neces-
sary purchases, and when I came home found -

here. Judge of my feelings ! M. sick in my

bed, the little sister occupying a crib in the same
room, Father using the west room, Mr. Sherman
the irregular. Do you remember Miss Sanborn who
has so often sewed for me with Mrs. Thorns? Of
course you do. Well, she is to go on to Washington
with me to help about the children. Martha, the
colored girl I have had for two winters, is to be the
regular nurse, but Miss Sanborn will be there as a
sort of breakwater. I am very much delighted with
the arrangement.

All day long your Father, I and Tom Sherman
have been paying bills. A great family are we, so
far as the circulation of money is concerned. To-
night we are very nearly square with the world.
Devotedly,

MOTHEE.

[72]

1872

Among Mr. Elaine's Washington neighbors at this time were
Governor Buckingham, then Senator from Connecticut, Thomas
Swan, a Representative from Maryland, Fernando Wood, a Repre-
sentative from New York, Benjamin F. Butler, a Representative
from Massachusetts, and Hamilton Fish, of New York, Secretary
of State.

General W. T. Sherman, later to become a neighbor, lived at this
time in the house on I Street, that had been a gift first to General
Grant and then to General Sherman. Mrs. Sherman was a cousin
of Mr. Elaine and a daughter of Thomas Ewing, who was Senator
from Ohio, and Secretary of the Treasury in the cabinets of William
Henry Harrison and Tyler, March to September, 1841, and who
organized the Interior Department for President Taylor in 1849.
It is curious that he was thrown out of both the Harrison and Taylor
Cabinets by the death of the President. He had three sons, Hugh
Ewing, Major-General in the Civil War, and United States Minister
to Holland, 1866-70; Thomas Ewing, Major-General in the Civil
War, and Member of Congress from Ohio, 1877-81; and Charles
Ewing, Brigadier-General in the Civil War, and later a lawyer in
Washington.

To AJLICE, IN SCHOOL, AT AUGUSTA

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, Sunday, January 8, '72.

MY DEAR ALICE, — I suppose you have thought
of us as all settled to-day in Washington a great
many times. We got here last night at five, very
tired, very dirty, and very anxious to get rest, a bath
and something to eat. It seemed good to see Robert
at the carriage door, and have some one to carry our
bundles even into the house. And here let me give
you a little piece of advice, — to pack everything
away before starting on a journey so as to go arm
free. We were thoroughly loaded down with shawls,
bags, muffs, overcoat, basket and baby. But we got
through, and for all our mercies let us be thankful.

I go back to where I left you when I finished my
letter Thursday evening. Father and Emmons came
home from the theatre in good season, and after a
little chat Emmons went off to his room, and we to
bed. In the morning J'aime came in all dressed,
Miss Sanborn having taken him his clothes when she
went to bed. The next morning, Friday, we got over
breakfast about in our usual season. Miss Sanborn
and J'aime had theirs in our room. After breakfast
just as I finished dressing the baby, cousin Abby came
in, and almost immediately after, Jacob. Uncle Jacob
[75]

LETTERS OF

only stayed a few minutes, as Father had gone out.
He said Louisa was coming in very shortly and would
bring in some ginger bread and fruit. Afraid of
getting detained, I took M. and went off at once
to see about a bonnet. Ordered a black velvet hat,
and then went over to Holbrooks', where I found
Father and Cousin Abby awaiting me. Cousin Abby
bought herself an elegant shawl which Mr. Holbrook
had shown me the day before, and I bought myself a
very pretty black one with a narrow border, suitable
for spring and summer wear, for $75. I thought of
Aunt Susan, and wished she could have the shawl
cousin Abby bought. Your Father wanted me to take
it for myself. I also bought myself a black lace cape
for $35. Emmons came in and took M. to see
Shreve's store. Father had left us some time before,
and my next visit was about hair. Here I was de-
tained a long time. My hair was all taken down, a
long lock cut out, and at last I decided on what to
have: two long braids, for which I have paid $72.
To get such as I had in my mind would cost me
$1,000. After my hair had been redone, I got myself
out of the hands of the French and went back to the
Parker House. Found Miss Sanborn and J'aime,
with the little sister, quietly sleeping. As it was
after two, I concluded to order our dinner up stairs
and let the others look out for themselves. When
[76]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

I got back to the Parker House it was after five, and
I was so tired, I was cross. Everyone seemed to look
upon my coming as a signal for relief. Burdens were
laid down, and I at once commenced taking them up.
First of all — the baby, who had endeared herself to
every heart by her delightful behavior. Cousin Abby
was obliged to go away at once, but Frank stayed a
long time. Miss Sanborn, your Father and I went
down to get a cup of tea and a bit of bread and
butter, leaving M. asleep on the sofa, the little sister
in the same condition on the bed, and J'aime awake,
with Emmons. When we came back we found the
little fellow asleep also in his brother's arms. All
then had to be waked up, as it was time to go. For a
few minutes it was pretty disheartening, but M. soon
got back her good humor, and J'aime got to laugh-
ing. The little sister was hushed ; and to my great
surprise, we found ourselves, our children and our
bundles, at the Worcester depot in ample season.
For help, Emmons was a host in himself. His Father,
good as he is, is not better. He wanted dreadfully
to go to Washington, but at the sleeping car we
separated, — he going back to the Parker House to
return to Andover yesterday morning. The children
were so wide awake and so amusing that I actually
enjoyed myself the first hour of our night journey.
Nor was any of it harder for me than many a
[77]

LETTERS OF

night at home has been this summer. Before 6 we
were all up and ready for another start, and at 6.15
we were at the Hoffman House. Here we had a very
good breakfast, fried oysters, omelette, tea, coffee
and rolls. Another vigorous push, and we were on
the ferry; another, and we were in the cars, fortu-
nate enough to get a compartment to ourselves. Of
course we had a very long and trying day yesterday,
but the children all had naps, and though I felt
tempted to say with the Bangor sister, " I will not
submit," I kept on with the cars, and at five we
reached Washington. We were quite fortunate in
regard to company also, only a few gentlemen finding
us out. In the afternoon Judge Kelly l brought
himself into the midst of our squalor, a large and
very greasy parcel in his hand, inquiring in his mag-
nificent voice if we were Pennsylvanians enough to
love doughnuts. We all, even to Mr. Blaine, politely
took one; but I was relieved to have him out of the
car, for I saw M.'s face in intense disgust. " O take
it, take it," said she in her impatience, " it 's no more
like Aunt Susan's than, — " but words quite failed her.
He said he had so much lunch he had given a great
deal to a beggar girl, but doughnuts he would not

1 Judge William D. Kelly, member of Congress from Pennsyl-
vania, familiarly known as "Pig Iron" Kelly.

[78]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

give, he had too much respect for them. Good luck
to the beggar girl!

We found the house in beautiful order, and at six
precisely were called down to dinner. It was served,
of course, in beautiful order, Robert taking his stand
at the back of Mr. Elaine's chair in his old style.
Soup, macaroni, then a splendid roast of beef, slaw,
cranberry, celery, etc., apple sago pudding, oranges
and apples, and as good a cup of tea as I ever tasted.
It seemed to me I had never seen the house look so
well. The curtains are all up ; what a thing that is !
The billiard room carpet is down, — very pretty.
Martha, Mary Wilson, James and Robert are here.
I expect another maid to-morrow.

Mr. Hale was in before we were dressed this morn-
ing. Went out to breakfast with us, and seemed in
every respect just as he used to. He got into the
city on the morning train.

Monday evening.

Try as I would, dear Alice, I could not get my
letter off last night. My trunks came this morning.
I unpacked enough to get out my black silk, my red
shawl and brown hat ; then left everything and went
to Mrs. Creswell's 1 to lunch, — a most elegant affair.

1 Wife of John A. J. Creswell, Senator from Maryland, Postmaster-
General under Grant, and later counsel of Court of Alabama claims,
of which Walker Elaine became assistant counsel.

Mr. Blaine in bis "Twenty Years of Congress" (1884) says that of

[79]

LETTERS OF

The ladies of the Cabinet there. Would you like to
know what we had? In the first place, — oysters on
the shell, or rather, on shell china plates ; then clear
soup, then sweet-breads and French peas, then Roman
punch, then chicken cutlets, then birds, then chicken
salad, ices, jelly, charlottes, candied preserves, cake,
fruit, candy, tea, coffee, and four kinds of wines. Too

all cabinets theretofore, Franklin Pierce's was the only one that en-
dured through the administration unchanged, the changes in President
Grant's cabinet being more numerous than in any preceding it. Its
members, twenty-five in all, many of whom, or whose wives, are
mentioned in these Letters, included: Secretaries of State: Elihu B.
Washburne, Hamilton Fish ; Treasury: George S. Boutwell, William
A. Richardson, Benjamin H. Bristow, and Lot M. Morrill; War:
John A. Rawlins, William W. Belknap, Alphonso Taft, James Donald
Cameron; Navy: Adolph E. Borie and George M. Robeson; Post-
masters-General: John A. J. Creswell, James W. Marshall, Mar-
shall Jewell, James N. Tyner; Attorneys-General: E. Rockwood
Hoar, Amos T. Akerman, George H. Williams, Edwardes Pierrepont,
Alphonso Taft; Interior: Jacob D. Cox, Columbus Delano,
Zachariah Chandler.

Besides these there were A. T. Stewart, the "merchant-prince" of
New York, who was nominated for Secretary of the Treasury, but
never served; General Sherman, who was Secretary of War and
Interior, and Eugene Hale, who was appointed Postmaster-General,
but did not enter upon his service. President Grant was very desirous
of having Mr. Stewart serve but found after nominating him that
there were legal disabilities in the way, the act establishing the Trea-
sury Department, passed by the First Congress at its first session,
having provided that no person was eligible for the office who was
"directly or indirectly concerned in the business of trade or com-
merce." The penalty for making such an appointment included a
fine of $3000 and removal from office, and President Grant frankly
informed the Senate that he was unaware of the restrictions at the
time of making MX. Stewart's appointment.

[80]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

much altogether, your Father thinks, for women
folks.

On my way I stopped at Mrs. Forrest's with one
dress. She makes it this week. Invitations are pour-
ing in. I have two for Fernando Wood's,1 two for
Lady Thornton's. Everything seems just as it did
last winter. When I saw the dress at Mrs. Creswell's
I felt that I had nothing to wear, but before I got
away I discovered that Mrs. Boutwell's bows were
worn exactly where the Pinkey sisters wear theirs, also
that the skirt of her black silk dress had evidently
felt the deadly pressure of an iron, and as one touch
of human nature makes the whole world kin, I felt
en rapport at once.

M. and J'aime and Miss Sanborn have had their
first noon dinner to-day. M. took the walk and the
seat of the scornful ; but it works well. Dear darling
little J'aime is, I am sorry to say, very much under
the weather. I have a great deal more to say, but
cannot take the time to get my letter off. You do
not know how nice Martha's and Robert's ways seem
to me. The laundress, Hannah Grant, has been here
to-day. My other girl comes to-morrow. Martha
has been cleaning all day. The Red Room and Mr.
Sherman's are all in order. I begin my receptions

1 Fernando Wood, Democratic Member of Congress from New
York, and Mayor of New York City during the Civil War.
VOL. 1—6 [ 81 ]

LETTERS OF

Wednesday. Mr. Elaine has one Friday evening.
My hands are full, but the little sister behaves beauti-
fully. Father wants you to have this letter put into
the envelope with the Kennebec Journal and sent to
Walker. He thinks he will be interested in the chit-
chat of it, and I shall never write it over again.
Devotedly,

MOTHER.

My new dresses were all at the dressmaker's. The
reception was very large and very select. Altogether,
if I had felt strong, I would have enjoyed it, but it
seems to me I am asked to fill immensity with my
presence, and I cannot do it.

To WALKER, AT MADAME HEDLER'S SCHOOL,
IN PARIS

Afternoon of Tuesday.

J'aime is still very sick, Dear Walker, though the
doctor declares him better and sees no danger. At
3 I left him and went to the White House to pay
my respects to Mrs. Grant. Found the reception
crowded, though not so much elegant dressing as
sometimes one sees. Coming home I sent my card
in to Mrs. Wood, wishing to inquire about a school
for M. She kept me waiting a long time, and then
was full of apologies about her dress ; from which I
infer that mothers are the same in palace and hovel.
[82]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Wednesday morning.

I finish this poor letter, dear Walker, by the crib
of Que J'aime. Dear little fellow, precious as the
apple of my eye, he is very, very sick. Last night we
found he was rapidly growing worse. His disease,
which is remittent fever, has gone to the brain, and
although by no means hopelessly sick, he is in great
danger. It is four nights since I have been to bed.
Up to last night I have taken care of him alone.
Last night no one person could have had the care of
him. From twelve to four he was the sickest person I
ever saw. At four the extreme symptoms seemed to
change, and since then he has been steadily improving.
Dr. Pope has had the case, but now Dr. Verdi comes
with him, and will continue to do so until the case is
decided one way or the other. I think he will get well,
but the chances are very close.

We got your letter this morning, also Aunt
Caddy's and Almet's. Shall send them east this
morning. Cousin Abby came last night.

Good by, with a heart full of love,

MOTHER.

821 FIFTEENTH ST., WASHINGTON, January 26,
Friday morning.

MY DEAR WALKER, — I can hardly believe in my
good fortune. I have just written a long letter to
[83]

LETTERS OF

Emmons, uninterrupted by sick or well, and now I
commence one to you. Upstairs cousin Abby sits
reading " Old and New," and Miss Sanborn plays the
piano. J'aime lies asleep on my bed, the little sister
in her crib. We have depended mostly on milk for
J'aime's nourishment, and most of it has come from
Mrs. Fernando Wood. So much for having neighbors
in this Vanity Fair of a city. During the worst of
his sickness, two were obliged to sit up with J'aime,,
but just as late and just as soon as possible I stayed
up alone with him. I did this partly to save the
strength of others, but mostly because I could not
stay away from him. My very life seemed bound up
in that of the child. He is now really getting better,
but oh, the care he is ! Of course I have as yet had
neither part nor lot in the gaieties of Washington.
Last night I persuaded your Father to go into
Mrs. Wood's, as this was our second invitation.
Accordingly he and Cousin Abby went. They were
at home soon after twelve, but had had an agree-
able time. To-night we were to have a reception, but
I did not dare have the noise in the house. Next
week I am engaged for two dinners, one Senator
Chandler's.1

We shall probably ourselves give a dinner Friday.
I have a party dress ready — blue silk trimmed very

1 Zachariah Chandler, Senator from Michigan from 1857 to 1875.
[84]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

freely with duchesse lace, low neck and short sleeves.
This afternoon I have been to leave directions about
another — pearl color to be trimmed with pink silk
and black lace. I shall ring the changes on these two
during the season. I feel remarkably well dressed,
but most of my dresses are old ones, revamped. We
have a new waiter this winter, called Solomon Doug-
las. We call him by the last name, though if I could
only joke, I should certainly say something about
Solemn Douglas, for his manners are truly sepulchral.
He has deep thoughts on the dignity of his office —
always speaks of me as " The Madam," and while
very fond of her, will permit no unsanctioned indul-
gence to M. She beats herself out against the rock
of his dignity in vain.

Mrs. Hale comes in to see me quite often. She
wants to be received just as her husband is. I like
her very much indeed, think her a noble girl.

Monday morning.

J'aime still improving. We are through with
breakfast, and he is dressed, though he does not sit
alone. M. is playing about the room with Alice
Wood, too happy for anything because she has a
play-fellow. Cousin Abby is reading the newspapers.
I went out last night to the Congregationalist tem-
perance meeting. Heard a nice little story told of
[85]

LETTERS OF

Speaker Elaine. His strong point seems to be his
deadly opposition to tobacco. I was immensely
amused, as it was only Saturday afternoon when Dr.
Rankin was in at our house, and this nice little talk
was detailed the very next evening.

I have three dinners in view to give, — one to Mr.
Hale next Thursday, to the President, Monday, to
the Ewing family Thursday. A number of the Ohio
Ewings are spending the winter with Mrs. Sherman,
all in black — so they do not visit in public.

Good-by,

Devotedly,

MOTHER.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. Sunday evening,

February 11, 1872.

I got no farther, dear Walker, last night. Your
Father came upstairs and got to worrying about
J'aime, who was very hot, and so of course I felt no
more like writing. The little fellow has been very
feverish all night, but is up and dressed now, feeling
as well as he has done. He has a lingering, more
properly, a halting convalescence. He is very deaf
indeed ; does not hear one word unless it is addressed
directly and with effort to him, but we expect that
this is only temporary.

[86]

MRS. JAMES G. BLAINE

As I was saying last night, Mr and Mrs Hale were
here to tea. She looked very pretty indeed. To-day
we have many gentlemen to dinner. I am not to be
present — a vast relief to me. A new man whom
Frank Leslie * has imported from England to outdo
Nast, Mr. Summer,2 and others. Friday we have the
President and Mrs. Grant. Round table at both
dinners. Lent will, you know, begin Wednesday, so
of course everything for the week past has gone with
a double and treble rush. Every available day-time
moment I have been out making calls. Tuesday even-

1 Frank Leslie, editor and proprietor of " Frank Leslie's Illustrated
Newspaper," a species of journal in the founding of which P. T.
Barnum was the pioneer. Mr. Leslie was the original importer of
Tom Nast, the famous caricaturist, a native of Bohemia, who resigned
to go abroad and make war sketches with Garibaldi's army in Italy,
and on his return to America began his cartoons in Harper's Weekly.

a Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts, then fifty-nine years
of age. In the year previous Mr. Sumner had been removed from his
position as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the
Senate on account of political difficulties with President Grant's
administration, growing out of his opposition to the treaty to annex
San Domingo. The removal was characterized by Mr. Blaine in his
"Twenty Years in Congress" as comparable only with the earlier and
physical assault made on Mr. Sumner in 1856 in the Senate Chamber
by Representative Preston S. Banks, a nephew of Senator Butler.
On the day following the dinner mentioned in the Letters, Mr. Sumner
introduced resolutions in the Senate to investigate the suspected sale
of government ordnance and arms during the Franco-Prussian War,
an investigation which, commonly known as the French Arms Affair,
excited the widest public interest at the time. Mr. Sumner died in
1874 at Washington, where his body lay in state at the Capitol before
being buried in Mt. Auburn Cemetery at Cambridge, Mass.

[87]

LETTERS OF

ing I dined at Secretary Delano's ; * wore blue silk ; —
twenty-two at dinner. Went out to table with Sen-
ator Windom,2 but was then separated from him and
was left to the tender mercies of Governor Cooke.3
Had a pleasant time ; Cousin Abby, who sat at table
with General Bristow,4 a brilliant one; so also did
your Father. Got home at 11. The next day I had
a reception, largely attended ; Gen. Sickles 5 and wife,
and Gen. Sheridan, here, among others. Thursday
just after dinner my other new silk came home, so
your Father insisted upon my going out with him.
Accordingly, at 10 behold me starting for Lady
Thornton's. Here we had a very delightful time ; the
people all very elegantly dressed, and a chosen com-
pany. About 12 we went to Mrs. Rathbone's.6 This
party was as brilliant as a party could be, house,
people, supper, lights, everything of the best. At
Lady Thornton's I was taken out to supper by Gen-

1 Columbus Delano of Ohio, Secretary of the Interior under
President Grant.

2 William Windom, Senator from Minnesota, Secretary of the
Treasury under President Garfield, and again under Harrison.

3 Henry D. Cooke, brother of Jay Cooke, and Governor of the
District of Columbia, 1873.

4 Benjamin H. Bristow, Secretary of the Treasury under President
Grant.

5 Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, New York; then Minister to Spain.

6 Wife of Major Henry Rathbone, U. S. A., who was with Presi-
dent Lincoln at the time of his assassination.

[88]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

eral Banks,1 home by Gen. Burke,2 and got to bed at
two. Found the children all very comfortable on my
return, as they had been during my absence. These
were my first parties for the winter.

821 FIFTEENTH ST., Sunday afternoon, Feb. 18, 1872.
MY DEAR WALKER, — Lunch is just over, and
after in vain trying to get J'aime, who is having a
fractious day, into good humor, I have abandoned
him to his fate, meaning the tender mercies of his
Father, Miss Sanborn, Cousin Abby, M., Annie and
Martha. Here the door bell rings. Douglas answers
it. Some one to see the Speaker. Douglas distantly
answers that indeed he does not know whether Mr.
Blaine is home or not. If the gentleman will walk
into the parlor he will see. Enter gentleman, and
upstairs Douglas. Returning, he announces that
Mr. Blaine has gone up to see Mr. Sherman, a fib
with a circumstance; and Douglas coming through
the library where Mr. Sherman and I are writing,
says he shall never get to heaven in this world, and

1 Gen. N. P. Banks, of Massachusetts, Member of Congress and
ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives.

* Dennis Francis Burke, who enlisted for the Civil War with the
69th Regiment of New York. He was a native of Ireland and on a
visit to Dublin in 1866 was arrested for a Fenian and confined for
seven months in Mountjoy prison. On his return to the United States
he became assistant appraiser of the New York Custom House and
held the position till his death in 1893.
[89]

LETTERS OF

vanishes looking exceedingly pleased, for him, at the
prospect. Whereupon Mr. Sherman says to me in
an aside that he does not see what his idea of heaven
in this world can be.

Friday we had our Presidential dinner. Oh, how
glad I am to have it over! Father wanted to defer
it until Emmons came, but I could not let it over-
hang so long. The President is so heavy in every-
thing but feeding, — there he is very light. He
talked incessantly about himself. I have a certain
sympathy with him, for I think him an honest man,
and indeed he feels dreadfully assailed. Sir Edward *
sat on my other hand. After dinner was over and the
guests had departed, Father, Miss Dodge, and my-
self went to the Wellington to attend the reception of
the Japanese Minister. I went out to supper with
the Minister himself, a lively little Japanese, rather
taller than the average of his countrymen, speaking
English perfectly well. The Japs seemed to be per-
fectly delighted at seeing so many ladies. Mrs.
Schurz 2 said when she left, Monsieur Mori 3 was
standing motionless, his arm tight around a young

1 Sir Edward Thornton, British Minister to the United States.

2 Wife of Senator Carl Schurz of Missouri.

3 An embassy from Japan under Mr. Iwakuri came to the United
States at this time to study with the Japanese Minister, Arinori Mori,
the republican institutions of America. The members were extensively
entertained in Washington.

[90]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

lady's waist. Imagine it ! In the morning I was at the
Capitol ; heard Mr. Beck 1 reply to Mr. Brownlow, —
a personal explanation, mostly in bad, bad taste;
interesting to me because of the perfectly impartial
ruling of your Father, though to do it he had to
decide against Mr. Stephenson,2 Mr. Hale, and Mr.
Garfield. Thursday, Gen. Thomas Ewing and sev-
eral other gentlemen were here to dinner, — a pleas-
ant time. Wednesday I had no reception. It was
Ash Wednesday, also Valentine's Day.

Tuesday we were invited to a great many places,
but did not go out at all. The day was very bad,
and we were in the evening too tired for anything.
The day before — Monday — which carries me back
to my last letter, we had had a large dinner party —
a most successful dinner. Charles Sumner was here,
Mr. Hendricks,3 a good many newspaper men —

1 James Burnie Beck, Senator from Kentucky, 1877-90; at this
time Member of the House of Representatives. William G. Brownlow,
Governor of Tennessee during the reconstruction period, and later
United States Senator. Mr. Brownlow's loyalty to the national cause
during the ante-bellum years cost him separation from his family, loss
of property, imprisonment and finally banishment from the Con-
federacy. In earlier years he was a Methodist preacher and long bore
the nickname of Parson Brownlow. His editorship of the Knoxville
Whig, printed in the mountains of Tennessee, anti-Jackson and
pro-Clay, was vigorous enough to give it wide influence.

2 Representative Isaac Stephenson, of Wisconsin, Mr. Hale of
Maine, and General (afterwards President) James A. Garfield.

8 Afterwards Vice-President Hendricks, but then out of office, and
visiting in Washington, his term in the Senate having expired in 1869.

[91]

LETTERS OF

Frank Leslie people, and so on. Miss Dodge dined
last night at the Chandlers', and was taken out to
dinner by Gen. Sheridan. She had a most delightful
time. To-morrow we have all the Ewings to dinner,
and Tuesday we have tickets for Sothern. I shall
think of you as I listen to Dundreary.

We get down to breakfast soon after nine. Father
sits down in his seat, and at once proceeds to bury
himself in the newspapers. Douglas the slow gradu-
ally works around among the mutton chops, the grits,
the butter, the apples, the ham and the drinkables,
and by the time everything is as cold as a stone,
eating begins. Father does not even offer the steak.
As we take the morning papers, and the mail is
always large, you can imagine how social we are.
I dare not abandon the children; so while Cousin
Abby and the Pater satisfy the hungry minds, I look
out for the hungry little folks, and when I and they
are through the readers wake up and are ready to
be waited on. Just as we were getting through this
morning, somebody or other remembered our dinner
party of to-day, and then it was discovered that no
orders had been given for the dinner — the bill of
fare not even made out! Such an explosion as then
followed! However, everything is all straightened
out now. But Father wants this letter to send. I
have no time to see what I have said — it is full of
[92]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

love, be sure of that. Only one thing — I have
written and written to Emmons letters which were
to go to you, but he fails to send them. This is
why you are sometimes so long without hearing.
Good-by, — lovingly,

MOTHEE.

(Fragment)

We have seen by the papers that Mr. Washbume
is coming home, but the latest intelligence seems to
be that he is not. We should have tried to have him
make this his home.

To go on with my narration, Friday evening we
had ourselves an elegant reception. I shall exhaust
the vocabulary of adjectives. For a wonder, I really
enjoyed myself. This is only our second reception,
yet it is the last. The first winter I had seven. Sat-
urday afternoon we were all to go to Mrs. Swayne's
matinee. She is to be married next Thursday, start-
ing for Europe Saturday. Your Father and Cousin
Abby went at five, he coming back to dine at Welcker's
at six. At seven I dressed and went, and about nine
Cousin Abby and I came home — a very pleasant
time.

Yesterday all of us out at church. And now you
have a very bald, but a faithful account of the fes-
tivities of this week. I have written this much under
[93]

LETTERS OF

all sorts of difficulties : baby not dressed, M. hug-
ging, J'aime crying for me, Father giving all sorts
of orders about flowers and getting very wroth at
the stupidity of others ; Mr. Sherman doing fifty
things at once. A call from Mr Hale, who has come
to ask Cousin Abby to fill a vacancy at their table.

My dear, dear boy, good-by. I intended writing
a longer and better letter, but I could never write
one with more love.

Devotedly,

MOTHEB.

821 FIFTEENTH ST., WASHINGTON, March 3, 1872.
Saturday afternoon.

MY DEAR WALKER, — It is curious to watch a Lent
evolve itself in Washington. Everything in the sea-
son is hurried, piled up three deep — Lent comes so
early this year, and with Lent everything ceases.
Observe now my arrangements already entered into
for the coming week, and from one week, learn all.
This is Sunday. To-night there comes for tea Mrs
Shepherd Pike, very likely others. Previously I go
with Father to Capitol Hill to make a few visits. To-
morrow at twelve I go to the White House to assist
in the formal reception to the Japanese. Mrs. Fish
has been in twice about it to-day already, Mr. Fish *

1 Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State under Grant.
[ 94]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

once. The most punctilious arrangements are made
for the ceremony. As this is the first ambassador
this country has ever received, it behooves us to be
particular. Your Father puts some one in the chair,
and then hastens down himself to assist in the cere-
monies. All the ladies are in full dress, morning
costume, no bonnets. In the evening I go to the
opera to hear Parepa in Figaro. Tuesday evening
I go to the Masonic Temple to assist in another re-
ception to the Japs. Mrs. Fish, wife of the Secretary
of State; Mrs. Colfax, wife of the President of the
Senate; Mrs. Blaine, wife of the Speaker of the
House, and Mrs. Banks, wife of the Chairman of
the Committee on Foreign Affairs, — are the ladies
to receive. Wednesday I have a reception, and in
the evening go to the opera again to hear Parepa.
Thursday we are engaged at the Bristows, and Sat-
urday afternoon Father takes M. and Miss San-
born to the matinee. I am so sorry for Emmons that
his vacation does not commence this week.

Thursday afternoon.

I am just up from down town, where I have been
buying a little frippery for to-night. I went to the
White House yesterday as I anticipated. All the
ladies save myself were in high necks and long sleeves ;
I just the reverse, but I covered my neck with a
[95]

LETTERS OF

handsome cape, and was very much complimented
on my appearance. The ceremonies were all gone
through with according to programme. The Presi-
dent and Cabinet and a few officers received the chief
of the Japanese dignitaries, and then they were
brought into the Blue Room and presented to Mrs.
Grant and her ladies. Mrs. Grant had Mrs. Colfax
on her right, myself on the left. I was quite un-
prepared for the womanliness cordiality and thor-
oughly unaffected kindliness of Mrs. Grant's recep-
tion of these semi-heathen. I could not have done
half so well. Fortunately I knew Mr. Mori, so that
I could break the dread spell a little. Another thing
also helped me personally very much. The chief
interpreter turned out to be a young Mr. Rice, son
of Elisha, and nephew of Judge Rice. He went
from Augusta to Japan at the age of ten. Of course
he got introduced to me and we had a great deal to
talk about, to the evident admiration of our Asiatic
friends, who looked on with longing eyes. In the
evening Cousin Abby, Miss Sanborn and myself took
a carriage and went to Parepa's opera. The sing-
ing and acting were superb. I am sorry to say the
house was poorly filled, — not over twenty in the
audience that I knew, and by this time I know pretty
much everybody of note. The night was horribly
cold, and we were glad enough that I had had the ex-
[96]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

travagance of a carriage. Father opened the door
to us at our first summons. The poor man had lost
Parepa and had nothing to compensate. Over one
hundred and twenty-five guests sat down to Mr.
Brooks' dinner in a room built over a stable — Mr.
Robeson seated between two Japanese dignitaries,
neither of whom, of course, could speak one English
word. The dinner, Father said, seemed to be served
by the acre, and after standing it as long as he could,
he concluded to slip out. As soon as they saw your
Father start, Mr. Voorhees * and Mr. Beck also arose,
and I should not be surprised to hear that quite a
stampede then commenced, but afraid of the conse-
quences, our Father beat a hasty retreat home.

I ought to tell you a great deal about last week,
because I did not write you after Monday, but it
all seems to have faded out of my recollection. Fri-
day evening I had a large dinner party; but as it
was mainly odds and ends, I mean looking up people
to whom I owed a dinner, I was, with a few excep-
tions, indifferent to the people. I went out to dinner
with Judge Swayne,2 and had myself a very nice time,
Judge Swayne being always agreeable to me. The

1 Representative, later Senator, Daniel W. Voorhees of Indiana.

2 Noah Swayne, of Ohio, appointed Associate Justice of the United
States Supreme Court by President Lincoln ; father of General Wager
Swayne of New York.

VOL. i—7 [ 97 ]

LETTERS OF

dinner itself was perfectly delicious, but the flowers
were not so pretty as usual.

Wednesday, 10 o'clock.

I am sorry, dear Walker, to have, after all, to
conclude my letter in a hurry. I assisted in the re-
ception last night — Mrs. Colfax, I, Mrs. Fish and
Mrs. Banks. When supper was announced Iwakuri
went first, having on his right arm Mrs. Colfax, the
Vice-President on his left; then came Mr. Mori,
Mrs. Fish, and your father on the other arm. Then
the second Ambassador, I on his right arm, Secretary
Fish on his left. Who came after I know not, every
faculty of mine being absorbed in analyzing my feel-
ings. So curious ! Not one word could my poor
Asiatic understand of my language, and Mr. Fish
having the whole Diplomatic Corps to keep straight,
was continually looking around and calling out to
some greater or less dignitary to fall into line. When
we had marched back from the supper room into the
hall all our formal duties were over. We got home
about twelve. This morning have been up to the
House to see them received by your Father. Immense
crowd there.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, March 12th, '72
MY DEAR WALKER, — Please date your letters more
accurately. Your Pater blows a blast which might
[98]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

reach across the Atlantic when he sees one of your
missives commencing with a Friday morning or a
Tuesday or a Monday, and so on. We heard from
you Sunday morning, and I yesterday sent the letter
to Augusta. Emmons was coming away from An-
dover, so I did not detain it for him. It will be hap-
piness enough for him to be with us. I have the good
dinner he writes for all ordered, but about an hour
ago came a telegram from New York saying that he
had lost the connection and could not be here till ten.

This week is jogging along very quietly, a great
contrast to last. I am trying to get calls paid up,
though the dreadful weather sadly interferes. Such
a spring! It snows all the latter part of the day,
melts in the forenoon, thaws in the afternoon.

Friday evening, being already as tired as I could
be, I went with your father to a Maine sociable.
Ever since we have been in Washington there has
been a hearsay about our going to a Maine sociable,
so Friday evening with the inevitable snow storm for
our accompaniment, behold us starting forth.

Tuesday evening.

I had just got so far, dear Walker, when Mrs.

Hale came in to make a little friendly call. As

Eugene is in New Hampshire stumping, she is very

lonely, so I had her come in and succeeded so well

[99]

LETTERS OF

in entertaining her that she did not go till it was
time for Cousin Abby to go to Miss Ripley's ; l with
whom we were to take lunch. We had a very nice
little table all to ourselves, and at three came away.
Sent Robert to the Arlington for a carriage, and at
once went out calling with Cousin A. Took Miss
Sanborn and the darling J'aime along for a ride. As
M. was making a call on Alice Wood, we had no
trouble with her. Called every moment till dinner
time, came home, ate dinner, and here I am. I dis-
miss the Maine sociable as I see that was the topic
I was on when interrupted, — with one word. Your
Father and I stood around a few moments warming
us at the stove, school fashion, not seeing one person
we knew. Finally about half a dozen left their places
in the dance and came up to see us, and all the others
being strangers, we soon felt at liberty to come away.
So much for a Maine sociable. Thursday evening
we were at Mrs. Bristed's 2 at a ten o'clock supper.
Only twelve at table, including Mr. and Mrs. Robe-
son.3 Mrs. R. is a woman of undoubted talent. She

1 Elizabeth Ripley, niece of Senator Buckingham of Connecticut
and Mrs. Elaine's next door neighbor in Washington.

2 Wife of Charles Astor Bristed, the author, grandson of John
Jacob Astor.

3 George Maxwell Robeson of New Jersey, Secretary of the Na\y
from 1869 to 1877. He was married in January, 1872, to Mary
Isabella (Ogston) Aulich, a widow. Mr. Robeson was also Acting
Secretary of War for a time on the resignation of William W. Belknap.

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

is extremely entertaining. At twelve and a half we
came away. I went out to supper with Mr. Robeson.
Father took out Mrs. Bristed; Senator Bayard,1
Cousin Abby. Two of the others were foreigners. I
felt very dull, but believe the others had a good time.
Wednesday afternoon I had a reception, and that
same evening heard Parepa 2 in " Bohemian Girl."
Got along very well till the third part, when I could
have fallen headlong, I was so sleepy. Saturday,
Father, Cousin A. and your sister M. went to a
matinee. Your Pater came home as slangy as Win-
throp Fish, saying and re-saying, " It 's a fraud."
Every part was shorn and clipped, and the voice of
the prompter was audible enough to mar all the
effect. At six he, Father, dined with the territorial
delegates, and at eight I, thoroughly worn out, be-
took myself to bed. Sunday I was not out for the
day, the walking I thought too bad.

His conduct of the Navy Department was "investigated " by Congress
but the House Judiciary Committee failed to sustain any charges
against him.

1 Thomas F. Bayard of Delaware, then United States Senator,
later Secretary of State in President Cleveland's first term and first
Ambassador to Great Britain.

2 This was Parepa Rosa's thifd and last visit to America, her
death occurring in London in 1874. During her second visit she
married Carl Rosa, her second husband, in 1867 and remained in this
country four years, attaining great popularity. She was born in
Edinburgh in 1826 of a Scotch mother and a Wallachian father.
Parepa's full name was Euphrosyne Parepa de Boyesku Rosa.

[101]

LETTERS OF

Yesterday I made calls, the inevitable snow accom-
panying me in all my visits. In the evening we all
went to the billiard room for amusement. Cousin A.
and Father played, and such wild strokes never were
seen before. I waited until each had pushed along
six counters, when I descended to the library to read
Oliver Twist. I believe I wrote you that the billiard
room has been carpeted, so we have done nothing else
in the way of furnishing.

Wednesday morning.

Emmons got here at ten and a half last evening.
He missed the train yesterday morning simply be-
cause he had not been particular about the time table.
Rather green in him, your Father thinks. I need
not say that we have all been alive this morning.
Your big brother first went all over the house in
his night gown ; next he put on his coat and trousers
over his night shirt and again perambulated, and
lastly he dressed himself en regie and came down to
breakfast. All we wanted was to have you here.
Mary Wilson got every dish for Emmons she could
think of, and to one and all he did full justice. I
was in hopes I should have an Augusta letter to send
along with this, but there has been a large mail
burned at Springfield and I have no doubt my letter
has gone that way. I am going to have a reception
to-day. One and all send love. Oceans from mother.
[ 102 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

I cannot bear to send this paper blank, so I will
at the risk of repetition say that your Father dines
with the Japs at the White House this evening and
that I go at nine to receive with Mrs. Grant. I have
offered to take Emmons, but he will have none of it.
Also we have Saturday evening a large party of
gentlemen, over one hundred, mostly members of the
House. As I shall only receive, I do not dread it
much. After Mons had had his supper, he and your
Father went up for a game of billiards. Of course
Mons distanced his partner a long ways. There is
a great excitement over the ousting of the Erie ring,1
but all this I trust to the papers to inform you of.
Your Father seems very much opposed to your leav-
ing Paris. He is anxious for you to be sure of
French, at the same time he likes to have you do
everything you want to. If you would like to, he
would prefer your staying another year in Europe,
but I do not think I could give my consent. At any
rate, I should come over with Emmons and travel for
the summer.

Good-bye, devotedly,

MOTHER.

1 See Mr. Charles F. Adams' and Mr. Henry Adams' very inter-
esting account of the struggle between Jay Gould, Commodore Van-
derbilt, and other interested parties for control of the Erie Railroad.
(Chapters of Erie and Other Essays.)

[ 103]

LETTERS OF

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, March 18th,

Monday morning.

MY DEAE, WALKER, — Another letter from you,
and no date beyond the unsatisfactory one of Fri-
day. Just think how your Father must have talked.
Anything but greenness in my children, might almost
be his motto ; and here comes Emm on s from Andover
without consulting the New York time tables, con-
sequently he loses his connection and in consequence
thereof his dinner at home, and his bag which he
had left in the rack, and before we have recovered
our breath, comes another letter from you which is
to be kept for a journal, and yet no date.

Emmons is having a very quiet but satisfactory
vacation. He manages just to get up at nine, comes
down in his Father's slippers, eats a breakfast com-
posed of his favorite dishes, stands up at the last.
Is always to be found, when the others go up stairs,
in the billiard room. About eleven he comes down,
puts a few finishing touches to his dress, and goes
off to the Capitol. Lunches there, and is at home
any time in the latter part of the day. Some even-
ings he goes to the theatre, often he is at home.
Last night (Sunday) we all went in to see the Hales.
Coming home we called at Governor Buckingham's,
[ 104]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

where we had an old fashioned Yankee visit. To-
night Miss Ripley dined here, also Mr and Mrs
Merrill, Mrs Arms, George F. Townsend and wife
and George Stinson, a family dinner, but very en-
joyable I have no doubt. Saturday evening Father
had his press company, — over a hundred here.
Everything to eat and drink that money could buy,
fine music from the band and a good time altogether.
No ladies at all. Friday night Emmons went to the
theatre with George Stinson. I went, for a wonder,
to the Capitol. Heard little beyond the roll call.
Thursday your Father got up sick, or rather he
was sick and did not get up. Some dreadful dish at
the President's dinner had disagreed with him. I
had a carriage and went up with him to the Capitol.
He staid just long enough to call the house to order
and instal Mr. Dawes 1 in the chair, and then came
directly home. But the fresh air did him good and
we at home had a most enjoyable day. At dinner
we had several very agreeable gentlemen. Friday
morning we had more gentlemen to breakfast. From
these minutiae you can see that we are again leading
a Washington winter. It is company all the time.
Everything goes very smoothly in the kitchen.

1 Henry L. Dawes of Massachusetts, fourteen years in the House
and six in the Senate; then chairman of the Ways and Means
Committee.

[ 105]

LETTERS OF

WASHINGTON, April 2nd, Tuesday morning.
MY DEAR WALKER, — Breakfast is over ; market-
ing for the day decided on. J'aime and M. rigged
for out-door play; the baby just flitting out for
her promenade; Father off for the day. Mr. Sher-
man reckoning up the month's expenses for me ; and,
as I am chief referee in this last clause, I will im-
prove the odd minute by commencing my to-morrow's
letter to you. Unfortunately I recapitulated every
item of the last days to Emmons, and now to relate
them again is renovem dolorem and not to be done
with any piquancy. Thank God, there are no griefs,
properly speaking. We are all well, and unusually
prosperous. J'aime's little cheeks are rounded out
to almost normal health. Nothing fairer or sweeter
than the little sister can be seen. This afternoon we
all, or we three, dine at Mrs. Sherman's. I am also
invited to Lady Thornton's, but the Sherman invita-
tion coming first, I was pre-engaged. To-night the
great Calico Ball comes off. My first interest was
to go to it, but on sober second thought I concluded
not. I did not care to go into the calico costume, and
for sweet charity the ten dollars which my ticket
would cost will go as far as though it went through
the circumlocution office of a ball. To-morrow I have
a reception, and as Lent is over, it begins at once to
be quite a formal affair, including lunch. Thursday
[ 106]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

I give a lunch to ladies, all Maine ladies ; intend to
have what Emmons would call a swell table. No
wines, of course, but round table, flowers, and all
manner of goodies to eat.

Yesterday your Father dined with the Japanese
ambassadors; dinner very long and tedious, and
long before the ices made their appearance he was up,
had slipped out of a convenient door, and was at
home.

Easter Sunday we all went, true to our persuasion,
to hear Dr. Rankin ; were repaid by hearing " Praise
God Barebones " sort of hymns, a very gloomy ser-
mon, and not one flower to relieve the chilliness of
the services. For the children's sake I wish our service
had more magnetism. M., however, did not wor-
ship with us. She did her praying with Alice Wood
at St. Matthews, where her poor little back was
tortured by having nothing to lean against and
her poor knees scraped raw by constant kneeling.
But the music, to use her own words, was just
lovely.

Sunday afternoon we had Miss Gary 1 to lunch,
would have had Nilsson,2 but she had told people who

1 Annie Louise Gary, the famous singer. Her father was Dr. Nel-
son Howard of Maine, and her mother's name Maria Stockbridge
Gary. She married Charles Morison Raymond of New York in
1882.

3 Christine Nilsson, the famous soprano, a native of Sweden, made

[ 107]

LETTERS OF

wished to call on her that she would be at home that
afternoon, so we could not have her. Besides Gary,
there were here her friend Mr. Fitch, George W. Cur-
tis,1 Cadwallader 2 and Fanny Washburne. The lunch
was nice as could be, beautiful flowers, and the com-
pany very agreeable. I liked Mr. Curtis much better
than I thought I did, and Gary is full of knowledge
connected with her profession, — always interesting
to outsiders. She is from Wayne in Maine. Of
course the great event of last week was the opera.
I heard Nilsson twice, Thursday and Saturday in
Faust and Lucia. Cousin A. heard her twice in
Mignon and Lucia; Emmons twice in Faust and
Mignon; Father all three times. Her acting is
perfectly superb. It makes me feel that there
is a remnant of the grande passion left in the
world. Of her singing I do not feel competent to

her first visit to America from 1870 to 1872 under the management of
M. Strakosch and returned in the winter of 1873-74. She sang
Elsa in "Lohengrin" at Covent Garden, London, but had created
the part before this in America, the opera being sung in this country
before it was heard in England.

1 George William Curtis, the well-known author and publicist,
was in Washington from 1871 to 1874 as one of a civil service com-
mission of seven members appointed by President Grant. President
Hayes later offered Mr. Curtis his choice of foreign missions, but he
declined in favor of the presidency of the New York Civil Service
Reform Association.

2 John L. Cadwalkder of New York, Assistant Secretary of
State, 1874-77.

[ 108]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

speak, but when I hear and see acting, I can tell
whether it is good or bad. I was very sorry Emmons
could not hear her in Lucia, but he had to start for
Andover Saturday morning. When you are collect-
ing things to bring home, if you can pack sizable
articles, I should like a glove and handkerchief
box, and a jewelry box to match. Of course I do
not care more for them than for any other thing,
only I happen to think of them. You had better
bring the children, Alice and M., Roman sashes,
I have so many silk dresses to make over for them.
The time for your return will very soon be here, as
your Father fully expects to send for you in June.
Stick to your French, as I want you to be able to
speak it. Good-bye for the present.

Wednesday morning.

We had a very pleasant dinner yesterday at Mrs.
Sherman's. No one there beside the family but Mr.
and Mrs. Casserly,1 Mr. and Mrs. Doyle,2 and Gen.
Charles and Mrs. Ewing. We stayed so long our
driver came away, so Mrs. Sherman had to send us
home. All the letters I send came from Augusta last
night. As I send them a faithful transcript of every-

1 Eugene Casserly, Senator from California.

3 Mr. and Mrs. John T. Doyle of Menlo Park, California.

[ 109]

LETTERS OF

thing that takes place in the family, I do not see why
they find fault with my letters.

Cousin Abby carries on all her work here. She has
a business and attends to it precisely as though she
were a man. W pays her for the editing of his mag-
azine; then she writes for the Harpers and the In-
dependent. Mary Caroline Pike is now to be con-
nected with the magazine. Good-bye my dear boy,
Most devotedly,

MOTHER.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, April 9th, Tuesday evening.

MY DEAR WALKER, — While the heavens empty
themselves of the sweet rain we all are panting for,
and Mr Sherman, my only company, studies out his
phonographic page, I will anticipate to-morrow and
commence a letter to you.

Notwithstanding the great heat, the three babies
upstairs are one and all afflicted with colds. Miss
Sanborn and Annie have been running all evening
with lumps of sugar, moistened with paregoric, and
at last the camp is still and I in petticoat and Father's
slippers and dressing sack, have found my way down
stairs to the library table. I find Miss Dodge just
gone upstairs for the night, and Tom Sherman the
sole occupant of the room. Father is out dining at
[110]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Welcker's with Whitelaw Reid of the Tribune. The
day has been hot and sultry beyond comparison, and
I who have been out both morning and afternoon, am
overcome with heat. This morning I was out on er-
rands intent; this afternoon Miss Ripley, Cousin
Abby and I went over to Georgetown to call on Mrs
Cook, and coming back stopped at Mrs Grant's re-
ception, a moderately handsome reception, — the
President too sick to be down stairs. Nelly Grant
has sailed for Europe. She is with Mrs. Borie ; 2 is to
go wherever her friends go this summer, travelling
in Switzerland and other places, and in the fall will
be in Paris, where she will purchase her trousseau
and then come home for the winter. This I have
from her mother.

Almost everything of the gay kind has come to a
pause. Yesterday I was out driving a little while
with Mrs. Hale. Sunday while we were at lunch,
Mr H came in. He was delighted to see some
baked beans ; sat down, and did to them ample j us-
tice ; then stayed a good two hours. He did en j oy it.

Last Thursday I had my Maine lunch. Everything
went off splendidly, seventeen ladies at the table. As
no one declined, I had my company as originally

1 "Welcker's," a well-known restaurant at that time, situated on
Fifteenth Street below H.
* See page 80, note.

[Ill]

LETTERS OF

planned. Mrs. Merrill came in her bonnet, the only
one, and was suavity itself. As she went to Mrs.
Bowen's 1 lunch and was the only lady without a bon-
net, and came to mine the only lady with, I am afraid
she will think Washington lawless. My table was
very handsome and the courses many and good. And
as many of my guests were from boarding houses,
ample justice was done Mary's good cooking. Here
are the courses: for I am too stupid to write any-
thing sensible tonight: Oysters on shell, mock turtle
soup, broiled chicken and fried potatoes, sweetbreads
and peas, asparagus, Roman punch, partridge and
salad, ices, charlottes, jellies, sweetmeats, fruits,
coffee and tea.

821 FIFTEENTH ST., WASHINGTON, April llth,
Thursday evening.

MY DEAR WALKER, — According to promise, I
begin my j ournal letter. Emmons's letter came down
from the Capitol yesterday, just as I was getting off
my mail to you, so I put it into the package, though
I had no time for explanation. As soon as your
package was off I dressed and went to the Capitol
with Miss Ripley who had invited Cousin A. and
myself to drive with her. We heard a not uninterest-
ing poAvwow on the Appropriation Bill. Had a very
pleasant time, and finally came home with Mr. and

1 Mrs. Thomas M. Bowen, wife of the Senator from Colorado.
[112]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Mrs. Hale and Father in Mrs. Chandler's carriage,
Cousin A. coming with Miss Ripley. In the even-
ing we had callers all the time, while I was re-
duced by sleepiness and fatigue to the verge of
insanity. So much for Wednesday. To-day, Thurs-
day, Miss S. concluded to go to Mt Vernon, so
directly after breakfast she was off, a little basket
on her arm, not so snowy white and bare. I took pos-
session of the nursery, and with Annie for lieutenant,
had a most delightful, satisfactory morning. Mr.
Chew, having j ust sent down from the State Depart-
ment your most welcome package of letters there,
March 26th, I have the en j oyment of reading the con-
tents aloud to Cousin Abby. We sit in her room, the
red, and M. hangs out of the window and talks to
J'aime playing in the yard below. The day is like
a midsummer one. Letters read, I talk over the
situation, and almost decide I will go with Emmons to
Europe, but leave this final decision, as I do every
other, to Father's ultimatum. After dressing we go
out for calls, among others, Mrs. Butler's and Mrs.
Ames' * — the latter looking transcendently beautiful.
The General insists upon our going up to look at his
boy, but we do not. I also called at Gen. Humphrey's2

1 Wife of General Benjamin F. Butler of Massachusetts. General
Butler's daughter.

2 Brevet-Major Andrew Atkinson Humphreys, a graduate of

VOL. 1-8 [ 113 ]

LETTERS OF

to attend the reception of his son. At six am on the
doorstep, and find your Father already in the house ;
dinner. Miss Sanborn gets home from Mt Vernon,
having had an interesting but a lonely day. When I
come in, your Father sits in the sitting-room reading
your letters. I open up on the going abroad ques-
tion. Evidently he will none of it, though originally
the plan was his. If I go abroad he wants to go with
me. It js cholera year, and he does not believe in
being on the Continent this summer. He has made
up his mind to have Walker come home, and wants to
see him himself. Besides, his education will be better
to return now and go again, and he wants Walker to
go into a French family, stay awhile, and then travel
a little, returning in June. So you see, my dear boy,
that you are D.V. — (which Cousin A. says now
means Dolly Varden) to bring your blessed self home
very soon. I am so delighted at the prospect, and
there seems so much to tear myself away from, that I
am perfectly satisfied. May you be so too. Good-
night.

Yesterday got up at eight, dressed myself and
washed and dressed the baby, who came out from my
hands like one of those shining ones whose angels do
always behold the face of my Father. After breakfast

West Point, at that time chief of the Engineers, U. S. A. He died in
Washington in 1883.

[114]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Miss Ripley came in to ask Cousin A. and myself to
go driving with her. Were only too happy to accept.
Drove on the Avenue and the paved streets generally.
Did a little shopping and came home in season for
lunch. Found an elegant bouquet from Mrs. Grant
awaiting me. Father came home soon after three,
and electrified me with the information that five
gentlemen were coming to dinner. As we had
designed for ourselves only a supper-dinner, you
may suppose there was no time to be lost. Mary
Wilson, however, proved equal to the occasion, and
at the appointed hour all the stated and stately
courses showed themselves on the board. We had
Secretary Boutwell,1 Mr. Dawes, Roberts,2 May-
nard 3 and Kelly. What a thing it is to have good
and efficient servants. After dinner there was busi-
ness talk, and Cousin A and I were released from
attendance.

Friday we had Governor Perham,4 Mr Frye and
Mr Bingham 5 to dinner. Very pleasant time.

1 George S. Boutwell of Massachusetts, Secretary of the Treasury
under President Grant.

2 Marshall O. Roberts, the well-known merchant and philan-
thropist of New York.

3 Horace Maynard, Member of Congress from Tennessee.

* Sidney Perham, Governor of Maine and Republican Member of
Congress. William P. Frye, Representative from Maine.

5 John A. Bingham, Representative from Pennsylvania; special
Judge Advocate when the Lincoln conspirators were tried, one of the

LETTERS OF

Monday.

The day is very rainy. At home till twelve, then
went down town in waterproof and with umbrella to
buy a few little things for Miss Sanborn. Made
safe purchases — a pretty fan, two neckties, and two
pocket handkerchiefs. Got home too late for ordi-
nary lunch, and had just sat down for a cup of tea
to recuperate with, when Mr. Mitchell came in, an old
friend of your Father's. I myself knew him a little
eighteen years ago. He was polite enough to say that
he would have known me anywhere, could not believe
my hair was at all gray, etc., etc. He stayed about
an hour, and then it was time for me, as soon as I
had snatched a hasty cup of tea on my own account,
to attend to the putting up of Miss Sanborn's lunch.
As she expected to live out of her lunch basket till
she reached California, you may suppose that I had
to have my thoughts about me, or to have, to use a
favorite phrase of Shepherd Pike's,1 my eyes for my;
charges. However, I filled basket and box; thought
of paregoric, cologne, wine, pickles, lemons and

movers for the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, and Minister to
Japan, 1873-85.

1 James Shepherd Pike, diplomatist and author, of Calais, Maine,
associate editor of New York Tribune, 1850-60, and United States
Minister to the Netherknds in 1861-66. He bequeathed $15,000 to
the Calais Public Library on condition that the money should be used
to purchase no book that had not been out at least ten years.

[116]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

sugar, and everything else which might be required,
and after a hearty dinner, with Tom Sherman for
escort to the depot, in the rain and darkness, Miss
Sanborn did really get away. She has been with me
fifteen weeks, and I had only one sentiment as the
door closed upon her, that of unbounded relief. She
is a good creature too.

Tuesday.

This has been a most satisfactory day to your
Father in the House. Not only has he succeeded in
getting Mr. Dawes to report from the Ways and
Means, but after reviewing Mr. Beatty's1 course, the
House sustained his ruling with only six dissenting
votes. You will get the whole from the Globe, which
Tom Sherman sends you by this mail. I don't see
how I could, but I did forget to chronicle in yester-
day's journal, that I had just after breakfast a long

and most dreary call from N . He had as usual

nothing to talk about but Alabama state claims.

Heaven knows they are nothing to me. N never

had any judgment as man or boy, in California,
Maine or Alabama ; and while the blood in our veins
is just the same, in taste, association, reminiscence,
expectation, opinion and manner of life, we are al-
together opposed. Nothing in common but blood;

1 Gen. John Beatty, member of Congress from Ohio.
[117]

LETTERS OF

and yet he walks into my house as though he had a
right; takes me from my family, and gives me abso-
lutely nothing. Your Father says he seems to stand
in quite wholesome awe of him, which is really an
encouraging symptom. In the evening he came again,
and again yesterday, but this morning has gone to

Maine on a thirty days' furlough. Poor E (his

wife!) I pity her. Mrs. Hale called this afternoon
and took Miss Dodge and myself to call on Mrs.
Grant. Had the usual pleasant White House recep-
tion. This evening we have been to the Capitol to
attend the Morse * memorial services, really very in-
teresting, and your Father presided in a truly hand-
some manner. For particulars vide Chronicle sent by
Thomas Sherman.

821 FIFTEENTH ST., WASHINGTON, April 21st,
Sunday morning.

MY DEAR WALKER, — I seem to be up and down
stairs by myself; no breakfast; no family. So I
improve the shining moment by thinking of the Elaine
family in France. The difference in the longitude of
the two continents will not permit me to imagine you
waiting breakfast or church, but all the same, what-
ever you are doing or proposing to do, my heart as
you wander turns fondly to thee.

1 Samuel Finlcy Breese Morse, the inventor of the telegraph, born
1791, died April 2, 1872.

[ 118]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Sunday evening.

I have to begin all over again. It seems hardly
possible, and yet, I have not been able all day to re-
sume my letter. We had breakfast of course, then
immediately came the getting ready for church, then
church, and services over, home we came. Found
Martha standing in the bay window, the charming
little sister on exhibition. Stayed lovingly with her
till lunch was announced. This over, in came Mr.
Hale, and at three, Mr. King l came by appointment
to carry your Father and me to drive. Went out to
Silver Spring, old Mr. Blair's 2 place. Afternoon
perfect. Roads in good condition, good horses, and
comfortable open carriage. Father and Mr. King
occupied themselves entirely with each other. Mrs
K and I did not get beyojid our depth with each
other. I asked her the New York prices of goods and
she told me. Got home at six, supper at seven. Gen.
and Mrs. Fry 3 called, and right away Gen. Porter.4

1 Horatio King, of New York, Postmaster-General under President
Grant.

1 Francis Preston Blair, born at Abingdon, Va., 1791, came to
Washington in 1830 to establish the Globe newspaper for President
Jackson as the organ of the administration, and was a member of
Jackson's famous "Kitchen Cabinet"; also Democratic candi-
date for Vice-President in 1868. He retired, in the administra-
tion of Polk, to his farm at Silver Spring, Md., where he died in
1876.

8 Gen. James Fry, U. S. A., Provost Marshal General.

' Gen. Fitz-John Porter.

[119]

LETTERS OF

The Frys are gone and Gen. P. is now closeted with
your Father. Baby crying. Good-night.

Tuesday morning.

DEAR WALKEB, — I am just through with scrawl-
ing a letter to Emmons, and now resume my pen to
perform the same kind office to you. You have no
idea how cold and backward the spring is. No shade
yet from the trees, and large fires necessary. Cousin
Abby and I have at this moment the sitting room to
ourselves, she reading one of Trollope's stories, I
writing. The little Blaines have all been out, M.
to school, the little sister with her nurse and J.
with his. Miss Sanborn we have heard from as far on
her weary way as Council Bluffs. If her brother is
as glad to see her at San F. as I am not to see her
here, she will have nothing to complain of. Last
night we had two Mr. Hales from New York, Mr.
Eugene Hale, Mr. Wadsworth of Kentucky, and Mr
Ambler of Ohio, to dine with us, also Mr Frye, —
most delightful company, and as we have been living
very quietly now for some time, I enjoyed the change.
Apropos of nothing, one thing I would like to have
you bring me is a thread lace black parasol cover.
Get it rather large and have some lady like Mrs
Washburne to advise you. Your Father says it is
[ 120 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

not worth while for you to attempt much shopping.
He would not be willing to have you shirk the duties,
and with duty you do not gain much. Of course you
will want to get souvenirs for home friends. If you
want to get Alice a silk dress, I have no objection.
I should think fourteen yards would be enough.
Don't forget M.'s doll. Get the little sister some-
thing that will last, — a chain and locket, or some-
thing of that kind, ditto for Alice, ditto for M.
Get Emmons buttons and studs, as he says he is com-
pletely out of jewelry. Write to see if your father
is willing you should bring him home a watch, that
is, if you think you could purchase to advantage
there. Does it not seem good to be writing of things
which look towards home?

Wednesday morning.

Mrs. Miller told me yesterday at the President's,
whither I went with Miss Ripley, that laces are now
very high in Paris but cheap in Germany. Use good
judgment, therefore, in regard to cover for parasol.
It is no use attempting anything with this letter.
My ideas are all wool gathering. My interruptions
have been numberless. I shall have to trust to the
contemporaneous correspondence I send with this,
and to your good heart to make amends for and
[ 121]

LETTERS OF

excuse this wretched letter. I saw Mrs. Howard * yes-
terday at the White House, and with her Mrs B ,

mother of your Andover schoolmate. She was very
genial to me; inquired for you. She had come on
from Illinois to see her son, who has been spending
his vacation with Guy, but he had left Friday and
Guy Monday. Mrs. Howard 1 said they seemed very
uneasy about their rooms. I guess they had rather
a dull time with the Freedmen and the babies. The
General himself is off in the Apache country. We
got a good letter from him Friday. Good-bye, love
from everybody,

Devotedly,

MOTHER.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. Wednesday morning, May 1st, 1872.
MY DEAR WALKER, — I am just congratulating
myself on an excellent habit lately inaugurated —
Can a habit be lately inaugurated? — of getting
up for a half past eight breakfast; so now at 9:15
we are all at liberty to go our several ways. Father
to the parlor, crowded full of gentlemen; Shermy
to his writing table ; Cousin A. to the baby, the petted

1 Wife of Gen. O. O. Howard, U. S. A. Gen. Howard was at this
time Commissioner of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Aban-
doned Lands — the so-called Freedmen's Bureau.

[ 122 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

darling of upstairs, down stairs and my lady's cham-
ber, M. and J'aime with spade and shovel to the
yard, and the Mama to her best and dearest of boys.

Monday evening we three went to hear Aimee in
Grande Duchesse. She was really fascinating. Her
dresses are just as pretty as they can be. Altogether,
with the music and the applause and the pretty
dresses, I felt myself completely en rapport with her.
Monday also I went out calling. If I am half so
persevering in a better cause as I am in returning
my thousand and one calls, I shall win heaven at last.

We expect now to adjourn about the 1st of June.
Do you want me to come to New York or Boston
or wherever you may come in on your return, to meet
you ? Oh, the j oy f ul day !

Everything political, English and American, seems
to be in a sort of a snarl.1 But things I believe will all
come out right. Your Father was so impressed with
the fatal influence which any concession on the part of
Mr Fish would have on our political situation, that
he went in to talk over matters with him Sunday

1 The arbitration of the Alabama Claims, as arranged by the
Treaty of Washington, was in progress at this time in Geneva, with
grave danger of failure of arbitration. On May 13th Earl Russell
said in the House of Lords, — "The case seems to be now between
the honor of the Crown of this country and the (re-) election of
General Grant as President." Quoted by J. F. Rhodes — "History
of the United States from the Compromise of 1850 to the Restora-
tion of Home Rule in the South in 1877."

[ 123]

LETTERS OF

evening. Was there till a very late hour. Commer-
cial interests bring heavily to bear on the question.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, May 7th, 1872.
Tuesday, in the evening.

MY DEAR WALKER, — To-morrow will be your sev-
enteenth birthday and I ought to write you some-
thing very good, good in itself, doing you good, and
good for me to write. But, alas, my surroundings
are not favorable, for though at home alone, I have
been lying down with Que J'aime to get him to sleep,
till all the juice of the poppies is in my eyes. The
night is very warm too, and light enough to write
by adds to the heat. Your Father has not been home
since morning. He dined with Mr. Roosevelt * at the
Congressional, sending word to me by Tom Sherman
at dinner time to come up to the Capitol and go to
the circus with him. But as I could not bear the idea
of leaving the children at their most lonely hour,
as the circus repelled rather than attracted, I got
Cousin Abby to consent to make all things straight,
and myself stayed in this dear home. A third
reason for staying, and stronger than the two
others, was that I wanted to write you.

I shall not attempt any advice to the good boy,

1 Robert Barnwell Roosevelt, Democrat, from New York, uncle
of President Roosevelt, and author of the bill originating the U. S.
Fish Commission.

[124]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

who I do not believe needs it, for how can one have a
better guide than conscience? But I do from the
bottom of my heart thank you, Walker, for all the
anxiety you have spared me. I have always trusted
you, so has your Father, and never have you abused
the trust. Continue ye in this love.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, May 15th,
\ Wednesday morning.

MY DEAR WALKER, — I do not think you will get
home to be in this city with us, as we all hope Con-
gress will adjourn in June. They are so busy now
in the House that I do not see your Father at all.
Yesterday, it is true, was almost entirely lost with
bad management in Committee of the Whole. I had
such a sense of loss during the day come over me,
remembering how I had scarcely exchanged one word
with your Father, that I dressed and went up to the
Capitol, Cousin Abby with me. But to no good.
Not only did I not see your Father, but we did not
even hit the same car, he getting home before me.
Dinner was hurried, and he left the table for the
Capitol long before the meal was through. I sat up
for him till eleven, knowing that he would be quite
used up with fatigue. He was, and got to bed just as
soon as he could. I feel that so much strain as he
labors under cannot be good for him, and while I do
[ 125]

LETTERS OF

not dare, from his peculiar temperament, hint at such
a thing, I try in every way I can to break the con-
finement. And just now people are constantly com-
ing to him to talk on the presidential question. What
can be done with the situation, occupies all heads,
and some few good people put their hearts over the
bars. But no politics in home letters. We are all
getting along more comfortably. The weather is
cooler; the children play both morning and after-
noon in the square, and are well and happy. I am
greatly anxious to get to Augusta, but the house will
not be ready for us for several weeks. Do you think
you could bring me one large choice engraving for
the mantel of the library at home? Something his-
torical or classic or fancy even; of course I would
have it framed in Boston. How glad we shall be to
see you at home. Only think how short a time since
we went out on the Tripoli to Boston Lights.

I have an invitation to dinner at Secretary Fish's
next Tuesday. Everything of a society kind seems
about over, and I am truly sorry to have to look out
an evening dress again. To-night Gen. Banks and
a few other gentlemen dine here, entirely informally.
Monday evening Gen. Garfield, Mr. Freihlenberg, and
Sargent l of California dined here. Your Father is
much attached to General Garfield.

1 Aaron A. Sargent, born in Massachusetts; Representative in
[ 126]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Have just been interrupted by a call from Miss
Ripley. She is expecting Mr. and Mrs. Goff 1 there
to-night and is anxious for Cousin A and myself to
call. Promised to do so. Saturday evening we had
several gentlemen to dinner, some from Iowa, Mr
Wheeler from New York, and others. Nice dinner
and very agreeable people. Friday your Father dined
with Senator Cameron 2 at Wormley's. Thursday
Mr. and Mrs. Charlton Lewis 3 of New York, Judge
Black,4 Pay Director Cunningham, and Mr. Bridge-
man of the Boston Advertiser, dine here. Mary
Wilson goes to Newport the last of the month, and
then during the few days we may be here, Hannah
cooks for us. No company then. I take home this
summer four colored maids.

Your Father thinks I shall write you about twice

Congress from California, 1861-73; Senator, 1873-79, and after-
wards successively Minister to Germany and Russia. He died
in 1887.

1 Nathan Goff of West Virginia. Appointed U. S. District Attorney
of that State by President Johnson and later Secretary of the Navy
under President Hayes; appointed in 1892 by President Harrison
judge of the 4th U. S. Circuit.

2 Simon Cameron of Pennsylvnia, Secretary of War and Minister
to Russia under President Lincoln.

3 Charlton Thomas Lewis, U. S. Deputy Commissioner of Internal
Revenue, 1863-64, managing editor of New York Evening Post, 1870-
71, an authority on prison associations and life insurance.

* Jeremiah Sullivan Black of Pennsylvania. See also note, page
236, Vol. I.

[ 127]

LETTERS OF

more. He expects to be in Boston at the Jubilee
June 20th, also wants to go to Saratoga. Would
like to have you and Emmons at the Quarterly Cen-
tennial of his class. Hopes to be in New York to
meet Walker when he comes. Good-bye, my dearest.
Lovingly,

MOTHER.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, May 29th,
Wednesday morning.

MY DEAREST BOY, — This is about the last letter
I shall attempt to write. Your Father says he shall
write once more to you at Liverpool. We are all
looking forward eagerly to your coming home. Con-
gress is to adjourn Monday. I am rather expecting
to get away Wednesday. If it were not for Alice,
I should stay till the next week, as the house at home,
is I fear in the direst confusion still. We are all
very comfortable here ; the weather still so cool that
we feel no impatience for the relief of a more northern
latitude. Your friend Mr. Gonya has turned up.
He called to see your Father at the Capitol last
Thursday. Of course we were very glad to see him,
first on your account, and afterwards on his own, as
he proved himself a very nice gentleman. He was in-
vited to dinner on Friday, and then because of even-
[ 128]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

ing session it was postponed until Saturday. Satur-
day we had a round table dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Bates,
whom you saw in Paris, — they brought letters of
introduction from Gen. Schenck, — Mr. Shellabarger *
of Ohio, and four ladies from the same state, Mr.
Packer 2 of Pennsylvania, and Mr. and Mrs. Hale and
Mr. and Mrs. Ingersoll.3 I went out with Mr. Gonya.
He felt very badly, as he had come from New York
with only a business suit on, but of course no one but
himself cared for that. He said a great deal about
you, and I was particularly pleased to hear him say
that you were of great advantage to him because you
spoke French so well. He called again Monday even-
ing, but would not come in as we had company for
dinner. Was very sorry not to see him again.

Emmons is going with your Father to Washing-
ton, Penna. the last of June. Am writing him to-
day to be sure to have plenty of nice clothes. Think
he finds it almost as hard as you did to get along
on the allowance. The Hales get away from Wash-

1 Samuel Shellabarger, member of Congress from Ohio.

1 Asa Packer, founder of Lehigh University.

1 Robert G. Ingersoll of Illinois, the famous orator. In Mr.
IngersolPs speech nominating Mr. Blaine at the Republican National
Convention in Cincinnati in 1876 occurred the now historic phrase
" plumed knight," which became so popular as applied to Mr. Blaine.
It is interesting to note that Mr. Blaine himself never liked this
appellation, thinking that it suggested "white feather" as much as
"Helmet of Navarre."

VOL. i -9 [ 129 ]

LETTERS OF

ington Saturday. Mr. H. was here to dinner again
Monday.

As I said in my last letter, do not be particular to
buy the things I have specified. Anything else will
do just as well as lace or sash or picture. You will
find the old house all renovated and everybody I hope
in the best of health and spirits to meet you.1

To Miss DODGE, IN HAMILTON

AUGUSTA, July 16th, 1872.

Mr. Blaine and the boys, the elder ones, have just
driven off to church — three fans, a cotton umbrella
and a horse and buggy amongst them. The Papa
took the umbrella, Emmons drove, and Walker fanned,
and I only hope they may step far enough heaven-
ward to pay for the earthly trouble — for Mons in
harnessing broke out into a heat which nothing could
allay — his Father in the supreme moment of de-
parture turned round to tell us how large his head
felt, while Walker with the prospect of three or four
favorite girls to flirt with, was eminently content.
J'aime and M. were in the yard to see them off,
J'aime all currants and raspberries from his throat
to the hem of his frock, but clean as to the face, and
sweeter than honey in the honeycomb ; his last word

Walker landed in Boston early in June, 1872.
[ 130]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

to the martyrologists being " Hulloa ! " a greeting
which they seemed to think a pitiful satire.

To MRS. HOMAN

Autumn, 1872 ( ?)

DEAR NEIGHBOR, — The storm prevents my ven-
turing in, so I take this more formal method of
inviting yourself, Mr Homan and Mrs Manley to
tea tomorrow evening at 6—^. Doors open at any
hour after dinner, company extremely informal; ex-
cuses not in order. Do you think it would be more
christianlike to invite Miss Town? I cannot bear to
hurt her feelings. If you say so, I shall. Good-bye,
affectionately yours, with a cough.

H. S. B.

Friday afternoon.

[131]

1876

" The session in the House preceding the presidential contest of
1876 was a period of stormy and vehement contention. . . . Mr.
Elaine became the subject of a violent personal assault. Charges
were circulated that he had received $64,000 from the Union Pacific
Railroad Company for some undefined services. On the 24th of
April, 1876, he rose to a personal explanation in the House and made
his answer. He produced letters from the officers of the Company and
from the bankers who were said to have negotiated the draft, in which
they declared there had never been any such transaction, and that
Mr. Elaine had never received a dollar from the Company. Mr.
Blaine proceeded to add that the charges had reappeared in the form
of an assertion that he had received bonds of the Little Rock and
Fort Smith Railroad as a gratuity, and that these bonds had been
sold through the Union Pacific Company for his benefit. To this he
responded that he never had any such bonds except at the market
price, and that, instead of deriving any profit from them, he had in-
curred a large pecuniary loss. On May 2nd a resolution was adopted
in the House to investigate an alleged purchase by the Union Pacific
Railroad Company, at an excessive price, of certain bonds of the Little
Rock and Fort Smith Railroad. It soon became evident that the
investigation was aimed at Mr. Blaine. An extended business corre-
spondence on his part with Warren Fisher, of Boston, running through
years and relating to various transactions, had fallen into the hands of
a clerk named Mulligan, and it was alleged that the production of this
correspondence would confirm the imputations against Mr. Blaine.
When Mulligan was summoned to Washington, Mr. Blaine possessed
himself of the letters, together with a memorandum that contained a
full index and abstract. On June 5th he rose to a personal explana-
tion, and, after denying the power of the House to compel the pro-
duction of his private papers, and his willingness to go to any extremity
in defence of his rights, he declared his purpose to reserve nothing.
Holding up the letters, he exclaimed : " Thank God, I am not ashamed
to show them. There is the very original package, and with some

sense of humiliation, with a mortification I do not attempt to conceal,
with a sense of outrage which I think any man in my position would
feel, I invite the confidence of forty-four millions of my countrymen,
while I read these letters from this desk."

The demonstration closed with a dramatic scene. Josiah Caldwell,
one of the originators of the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad, who
had full knowledge of the whole transaction, was travelling in Europe,
and both sides were seeking to communicate with him. After finish-
ing the reading of the letters, Mr. Blaine turned to the chairman of the
committee and demanded to know whether he received any despatches
from Mr. Caldwell. Receiving an evasive reply, Mr. Blaine asserted,
as within his own knowledge, that the chairman had received such
despatches "completely and absolutely exonerating me from this
charge and you have suppressed it." A profound sensation was
created and General Garfield said: "I have been a long time in
Congress and never saw such a scene in the House."

The Republican National Convention was now at hand and Mr.
Blaine was the most prominent candidate for the presidential nomina-
tion. . . . On June llth, the Sunday preceding the Convention,
just as he was entering Church at Washington, he was prostrated with
the extreme heat, and his illness for a time created wide apprehension.
The advocates of his nomination, however, remained unshaken in
their support. On the first ballot he received 285 votes out of a total
of 754, the remainder being divided among Senator Morton, Secretary
Bristow, Senator Conkling, Governor Hayes, and several others. On
the seventh ballot his vote rose to 351, lacking only 28 of a majority,
but the union of the supporters of all the other candidates gave Gov-
ernor Hayes 384, and secured his nomination. Immediately after the
Convention, on the resignation of Senator Morrill to accept the Secre-
taryship of the Treasury, Mr. Blaine was appointed Senator to fill
the unexpired term, and in the following winter he was chosen by the
Legislature for the full ensuing term."

Appletcris Encyclopaedia of American Biography.

To EMMONS AT HARVARD

WASHINGTON, June 4, 1876.

I have been very anxious to hear from you to know
how you were enduring, like a good son, the fiery
ordeal through which your father is passing.

Its fierceness no one but himself can know, but
walking it, he feels peculiarly for you and Walker.

The defeat in the convention is as the small dust
of the balance to him, though no one better knows
than himself the prize for which he was contending.
But the thought which takes the manhood out of
him is that you and Walker, who are just entering
life, may, perhaps, be forced to see, not only all
your proud and happy anticipations disappointed,
but yourselves put on the defensive.

He has been upstairs looking up the order of a
speech for the House to-morrow, but it is very likely
it will never be made, as every new-comer has dif-
ferent advice to give.

I find it difficult to command my thoughts, but
there is one thing I must say, though I presume and
hope you will laugh at my fears. I have been afraid
you might go into Boston and do something to
Mulligan ; but you have sense enough to know that
nothing could be worse for your Father than noto-
[ 135 ]

LETTERS OF

riety of that kind. Keep yourself as patient and
hopeful as you can. . . . All of us are well, and your
father has a great reserve of pluck and resource.

To ME. JOSEPH H*. MANLEY

Sunday afternoon.
June 4, 1876.
WASHINGTON.

MY DEAR FRIEND, — The only tears I have shed
in all this bitter time have been over your letter. I
could not read unmoved what you say of him, for
you confirm what I have always said, that those who
know him most, love him best. I dare to say that he
is the best man I have ever known. Do not misunder-
stand me, I do not say that he is the best man that
ever lived, but that of all the men whom I have
thoroughly known, he is the best.

You must not think, dear Joe, from the tone in
which I write that we are cast down, or if cast down,
discouraged, but can one tread the wine press so long
alone and not some time give out?

We are full of courage, though perfectly aware
that now is the crisis. Is n't the suspense hard to
bear and does it not require almost more than mortal
wisdom, to decide whether to do, or to leave alone?
I think Mr. Elaine will decide to do, though before
[ 136]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

tomorrow, something or somebody may turn him
from what is now his fixed purpose. But if there
ever was a time when there were reasons for his being
nominated, those reasons are doubled and intensified
by all this precaution. Why should the great Re-
publican party play into the hands of Confederates
whether they hail from the farther South or from
Kentucky ?

I have never been enthusiastic for the nomination.
The intensest feeling I had was that it should not go
to Bristow. But now I want Mr. Blaine to have it
and to go to it, as it were, on men's shoulders. I
hate to hate but I am in danger of that feeling now.
I have written with great abandon and perhaps im-
prudently but you will confine all I have said to
yourself.

If you are staying with Abby, please give her my
dear love and believe me most sincerely yours,

HARRIET S. BLAENE.

To M. IN AUGUSTA

NEWHALL, HOUSE, MILWAUKEE,1
October 26th, 1876.
Thursday, 3 p. M.

MY DEAR M., — Yesterday I spent at Peoria, quite
a memorable day to me. We left Grand Rapids about

1 Mr. Blaine was at this time campaigning for Hayes in the
Northwest.

[ 137]

LETTERS OF

eleven o'clock Thursday morning, reached Chicago
about eight, had two hours there for supper and a
little rest. We were met at the depot by some gentle-
men with a carriage and were driven to the Grand
Pacific. There I found a beautiful room awaiting us
and a supper already ordered. The supper was as
delightful as the room, and I had quite a nap in my
bonnet before we were obliged to move. We reached
Peoria about six in the morning, and before I had an
idea we were there, and while still struggling with my
buttons, I heard Mrs. Ingersoll's well remembered
voice asking for me. There she was at six in the
morning, about a dozen gentlemen in attendance, three
carriages, herself dressed beautifully in a brown silk
costume, all ready to take us to the very middle of
her heart and home. I took my overskirt over my
arm, put a veil over my hair, pinned my crimps, went
through the introduction with as much dignity as I
could muster, and was soon at the Ingersoll mansion.
Eva came running down to the gate to meet us and
Maude stood at the door. Then there was Mrs.
Parker, Mrs. Ingersoll's mother, a delightful lady
looking not much older than myself, Mrs. Farrar,
Mrs. I.'s sister, a young lady of twenty, Mr. F. and
a little girl, a varied and agreeable family. The
house is large and handsome and handsomely fur-
nished, but it was as the small dust in the balance com-
[ 138]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

pared to the hospitality which was lavished upon us.
Perhaps I never felt so welcome anywhere in my life.

At ten o'clock Mr. Ingersoll, who had been away
speaking arrived, and nothing could exceed the
warmth of his welcome. At nine we had breakfast.
Mrs. I. had ordered it for seven, but for some un-
explained cause, which no one seemed to trouble them-
selves about, it was two hours late. No matter, it was
a loaded table when we got it. Three kinds of meat,
not to mention fried oysters, potatoes in different
styles, cakes, etc. Here arose a difficulty. Mr. Far-
rar was very nervous, and as soon as he found what
was expected of him, had disappeared. His wife
sent for him to wait on the table, but he never came
back. Mr. Blaine did not want to carve, pleading
that he never did it at home, and was moreover so
hungry, he should hold out only for three or four
plates. So Susan Sharkey was called in from the
kitchen, was introduced to us as Miss Sharkey, stood
up and served us all impartially to the three prin-
cipal dishes, not troubling us to give a preference.
She was a most wholesome, respectable looking woman,
as indeed were all Mrs. Ingersoll's maids — five —
and after she had performed the work required of her,
she withdrew without a word. I took a great liking
to her. She has lived with Mrs. I. thirteen years.

The house was thronged with people all day, and
[139]

LETTERS OF

every man who came in wanted to be introduced to
me. One woman who came, by the name of Stanley,
said she saw I did not remember her, but that I used
to go to school to her in Hamilton.1 Of course I
was able to convince her that my name was not Han-
nah Augusta or Mary Abby.

In the evening there was a great crowd came up
to serenade your Father. They gave three cheers for
Mrs. Elaine also and Mr. Ingersoll did his best to
make me go onto the steps and acknowledge the com-
pliment, but I need not say that for this I was too
modest, so he did it for me. At eleven we came down
to the sleeping car and went to bed, though we did
not leave P until one o'clock, reaching Chicago at
seven. Two nights that I have been in the sleeping
car.

We breakfasted at the Grand Pacific, and at once
left for this city, arriving between twelve and one
o'clock. Have just had dinner, and Father has now
gone off to make his speech. I was not prepared for
the enthusiasm which everywhere greets your Father.
Every attention which can be thought of is showered
upon him. At breakfast this morning I saw Horace
Williams, who spoke to me of Uncle Sylvanus's death,
but I had heard it just before through a telegram
from Charles Caldwell asking us to come to Alton.
I have been very much tempted to leave your Father

1 Two cousins of Mrs. Blaine's went to school in Hamilton.
[ 140]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE
and spend Sunday with them, but have now given it
up, as your Father did not quite like the thought of
separating. I am very sorry not to have been at
home at this time. I must not forget to mention
that at St. Joseph, quite a large town in Michigan,
where a great crowd had gathered at the depot, I
was very much taken aback to hear proposed " and
three cheers for his honored lady, who is also pres-
ent." Almost as good as " His Lady fanned her
wounded knight." I think the compliment was very
likely suggested by Dr. Stratton, an old friend of
the family from Winslow, who lives in St. Jo. He is
a man of position I imagine in the community, though
St. Jo is not a very aristocratic looking place. I
saw Mr. and Mrs. Frye at the depot here a moment
this morning. They had come from Green Bay to-
day and were starting for home. Emma is at Stam-
ford at school with Alice, and Mr. and Mrs. F go to
Washington in about four weeks. It seemed quite
homelike to see them. I must dress now, as some
ladies are coming to call on me. With love to all,
most affectionately,

MOTHER.

1877-1879

The family spent the winter of 1877-78 in Augusta, Mr. Blaine
being in Washington when his official duties made it necessary.

To Miss DODGE, IN HAMILTON

AUGUSTA, January 10th, 1877.

MY DEAR ABBY, — I have but a moment. Supper
is just ready. Mary is waiting for me to decide
whether it is worth while to open a can of peaches
for that meal. Jamie is fighting the dogs in the
kitchen, and Mr B is directing a letter to Miss Mary
A Dodge, Augusta Maine, in anticipation of your
winter residence.

I have a room for you as good as the Chamber of
Peace, — the windows open to the rising sun, and
two of them hold the sun while he runs his race. I
shall give you up the library while the master of the
house is away. It is never used, and you can take
possession. In short, I hope to establish you in com-
fort if not in luxury. So much for what I can do
for you. What you can do for me goes without say-
ing. I shall float instead of sinking, shall enjoy in-
stead of sulking, shall eat and sleep, shall have a
motive and a stimulus, and shall now and then do you
the honor to ask your opinion. I ought not to write
another word, for every thought in my head and all
the strength of my hands is given to my party of
Friday evening. What do you think of providing
standing room and supper for over five hundred
VOL. i — 10 [ 145 ]

LETTERS OF

people ? Five hundred will not come, but so many are
asked, and all the preparations have gone through my
head. The ices and salads are made out, but our
kitchen furnishes the rest. Do you know that one
quart of ice cream will suffice for ten persons, and that
one quart of oysters will satisfy only five? Then we
are making thirty-two charlottes. If this seems small
and irrelevant talk to you, remember that you troubled
Whittier with a new old gown. I hear he refers to it
as new, but undoubtedly it is the lavender. And by
the way, you will need that dress here. Augusta is
not gayless, and I want you to do honor to the family.
Since I have been writing there has been a fierce storm
between the Jameses. It ended in a graceful capitu-
lation on the part of the elder, followed by a perfect
abandon of affection on that of the less, and H.
kept time to the march of events by crying her eyes
out because " Papa was not going to let Jamie go
to the Exhibition." Do not feel concerned, we are
all going, a happy family together. Did Mr B. re-
member to tell you about M. sending Jamie down
town with five cents to buy her some stick cinnamon?
He returned with a package of slippery elm. M.
could think of nothing but Elizabeth's poultices.
Most affectionately,

H. S. B.

[ 146 ]

MRS. JAMES G. BLAINE
To M., VISITING IN MARQUETTE

AUGUSTA, August 1st, 1879
Friday before dinner.

MY DEAE M., — It is now several hours since my
dearest daughter took her hegira, and already I seem
to have volumes to tell her. How the dust of your
chariot wheels had not subsided before I found myself
engaged in a little round with Alice, who hoped she
should never be called selfish again, seeing she had not
hesitated to give you her lisle thread gloves, when
yours, through your own carelessness, in the supreme
moment of your departure, were found wanting. In
vain your Father assured her that lisle thread gloves
grew on every bush and that he would make her a
present of half a dozen pairs — the little maid would
have her will, and said, " Nay, we are even." And
then the three who were left, Alice, the Pater and I,
adjourned to the billiard room, where I looked on
at this child beating what Emmons and Ely would
call her Governor out of his boots, dropping her
cue in the middle of a game and vanishing without
ceremony, as she remembered that the ice cream for
her picnic was unordered — and old Barbara Frietchie
had hardly taken up the cue she threw down when
Mr. Hale appeared in the door, having arrived from
Bowdoinham. The minute I saw him, of course I felt
[147]

LETTERS OF

anxiety about the dinner, and while I seemed to be
in the very act of welcoming him with empressement,
I found myself in close confab with Caroline in the
kitchen, discussing fish, soup, vegetables and dessert.
Old Caroline was not to be moved from her serene
foundations. It requires brains to apprehend, and
I have always known that hers were all starch.

Not to tire you with particulars — I had hardly
resumed my manners in the billiard-room, when Fred
appeared with the horses to tell me that Emmons had
gone off in a prodigious hurry, at the last moment,
to Hallowell, Miss M. was feeling so badly, and that
he had shouted back to Mr. Sherman to send down for
him. So as your Father and Mr. H. were by this
time deep in a discussion over the next issue of
Honest Truth, I determined to take advantage of
the carriage and have a drive, so behold me rattling
down, beneath the fiercest rage of that ten o'clock
sun, in my white sacque and old silk skirt, sheltered
only by a parasol, while Fred in front bent forward
to meet the heat half-way, as lovingly as a fire-
worshipper. We found Emmons comfortably seated
in the shade of one of the piers of the bridge, his red
stockings alone distinguishing him from the common
tramp. All the women of the little house opposite
were engaged in watching him, and if it had been
anybody but my own son, I should say he was winking
[ 1*8]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

at them, but I suppose no son of mine would be guilty
of such vulgarity. I was pleased enough to find that
it was not the doldrums on your part, but carelessness
on his, which had sent him kiting to Hallowell, and
oh, was it not lucky that Providence sent his fingers
into his pocket to feel the trunk cheque, to impell him
to swing himself onto that rear car, before it was too
late to get it into your keeping ! Who after this will
say that Providence does not interest itself in small
things ? Well, good-bye. All things are as they were.
I am writing at the old desk of blessed Congressional
memory, and through the open window come from
the library the dulcet tones of Joseph Manley, the
undertow of Bigelow, the careful intonations of Mr.
Hale, your Father's powerful thread, Tom's inter-
rogations, as he keeps the thread of the letters he is
answering, and the smoke of Emmons' cigarette. I
have been into the dining room and have selected a
tablecloth for dinner, my one effort at good form in
housekeeping, and now comes H. dressed for the picnic
in one of her beloved calicoes, to see if she can wade.
(Do say yes, Mama, — it will break my heart to have
to stand on the shore and see Tuly going in.) Most
affectionately,

H S B

LETTERS OF

AUGUSTA August 3rd 1879,
Sunday noon

MY DEAR M., — We are just home from doing the
honors of the Arsenal and the Hospital to Mr. Henry
Field,1 who came on the eight o'clock train, com-
ing down from Montreal yesterday, leaving that place
at 7-% m the morning. For five weeks he has been
salmon fishing on the river of Mr Stephens, Presi-
dent of the Montreal Bank. He is as brown as a
nut, and came on with all the fishing rods that the
fashion of the time demands. I need not say that he
is exactly our old Washington friend, in the new
setting of Augusta. Tomorrow, he and Emmons
leave for Mt Desert, via Portland. He looked all
around the church in search of a face pretty enough
for Emmons, with a mental reservation for himself,
I dare say, but saw none worthy of his heart. And
in fact, our congregation did present rather an un-
usually unattractive exterior. The Free Will Bap-
tists had emptied themselves into the pews, but that
did not improve matters, and after Mr F. had allowed

his eyes to wander from Mrs C 's and Mrs

F 's mourning, there was only Deacon Hallett's

pew within the range of his vision. The music

1 Mr. Henry Field or Chicago.
[ 150 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

was good, as it was rendered by Pinkham, but the
preacher ! He was unbearable. It was humiliating
to find yourself sitting under his voice. He was
aggravatingly handsome, and posed before us, in a
thousand attitudes to show off his physique. May
I never hear of or see him again!

Your Father got home at two this morning, very
tired and perhaps a little cross. He had a fine meet-
ing at Saco, his prominent auditor being Orville
Baker,1 who turned up from Old Orchard, in attend-
ance on Mabel Boardman, Mr. Phelps's 2 niece, you
know, and Alice's school friend. And this morn-
ing's mail brought Emmons a very nice letter from
Mr. Ellis, which proves a grateful supplement to
your postal, and I think of you to-day, resting
and cooling in Detroit, and embarking on the Lake,
with a satisfaction I could not call up yesterday, as
I imagined you flying over the torrid belt of central
New York.

1 Orville Dewey Baker of Augusta, Attorney-General of Maine,
1885-88; died 1908.

8 (Sometimes referred to in the Letters as William Walter, or
W. W. P.) William Walter Phelps of New Jersey represented the
Englewood District in Congress in 1873-75 and 1883-89; was
United States Minister to Austria in 1881-82, to Germany 1889-93;
lay judge of the Court of Errors and Appeals of New Jersey, and
represented America at the Samoan Conference in Berlin in 1889.
He died at Teaneck, N. J., 1894.

[151]

LETTERS OF

6 :30. Emmons, your Father, Mr. Reed,1 and Mr.
Field, — you see I do not pay much attention to
precedence — have just started on a drive, your
Father holding the reins. As Mr. Reed is on the back
seat, imagine the way in which his eyes will wander
from those horses. And H. has just come driv-
ing into the yard with Fred, who has been up to
Aunt Emily's for cake, and who now has gone to
take his little Emily to drive. And I have got
through the afternoon by taking a nap on my sofa,
by a pitcher of lemonade under the trees, by a chap-
ter or two in Our Mutual Friend, and best and last
of all, by a telegram which that dearest and best of
youths, Philip Ely, has sent me from Detroit. It
seems as though I had been in your visible presence,
and it has done me a world of good. Excepting the
telegram, the afternoon has been rather flat.

HSB

AUGUSTA, August 5th 1879
Tuesday 10:30 A.M.

MY DEAR M., — I am just through with a great
scare, it is this, it is this ! Your Father had a note
from Mrs. L this morning, to the intent that she
and Mrs F would pass through town on their way
from Mt Desert and would be glad to see him at

1 Thomas B. Reed of Maine, afterwards Speaker of the House.
[ 152]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

the station. Of course he went down all prepared
to bring them back with him, but luckily for me,
Mr. C, Mrs. L.'s father, is due this morning, so
I had the satisfaction inexpressible, as I was watch-
ing stealthily from the sitting room window, to
see your Father driven up in state by Frederick,
but no lovely bonnets or feminine hats brightening
the void at his side. For the heat is intense, and to
sit through all the hours of this scorching day, in
one of my many black dresses, not thoroughly inter-
ested for one moment, but wearisomely polite in
every one, seems, now that I know it will not have to
be, more than I could bear. Old Caroline too has a
< reprieve. The family consists of your parents, Alice,

Jamie and H , and Mr Sherman. Life has lost

all its flavor. I cannot eat. I have dyspepsia, and
as a consequence everything is stale, flat and un-
profitable. My state of mind is perfectly senseless
as you will discover, but it is due to the stomach, not
the heart, so I will not apologize for it. And I have
had another letter from Mr. Bishop,1 and the Bishops
will not stop on their way to Moosehead, but on their
return. I am so glad for Emmons, who went away,
feeling that he was hardly doing the fair thing by
me to run away just as they were coming.

1 William Darius Bishop, Member of Congress from Connecticut,
and president of the New York, New Haven and Hartford R. R.

[ 153 ]

LETTERS OF

The same mail which brought Mrs. L's note,
brought me a letter from Mr. Ely at Rochester,
— thank him for it, and ask him to send me word
what of his wardrobe was left behind, and I will have
it looked up, if it still lingers in the land of the leal,
of which I have doubts, as Emmons was obliged to
start for Bar Harbor yesterday with one of his own
handkerchiefs, one of his Father's and one of Jamie's.
Their united wardrobes could only furnish the three.

Saturday August 9th. I have no idea, my sweet-
est daughter, what is already written on this paper
as it has been laid aside for days, but no good thing
is to be lightly flung aside, so I resume on its unoc-
cupied space, and proceed at once to tell you that it
is Saturday afternoon, and warm though not too
warm, and that I am alone in the parlor, and that
Aunt Emily in solitary state is in the library, and
Aunt Caddy in Alice's room, and Aunt Susan is
driving Alice up to Mr. Farwell's. Mr. Frye1 was
here to breakfast — he came yesterday afternoon and
spoke in the evening. I went to hear him and was
quite captivated. He and your Father have now gone
to Mt. Vernon, driving over. They are to reach
home about nine, and Mr Frye drives over to Lewis-

1 William Pierce Frye, at this time Member of Congress from
Maine ; later he succeeded Mr. Elaine in the Senate.

[ 154 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

ton in the morning. Just before they got away,
Mr Hale turned up, dined with us, and now he has
left for Norridgewock, and Tom Sherman too has
gone off, so were it not for the Aunts, the two
Harriets would represent the state.

AUGUSTA, August 13th 1879
Wednesday afternoon.

MY DEAR M., - — This letter will treat of the Hon.
Zachariah Chandler. He arrived yesterday morning
at ten, and as he came up the steps Mr. Bodwell,1
whom I never expected to regard with feelings of
lively gratitude, appeared to invite him to Hallowell
to inspect the granite works there. It is so unusual
for me to receive any assistance in the entertainment
of a visitor, that my first feeling when I saw them a
few minutes later, driving off together, was, that I
had been defrauded. Interrupted by a call from Her-
bert Davis, who is in Augusta, writing up his uncle's
affairs, and who I sincerely hope will write himself
into his uncle's will. Emmons invited him to come
down to-morrow to play tennis, and I supplemented
the invitation with another from myself to take tea.
To revert to Mr. Chandler — he has gone ; he went at
ten this morning, or rather at nine, as at that hour
Emmons took him over to see the Lambard mansion.

1 Joseph Robinson Bodwell of Hallowell, Governor of Maine 1887;
died in office on December 15th of that year.

[155 ]

LETTERS OF

I went to Granite Hall last night to hear him, and
sat directly behind Julia Armitage. She has grown
into a most beautiful, graceful girl, quite a young
lady. Mrs. Baldwin and Mrs. Johnson, her aunts,
had been over in the afternoon to call on Mr. Chand-
ler, and were at the hall, so we all sat on the plat-
form together. Now, I am just up from down town,
and Millie is putting supper on the table, so I hurry.
Aunt Emily is here. She has come down to see if
Alice and H will go to Squirrel Island to-morrow, and
they are going and I have asked Maud and Bess to go
too, and they have accepted, and I have bought a new
lunch basket and bananas and peaches and pears, and
five cents worth of caramels, and a bottle of blacking,
and elastic, — was there ever a picnic when I did not
have to buy hat elastic ? — and blueberries for tea.

And Mr. Chandler says fish pudding is a Michigan
dish, so perhaps it was Ellsworth that borrowed, and
not Marquette. At any rate, we had a very nice
one for dinner to-day, only there was no one to eat
it, nor the broiled chicken which came after. I could
not even venture on my usual wing, greatly to Em-
mons's disgust, who declared his own appetite affected
by my lack of sympathy, and there was no one but
Tom to help out, as Father came on the four o'clock
train from Vassalboro', having had a charming day
on his travels, spending two hours at Brunswick.
[ 156]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE
Altogether he had quite a splendid time, and when
he got onto the train there were Judge Rice and Mrs.,
returning ignobly by rail from Rockland, for the
party which left Augusta so gaily in coach and four,
as one might say, only got as far as Rockland. There
the cream-colored ponies fell sick, there also Judge
Rice lay down, Mrs Rice also, and Mrs Goodwin, and
yesterday Mrs G. drove home all the " teams," and
the patriarch of the tribe came to-day with his wife,
very bright and very happy to find himself travelling
in orthodox fashion. Emmons came on the Pullman
at 2 o'clock yesterday morning. As usual I got up
and unfastened the door, then went to his room to
find that Maggie Nurse had forgotten to light it
and remove his shams. By the way, the Honorable
Zachariah took an afternoon nap on his yesterday,
and a shocking sight they are to-day. So I amused
myself by repairing Maggie Nurse's neglect, then
went to bed again till five, when I got up to get up
your Father, who at six left for Vassalboro'. With
great devotion and difficulty I got him down stairs
in season to make a comfortable breakfast, when I
delightedly passed him and his bag and his winter
overcoat and Emmons's summer one, and his own
alpaca, into Frederick's hands, who speedily but with
much anguish for the old phaeton, conveyed him to
the station. But I am forgetting Mr Chandler. He
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LETTERS OF

is my text. He made a very good speech indeed,
though when Joseph Manley at the table just now
said that he gave the best illustration of the bond-
holder he had ever heard, your Father declared he
took it bodily from a speech he made last fall in
Detroit.

AUGUSTA, August 14th 1879

MY DEAR M., — Here I am sitting up in my best
black summer dress, which however is fast taking on
a shining face, preparatory to a tea drinking with
Herbert Davis, but alas! instead of a long table
where face answers to face, all up and down the
sides, only us four and no more, will sit down to
our fried chicken to-night; for at six this morning
Alice and H got off to Squirrel Island, and a time
we had to get them off, as we slept till five and a half,
and there were Maud and Bess and Alice Farwell and
Aunt Emily to collect on the way.

Emmons alone has represented the junior part of
the Blaine family, and has most agreeably fulfilled
the function, correcting proof for Honest Truth, k
reading, endorsing and sending telegrams, borrowing
my last V to send to John Goodenow, of whom he had
borrowed one at Old Orchard, tearing down town a
dozen times for his Father, carving a mighty sirloin
of roast beef for dinner, the knife so sharp it went
[158]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

into it like butter, to use his own words — for I have
myself bought a whetstone and instructed Millie in
its use, and I only wish Philip Ely of blessed memory
were here to use the carver, — playing billiards every
minute in which your Father found a minute to whistle
" For he might have been a Prussian " and to hold a
cue, and finally getting your Father to the station
with his three coats and his bag — though I packed
the bag, and Maggie Nurse collected the coats, and
Millie and Maggie and Tom and Emmons and I all
j oined in the search for the hat, which finally, retain-
ing its crown and rim, when any respectable hat
would have given up the ghost, was found under all
the newspapers and all the books, having evidently
been used all day for a cushion by every sitter down
in the library. I hovered on the outskirts to bid him
good-bye, afraid to come recklessly to the front lest
he should want some money, and I have only three
silver quarters in my dear little purse, that cunning
little leather pouch which Jamie gave me, and, M., I
have drawn so much money this month, how can any-
one who never listens to or enters into a detail, under-
stand it? But M. is off on her travels, and Jamie on
his, and Emmons has been, and Alice and H to-day,
and from the grain that feeds the horses to the butter
that spreads the bread, I pay for everything. I often
think I am the heart, I feed the arteries, I fill the
[159]

LETTERS OF

veins, if I stop pulsating it is death, for debt is death.
But Father is gone, and I have my siller, and all day
it has rained in showers, and though Emmons is
marking out his tennis, an immense cloud is lowering
exactly over the lawn.

Sunday afternoon August 17th, 1879.

MY DEAR M., — I have but a moment in which to
write. Mr. and Mrs. Hale and Clarence are here,
and Mr. Smalley 1 of the New York Tribune, and
Dr Updegraff 2 of Iowa have been here to dinner,
which is just over, and now Emmons has gone to
sleep in his chair, with one of his dreadful headaches.
It is very rainy and cold — two furnace and two
open fires attesting to the truth of my statement.

Mrs H, Clarence, Emmons, H and I went to
church and heard Mr Ecob preach an admirable ser-
mon, and I have stolen into the annex while the doctor
prescribes for Clarence, simply to tell you that your
Father is unalterably opposed to Walker's going to
Marquette. I presume arrangements can and will be
made for you to return by the way of St Paul, and
tomorrow, I intend to set myself vigorously to work,
to find out about passes, routes, etc., and shall then

1 E. V. Smalley, correspondent of the New York Tribune.

2 Thomas Updegraff, Republican member of Congress from Iowa.

[ 160]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

send the result of my investigations to you. The
Hales leave to-morrow afternoon and the Camerons
come next Friday. I shall be really delighted to see
Philip Ely again in Augusta, and will write him to
say so myself. Emmons starts off speechmaking in
about a week.

H S B

To WALKER, IN ST. PAUL

AUGUSTA, Aug. 18 1879, Monday.

MY DEAR WALKER, — M. obj ects to her letters
going through St Paul. She imagines it gives them
a stale flavor, and probably they are not as appetiz-
ing to you as a dish prepared for your own palate.
Be this as it may, I write now to you as collectedly
as may be, with Mr. Davis1 (Governor) and Mr. Bart-
lett in the room. The conversation too is on Maine
politics, that most interesting and discouraging of
topics, for here are the Democrats coming into the
conventions and capturing the Greenbackers in vari-
ous counties, and your Father so occupied that after
he emerges from his chamber in the morning, I do
not require nor receive so much civility as a word
from him, and sometimes I am so deeply disgusted

1 Daniel F. Davis, Governor of Maine 1879-80, died in 1897.

VOL.1 —11 [ 161 ]

LETTERS OF

with American politics, our whole system of popular
government, with its fever, its passion, excitement,
disappointment, and bitter reaction, that any sphere,
however humble, which gives a man to his family,
seems to me better than the prize of high place.
Mrs. Hale came Friday evening with your Father,
who boarded the train on which she was, not at Etna,
but at Newport, — he having — after being driven
to Etna from East Corinth — procured a ride for
himself on a handcar to Newport, that he might see
Mr. Dexter about the old wagon. The night was
dark, and first he lost his hat, for which they re-
traced their steps some half mile, and then his bag
was found missing, and for this they went back two
miles, but found it not ; but the next morning at ten
the express delivered it, much the worse for its travels,
the Pullman having gone over it. The contents were
found spilled along the side of the track. One shirt
was cut all to pieces, the toilet apparatus was never
found, and the bag was ruined. But it never seemed
to enter his dear head that the escapade was a risky
and foolish one and not to be expected from a man of
his habits. And although he saw Mr. D., he forgot to
ask the price at which the wagon was sold, so we are
in as much uncertainty as ever. Clarence came from
Portland and spent Saturday with us, stopping in
Gardiner to hear Eugene speak that morning, and
[162]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Emmons drove down after tea in the darkness and
rain, carrying along Mr. Updegraff. Do you know
who he is? And at eleven or shortly after, they all
arrived at this hospitable mansion, where a couple of
bottles of champagne and a good supper helped out
the welcome which was awaiting them.

While at breakfast yesterday, Mr. Smalley's card
of the N. Y. Tribune was sent in. Your Father was
not up, but Emmons saw him and told him where to
go to church and invited him to dinner at two. The
day was dreadfully rainy, but Mrs H, Clarence,
Emily, H, and I, braved the discomfort of a wet ride
for the sake of hearing Mr. Ecob, who gave us a
delightful sermon. And then we came home to find
your Father still in bed, where he stayed till dinner
time, when he got up and came down to enact the
host in his most delightful manner, carving, talking,
making welcome in his own inimitable way, till Mr.
Smalley only tore himself away to write his letter to
the Tribune (which I hope will be good reading to
you some morning in the St. Paul Gazette) coming
back to tea, while Mr. Updegraff made no pretence
of going, but stayed right on till eleven o'clock.
Mrs. Milliken came to tea and sang hymns and Pina-
fore all evening.

Clarence went this morning, and your Father and
Updegraff and Smalley and Gov. Davis to Winthrop
[ 163]

LETTERS OF

at one, first having a hearty dinner here, and then
at four Mr. H. left for Waterville, and it has rained
and rained and rained ; and now, at eleven in the even-
ing, Emmons has just gone for Mr Hale, and the
Winthrop team has returned and they have all had
supper here ; and now with the heavens opening and
the floods descending, Emmons returns, bringing Mr
Hale and followed by Dow bringing up Mr. Dobson
and Mr. Campbell, who are to go back on the Pullman
and who will spend the intervening hours in the
library. The Camerons are coming next Friday. I
am glad this dreadful rainfall will be over before
they come.

To Miss DODGE

NEW YORK, November 9th, 1879.

Here I am, having a most delightful second visit.
Mr. Elaine is with me. We are just from church,
all but Mr. Blaine, who spent the precious hours in
which I was learning how to bring up a family, in
writing an article, as many pages of closely covered
manuscript lying on the table testify; and as the
children are too old to be now set in other grooves,
perhaps he is the happier for not being made to see
how much we have left to nature and to Providence,

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

which we ought as parents to have pursued and
trained. Mr. Blaine, as you know, is in the best of
health and spirits, while Grant is booming along, and
welcome, if I were the only one to be consulted.

To EMMONS

AUGUSTA, November 21st, 1879.

This is one of my tavern weeks — the board being
spread for all who come. The Republican crowd
melted away by Wednesday, Mr. Reed going that
day at noon. The last news, or report of the
situation, is the convening of the Superior Court at
Augusta, Monday, the Chief Justice in the chair —
though that is not the name of his seat.

Your Father is in the best of spirits, though what
is to be the end of this audacity * no one knows. He
expects now to leave town Sunday, though I do not
believe he can. George Weeks and Mr Sprague are
now in consultation with him in the library. Have
you an overcoat for Mr. Brown? If you have not,
I shall be under the painful necessity of giving him

1 Referring to the famous "State Steal," an effort made by the
Democrats to count in fraudulently their candidate, Alonzo H. Garce-
lon, as governor, instead of Daniel F. Davis, the rightfully elected
candidate.

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

a new one, as I cannot see him drive in your Father's
old blue flannel. Is the heavy overcoat hanging here
yours, and shall I give it? It looks too handsome.
Caroline has cooked 250 chickens since July, and is
now beginning on turkeys. She is more to be dreaded
than the foxes, which have killed off all the Caldwell
turkeys, on which I always depend for Christmas.
My pen will not permit of further writing, but my
love knows no limitations.

[ 166]

1880

"As the presidential convention of 1880 approached, it was
apparent that Mr. Blaine retained the same support that had adhered
to him so tenaciously four years before. The contest developed into
an earnest and prolonged struggle between his friends and those who
advocated a third term for General Grant. The convention, one of
the most memorable of American history, lasted through six days and
there were thirty-six ballots. On the first the vote stood : Grant 304,
Blaine 284, Sherman 93, Edmunds 34, Washburne 30, Windom 10,
Garfield 1. On the final ballot the friends of Blaine and Sherman
united for General Garfield, who received 399 votes to 306 for Grant,
and was nominated. On his election, Mr. Blaine was tendered and
accepted the office of Secretary of State."

Appleion's Encyclopaedia of American Biography.

Mr. Blaine remained in Washington, though he was urged to be
present at the convention in person, and his telegram turning over his
two hundred and fifty delegates to Garfield gave the latter his nomina-
tion. Before election President Garfield appointed Mr. Blaine
Secretary of State. In his letter of acceptance, December 10th, 1880,
Mr. Blaine wrote: "I wish you would say to Mrs. Garfield that the
knowledge that she desires me in your Cabinet is more valuable to me
than even the desire of the President-elect himself. Indeed, I would
not think of going into the Cabinet at all if Mrs. Garfield was not
friendly and favorable. Please read this letter to her and her alone."

To M., AT FARMINGTON

FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL

NEW YORK, May 15th, 1880

Saturday evening

DEAR M., — Your Father is dining out with Mr.
Reid,1 who has a dinner party, and I, after taking
mine with Mr. Hale, who has since left for Boston,
find myself alone in the most untidy room in New
York. I have picked up and picked up, till, hope-
less of improvement, I now sit surrounded by bundles,
cards, newspapers, letters, wardrobe, and everything
else pertaining to hotel life of a week's duration.
The mantel is decorated with a long line of bouquets,
some of them faded and some of them fresh, and all
depending in more or less drunken attitudes from
various tumblers. Bandboxes adorn the sofa, my
shawl and your Father's overcoat occupy two chairs,
his brown gaiters are on the what-not, a long rock
of granite, which has been bored out from under this
hotel, adorns one corner, three parasols, one mine,
one Alice's, and one a broken down thing belonging
to one of Muscovite's & Russell's women, the three
others. A likeness of the candidate, for which I have
had to pay a V, looks down darkly from among the

1 Whitelaw Reid of New York, editor of New York Tribune;
Minister to France and present Ambassador to Great Britain.

[ 169]

LETTERS OF

flowers, and string and wrapping paper and the
press of New York meet the tired eye, turn it where
it will. This afternoon I have been to the matinee to
see Neilsen in " As You Like It."

Sunday: The Chandler party put an end to my
writing last night, and now just home from Dr Col-
lier's church, I will add a line to say good-bye. I
have had a good time in New York, but now am
anxious to go back. Probably, however, we shall
stay till Wednesday. I do not know what to say
to you about the week of the Convention and com-
ing home. I wish you would conclude yourself to
stay. I am almost sure a combination will be made
against your Father, and then I would rather you
were in Farmington. You must write to your Father
personally and let him decide. I have thought lately
he would get it, but now I am very doubtful. His
rivals are desperate.

With love,

H S B

(Fragment)

Mr. Sherman was waked by messenger from the
telegraph office, who told, from the sidewalk below,
that there was great excitement in Chicago, and they
[170]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

thought Mr. Blaine ought to know it. They had
been up once and found it impossible to rouse any-
body ; " the incidental mention of Elaine's name by
a Californian roused gallery and convention to wild
cheering for five minutes." Then Mr. Hale tele-
graphs : " The Grant men made a point of seeing
who could howl loudest and longest, and cheered and
hurrahed and waved flags for fifteen minutes — Con-
Ming himself condescending to wave. After they
had tired themselves out, the Blaine men took it up
and shouted twenty minutes." Mr. Hale says the
Grant men got enough of it. Four of their tallest
men mounted on settees and Hale mounted on their
shoulders and waved the flag, expecting every minute,
he said, that he should fall and break his neck. Think
of the position for a man who is not an acrobat!
Meanwhile Mr. Blaine went off to bed dead sleepy,
and is this morning reading the papers with pro-
voking indifference. He is not, of course, indifferent,
but he is self-possessed, and when I heard him talk-
ing yesterday, with all the force and fire of the
Senate, I thought it was a pity to take him away
from the Senate after all. Mr. Chandler telegraphs,
as things are now he considers the chances of Mr.
Elaine's nomination as 4 to 1, but not to be counted
on till it comes.

[171]

LETTERS OF
To EMMONS, AT THE HARVARD LAW SCHOOL

AUGUSTA, June 27th, 1880.

DEAH EMMONS, — You cannot imagine how de-
lighted I was to get your letter this morning, as I
have become really anxious to hear from you. For
do you know, this is the first line you have sent me
since I reached home.

Orville Baker and Joseph Manley have just gone
from here, where the former has taken tea. I wish
to take advantage of the Pullman which to-night com-
mences its Sunday trips, and get you to do me a
favor or two. First, will you see what you can get
a little pony carriage for? I do not mean a donkey
cart, but a little phaeton or something of that kind,
also a saddle and a harness. H's pony came last
night, and is the dearest little thing you ever saw,
perfectly docile and without a flaw, four years old,
and will weigh, I think, about 500 Ibs. If you will
find out the several costs, I will decide how far I
think I can go. H. is in ecstasy over him, and
Jamie has been leading him about all day, calling
with him on Will North and perambulating the back
and front yard. I have written thanking Mr Cameron
for the pony. I enclose you a card which came to
you from the Arsenal. Alice and I are invited. I
have no idea when your Father will turn his face home-
[ 172]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

ward. The Hancock * nomination makes Garfield's
prospects problematical in the extreme. It has been
very hot to-day. I enclose a letter from your Father,
though I have somewhat anticipated its contents. I
shall be delighted to see you. With love,

H. S. B.

To M., AT FABMINGTON

AUGUSTA, October 19th 1880.

DEAR M., — Yesterday in anticipation of your
Father's return, I washed up all the pens, cleaned out
all the inkstands, and laid out such supplies of paper,
envelopes, stamps, etc., as our limited supply of sta-
tionery would permit. All this I did on the hope
and supposition, based on a letter written almost a
week ago, that he would be home Monday afternoon.
And sure enough, while we were at dinner, came the
telegram, bearing the welcome date of Portsmouth,
so at 3:35, the schedule time now of the arriving
afternoon train, Emmons and I had the satisfaction
of seeing him emerge, bag in hand, from the car,
smiling and well, and full of enthusiasm for Garfield
and the Republican triumph. Need I say, that we
brought him home with banners flying, and that the
Queen of hearts flew around and got him some sup-

1 Major-General Winfield Scott Hancock, U. S. A., was the
Democratic candidate for President in 1880.

[173]

LETTERS OF

per, or dinner, whichever you choose to call it, for
he had spent Sunday at Hamilton and had been sent
away on eggs! But there! Tread lightly on poor
Cousin Abby's ashes, for she has reason to sit in
them herself, having made the mistake of criticising,
in public letters, the course of the Boston Advertiser
towards the Woman's Deposit Company, and here it
is, all broken up — and the President and Cashier
arrested, the money lost, and the principal shown
to be one of the most abandoned wretched adven-
turers on the face of the earth; so that C. A.'s
name seems to be associated in the minds of the pub-
lic, and a losing public, which is never goodnatured,
with that of a woman viler than V. W., and it is
one of those unfortunate cases which no one can help.
To sympathize with her, is to pain her so much,
that Father all the time he was there, never ventured
to speak of it.

Emmons is to go to Chicago and into the railroad
business. Will enter Mr. Hughitt's office. Mr.
Hughitt is the General Manager of the N.W.R.R.
and Emmons will take his chance in showing what is
in him — if good, then promotion, if no aptitude,
then the acceptance of that humiliating fact. He
was to go the first of November, according to your
Father's plans, but as he has accepted an invitation
from Lila Cameron to be usher at her wedding on
[ 174}

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

the 18th of that month, he will not enter upon his
new field quite so soon. If he could only make up his
mind to stoop and bend to his work, I should have
no fears, but he cannot work playfully and bring
anything to pass, which reminds me of yourself.
In doing, there is great reward. I cannot imagine
your not loving to study. And if you will study,
you will learn. If you learn, you will be learned. If
I could only have known, when your age, the high
plane on which I should deploy, I might have been
the equal in attainment of any woman in Washing-
ton, and oh, that it had been given me to know in
that my day !

H S B

AUGUSTA October 24th, 1880.

DEAR M., — How are you and how have you
spent your Sunday? This is how it has spent itself
with the old folks at home. First, a good breakfast,
at which everyone came strolling in as suited him or
her best. Then church, which, beginning with me,
who always go, rounded up with Philip and Emmons
and Jamie, Alice, H. and your Father. Mr. E.
gave us an old sermon, which, never good, is now
poor, and then we picked up Aunt Susan and made
an unsatisfactory call on Green Street, and then came
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LETTERS OF

down to all the brightness and warmth and good fel-
lowship of home. Orville Baker had come down with
Emmons and dined with us. Need I say that the
dinner was good? And your Father was bright and
full of talk, as was everybody else, and after a while
Emmons and Philip started in the buggy, with two
robes it was so cold, for Gardiner, nor are they yet
returned, having stayed there for supper. And these
familiar exercises have been varied by calls from
Bigelow, Mr. Manley and all the Manley children.

But after all, we are not exactly gay. Emmons
is sober over his proposed experiment in Chicago,
and Philip is going away Friday, which coming de-
parture seems to cast its shadow before, and your
Father cannot help, at odd moments, falling back into
reveries over the past and what he fancies its mis-
takes, so that although not blue, we are serious, which
is better than being frivolous. I have not a word of
anything like news to tell you, and I know I ought
to fill up the remainder of this sheet with advice, but
will you not consider it all said? You know that it
hurts me to part with you, and why I do it, and that
the habit of reading and study and fixing the atten-
tion is more valuable than the knowledge you will
acquire at school, though that is something worth,
and I lay on you the burden.

[ 176]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

AUGUSTA October 25th

DEAR M., — The day which I had intended
giving to Emmons' night-shirts, has gone to his
friends. " That poor boy," Maggie Nurse says,
" has nothing to be sick in if he should be taken,"
so I made up my mind early this morning to devote
my last yard of Willimantic to him. But up speaks
the telephone and Gardiner calls for Emmons, and
he listens, and then I hear him say, " All right, I will
meet you at the station. We shall be delighted."
And it needs not my prophetic heart to tell me that
we shall have company to dine. Yes, Mrs. Richards
and Miss Thornton will come up in the dummy to dine
and to drive, and I must hie me to the kitchen and to
Caroline, for ducks and a steak are not enough for
hungry visitors. Here is my bill of fare — Soup,
roast beef et cetera, ducks, celery and jelly, apple
pudding, mince and apple pies, grapes and pears,
coffee, claret and champagne. Everything well
cooked, Emmons carving beautifully, then the drive,
Philip of course making the fourth. And listen to
the sequel, they all came back to supper! And now
at nine they have just left, and as it is not quite bed-
time, and yet I am not in the mood for reading, I
thought I would tell you all about it.

VOL. i — 12

[ 177]

LETTERS OF

Wednesday evening, October 27th 1880
DEAR M., — My object in writing, is to send
you a nice letter, which I received from Walker this
afternoon. His first letter was written in such a
homesick mood, I could not bear to read it, and just
as I was making up my mind to write him, coun-
selling him not to stay in St. Paul unless he had his
own entire consent to it for a residence, he tells me
he is glad to be there, but I found Emmons has
carried off the letter to Gardiner, whither he and
Philip have gone on one of their frequent visits,
carrying my Chinese lanterns, my tin holders, and
relics of my candles, to contribute to Mrs. Richards' *
illumination. The day after our illumination, Mr
Piper came to me to see if I would let him have some
of my lanterns to send to Burnham. He had received
an order and had not enough in his store to fill it,
wanting two dozen. So I sent that number to Burn-
ham with my compliments, supposing of course that
they were to light up a Republican celebration, but
they contributed to a Fusion illumination, as the
Argus informs me, and the Burnham managers have
also sent acknowledgments to me. Is n't it funny ?

1 Mrs. Henry Richards of Gardiner, daughter of Julia Ward Howe,
the "Laura E. Richards" who has delighted the hearts of so many
children.

[ 178]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

I have had a bad headache all day, but am now almost
free from it. And strange to say, the library is un-
visited. Your Father is walking up and down the
parlor, while H. is picking out on the piano some
of her old Zeverley pieces, for the benefit of both the
Jamies. Capt. Boutelle spent last night with us,
leaving this afternoon ; is en route from New York,
where he has been speaking. We are quite hopeful
over the prospect next Tuesday, and I will try to
send you the result.

HSB.

DEAR M., — I am putting up your box, so you
must be content with a line, as of course you will,
now that Garfield and Arthur are elected.

Can you believe that the long vigil, not tongueless,
is over, and that we are all saved for four years, and
I hope forty times four ? For now there is no danger
that any of the tomfoolery of the Hayes policy will
be tried, and I hope there are no sunken rocks to
make shipwreck of the new administration. Your
Father and I have picked out Garfield's Cabinet for
him, and have devoted to him for two mornings our
waking, but not risen, hours. Do you take in
that the House is Republican, and the Senate a
tie, which gives the casting vote to the Republican
[ 179]

LETTERS OF

V.P? Oh, how good it is to win and to be on the
strong side ! Your Father leaves to-morrow for New
York, then goes Emmons next, and Alice to Boston
and then to Washington. I am glad we are going
early.

H S B.

Thursday afternoon.

AUGTJSTA, November llth, 1880
Thursday evening

DEAR M., — When this you see, think of me,
all alone with Jamie and H. and six servants to
wait on us. Emmons and Alice are to leave to-night
on the Pullman, and it adds inconceivably to the
dreariness of the situation, that it is raining in tor-
rents, and Emmons, bluer than ever, has just gone
down in the rain and his rubber overcoat, to bid good-
bye to the Aunts, who are already perfectly discon-
solate. There is a gleam of comfort in that, for being
perfectly disconsolate, nothing can add to their
weight of woe. And Alice, having put off her farewell
calls and her blanket for the Bradbury baby till the
last moment, is trying with impatient fingers to
stitch pink satin ribbon to the ends of one and her
rubbers to her own extremities. Excuse this hor-
[180]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

rible sentence. It is not in the least what I meant
to say.

I have had a day, and my poor little namesake, too
sleepy to sit up, is afraid to go to bed lest no one will
wake her, so I can hear her discoursing to the kitchen
crowd, with whom she is always in high favor. Your
Father is still away, though certain to return Satur-
day, and with him, I expect Mr. and Mrs. Chandler,
and the Hales are to come Saturday morning, so I
shall certainly have numbers on Sunday. But I am
heart-broken at losing Emmons. He ought to go, but
the iron enters my soul.

Walker writes that he is just entering on his law
career, has his office and a partner. I do not know
that I am glad that he has the latter, though he him-
self seems much pleased, but I cannot allow myself to
be anxious, lest I break down under my varied anx-
ieties. I wish somebody would order tomorrow's
dinner for me! Such a dreadful time as we had
illuminating. The cannon knocked down all the
candles, and there were my pretty carpets and floors
all splashed with wax. Such a scene of devastation
as the next morning showed! Smoke and cracked
glass, candle grease over everything, nails and slats
everywhere, children with colds and cross servants,
and a billiard room full of unreturnable lanterns,
and Garfield and his wife off buying tables and chairs !
[181]

LETTERS OF

Your Father has heard Bernhardt and pronounces
her splendid. I am delighted that you enjoyed your
Hartford trip and that your dresses suited. Your
watch is safe in my bureau drawer. I did not send
your hat because your goodies did not leave room in
the trunk. With love,

HSB

AUGUSTA November 16th 1880
Tuesday afternoon

DEAR M., — Or Emmons, or Walker, or Alice
— say, which shall it be, for all are dear, and all are
away. When did I write any of you ? The day that
Emmons left, last Thursday, was n't it ? Well, he
left on that most melancholy evening, and most mel-
ancholy train, the evening Pullman at eleven o'clock,
and at that positive and still not culminating hour
of the night, I found myself alone with my mem-
ories and anticipations, and Jamie, H. and the
servants.

I stayed up until one o'clock, unable to resolve to
seek a sleepless pillow. Emmons had never been more
tender and affectionate, and I had a wellspring of
grief.

Later: I shall not resume the thread of my above

discourse, but I shall try another. Mr. and Mrs.

Hale and Mr. and Mrs. Chandler have been here

spending Sunday. The Hales left yesterday after-

[ 182]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

noon, the Chandlers still here. Have not had a wholly
satisfactory visit. The Chicago convention talked
over, with not sufficient frankness to heal the hurt.
Sunday night all the Richards came up to tea, bring-
ing with them Mr. P , a cousin. Emmons stayed

in Boston a day or so, both Mr Chandler a and your
Father seeing him there. Sunday night he went to
New York, but before he left Boston he sent me a
telegram, asking for his lavender trousers, which
nearly drove me wild, as I could find nothing of the
description among his leavings. Imagine his feelings
when he opened the box containing three pairs of un-
mentionables, varying in color from gray to claret
brown! I suppose he is in Harrisburg to-night.
H.'s arithmetic is on the tapis, so I must say
good-bye.

HSB.

. AUGUSTA November 28th 1880
Sunday afternoon

MY DEAR M., — When I tell you that I am alone
in the house, with the servants, Jamie having gone

out and H over the river, to pass the night

with Tuly, you will not expect much variety to this
letter.

Indeed, this large house, with its few tenants, is
absolutely oppressive, more especially on Sunday,

1 William E. Chandler, later U. S. Senator from New Hampshire.
[ 183]

LETTERS OF

when I am driven to books uninterruptedly. I can-
not remember when I wrote you — I know that I
have written since Thanksgiving to Walker, Alice
and Emmons, and to your Father twice a day. He
left for Washington Wednesday, stayed that night
at Hamilton, coming up to Boston Thanksgiving
morning, went on to New York and dined with Mr
Elkins,1 then to Washington by night train, Lewis
letting him into the house a little before seven.
Found everything there all right, and after a break-
fast from Wormley's, was to go to see Garfield. I
spent my Thanksgiving very quietly.

Emmons is, I judge, quite pleased with his advent
into business. He writes me nice long letters, giving
me details which I dearly love — which letters I
should herewith transmit, but they have gone to your
Father. Jack too tells me, that he feels within him
latent ambition, and means to fan it into a flame, so
that men shall take notice of him as a not degenerate
son of a noble father. Your Father, going away, left
me as his parting legacy an injunction to entertain
at tea Mrs. B. and her daughter. So to-morrow I
have them and the neighbors. How are you getting
along? Write often to your affectionate,

MOTHER.

1 Stephen B. Elkins, delegate in Congress from New Mexico, and
later U. S. Senator from West Virginia.

[ 184 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE
To Miss DODGE

AUGUSTA, December 3rd, 1880.

I am left absolutely alone with my servants, every
want anticipated, not a room in the house not at
summer heat, sunshine and open fires vieing with
each other, four horses and pony in the stable,
sleighs and robes in abundance and the beautiful
snow; every longing satisfied, with full salvation
blessed — what can I need? My sins — that is, my
sinners. First of all, I miss Mr Blaine. I cannot
bear the orderly array of my life. I miss the en-
velopes in the gravy, the bespattered table linen, the
uncertainty of the meals, for you know he always
starts out on his constitutional when he hears them
taking in dinner. I miss his unvarying attention,
and as constant neglect. When alone with him I am
not my own — when others are in, go as you please
is the rule, and the alternation suits me exactly.
Then the boys — oh, how I miss them. They know
all I ever knew — and I have forgotten much — they
are fresh and untiring as the sun which never sets —
they are loving and want sympathy — old enough
to be companions, too young to assert their rights,
taking everything as of grace, and of their fulness
I am a partaker. Blessed relationship — the man
child to his mother.

[185]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE
To M., AT FARMINGTON

AUGUSTA December 5th 1880
Sunday evening

DEAR M., — I am getting off a huge mail to-
night, to your Father, to Alice, to Jacky, to Briggs
of Boston and to Clarke of Boston, bookseller. The
purport of the last two you can imagine, each envel-
ope containing a violet colored check. Then my
spirits are not good, and it is snowing and raining
and I like decision in the elements and in the councils,
and we are lonely, the two H's, who sit here by the
sitting room fire, both writing, one a story, the other
a love-letter. But loneliness is nothing, provided
you are right minded. Possession of yourself — to
say to yourself, do this and she doeth it, and go away
from that, and she goeth, — is to have your life ad-
justed to the will of God and moving to the eternal
harmonies.

HS B

[186]

1 881

To WALKER, IN ST. PAUL

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, Jany 16th 1881
MY DEAR WALKER, — I am so anxious to put my-
self once more into communication with my family
that I have braced myself up with a half bottle of
champagne so as to get off that miserable sofa, and
write at least a short letter. There I have been lying
since Tuesday, when I went to a delightful little
party at Mrs. Bancroft's,1 but during the night I
was attacked with illness, and since then when not
actually suffering, I have been so dyspeptic and rest-
less, that life has been a burden to me. I am getting
better all the time, but the wrestle with returning
health is almost worse than losing it.

Meanwhile, M. has gone, leaving as she always
does, a great void, though her and your little sister
has kept me company all the morning, a truly sweet
restorative, reading to me selections of her own from
Tennyson, Shelley, Swinburne and Emerson, with
comments and criticisms truly suggestive, and hav-
ing at last read Godiva, I have looked up for her
Esau's (pronounced by her " Essau's ") rough hands,
an allusion she had no conception of the meaning of,
which veracious history she is now mastering, with

1 Wife of George Bancroft, the historian.
[ 180]

LETTERS OF

the single comment that if a person could believe it,
he must certainly become religious.

It is a very interesting time to be sick. Last night
we had a grand dinner party. The Chief Justice,1
the General,2 the Secretaries of State and Interior,3
the German,4 French5 and English Ministers,6 Mr.
Dougherty,7 and Mr. Schlesinger,8 Mr. Bancroft and
Mr. Morton,9 and Mrs. Robeson and Mrs. Lawrence.10
An elegant dinner, beautiful table, and distinguished
and brilliant company, all of which of course I lost.
Alice and Jamie went to the theatre, G. H. to the
table, and the two Harriets to bed. And to-night we
have another smaller dinner, which I must also lose.

Do you remember how much you seemed to have
to give up when your shoulder was dislocated? Now
that I am absolutely mending, your Father is in gay
spirits. My attack completely broke him up. Had
it not been so pathetic, it would have been amusing.
He would not go to the Senate, thought himself sick,

1 Morrison R. Waite of Ohio, Chief Justice, 1874-88.

• Gen. William T. Sherman.

a William M. Evarts of New York and Carl Schurz of Missouri.

• Karl von Schlozer, German Minister.

8 Maxime Outrey, French Minister from 1877-82.

• Sir Edward Thornton.

7 Daniel Dougherty, the well-known lawyer and orator of Phila-
delphia, called the " Silver tongued."

8 Sebastian Schlesinger, a foreign banker.

9 Levi P. Morton, then Member of Congress from New York.

10 Mrs. Bigelow Lawrence of Washington.

[ 190]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

broke all his engagements, and excused himself to
everybody on the ground that he could not leave me.
In my room he sat on my bed or creaked across the
floor from corner to corner by the hour, making me
feel a guilty wretch to cause him so much misery.
He is a dear, dear old fellow.

I think he will go to Mentor very soon. Garfield
has written for him, and though he does not want to
go, he will not refuse. All the world is paying court
to the coming or expected Secretary of State. So-
cially you know it is about the best position. John
Hay * will, I think, stay in a little while.

We have not taken any further steps about the
new house, but are fully determined upon it. This
will go into the market at once unless a private sale
can be effected. We intend to put up a very nice and
expensive house. I can write no more. Excuse the
writing, which the champagne makes worse than
usual. With love,

H. S. B.

1 John Hay of Ohio, President Lincoln's private secretary;
Secretary of State under Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt; at that
time (1879-81) First Assistant Secretary of State.

[191]

LETTERS OF
To M., AT FARMINGTON

WASHINGTON, January 17th, 1881.

MY DEAR M., — Here I still am, in the same
old room, on the same old sofa, under the same old
afghan, hardly knowing whether I am better or worse,
and dreadfully bored with the trouble of getting well.
I was at breakfast and lunch, but the sight of so
much food making me loathe the little I had hoped
to eat, I concluded to dine in my own room, and here
I am still, delightfully quiet and rested, and not in
the least lonesome, though alone.

I must get well however in good earnest now, as
people are beginning to send me in goodies, and this
you know, I cannot bear. To be petted is not my
forte. The Saturday and Sunday dinners passed off
beautifully, flowers, table, dinner and guests unex-
ceptionable. Your Father was highly gratified at
everything, and so with the second dinner, which
much smaller, passed off equally well. I have ac-
cepted three dinners for this week, so you see I am
expecting to be well.

H. S. B.

[ 192]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

821 FIFTEENTH STREET,
WASHINGTON, January 23rd, 1881.

DEAR M., — I suppose you will like a letter, even
from a headachy mother, who has nothing in her
head but the ache, is not conscious of an idea, and
worst of all, is innocent of gossip.

Nevertheless, that mail to-morrow afternoon must
keep faith to the letter, however it fails to the spirit.
I am down stairs alone, where I have just been writ-
ing a note to Senator Pendleton,1 accepting an invita-
tion to your Father to dine with him on Saturday,
and finding the pen run smoothly over the paper, I
am determined here to scrawl my scrawl to you rather
than upstairs, where Alice, C A and H are in full
possession of my room, with its triple blessing of
windows.

Did you know that I have staying with me Mr.
Cowles, the brother of your Miss Cowles, and his
sister Susie? Well I have, and am enjoying the visit
very much, as they are bright, sympathetic and lov-
ing and lovable. Your Father got away to New York
on the Limited of yesterday — will return on Wednes-
day. Every day after I was able, till he went away,
we drove out to look at the lot. You know I was
not carried away with it, which proved almost too
much for your dearest dad. However, after a dozen

1 George F. Pendleton of Ohio.
TOL. i —13 [ 193 ]

LETTERS OF

voyages by land and water, to that snow covered
eminence, I am ready to avouch that the sun will visit
the dining room every morning at breakfast, that
though the house will stand east and west, yet that
can make no difference to the center of the circum-
ference, that the drainage is good, that it is a com-
manding site, and with Don Cameron's 1 assistance,
can combine all the advantages of space, air and light
and greensward. To-night, Stanley Pullen, Mr. and
Mrs. Putnam of Portland, Lizzie and Virginia Cam-
eron are coming to tea. I have cucumbers, lettuce
and tomatoes from Harrisburg. Last night I dined
at the English Legation. The table was perfectly
imposing, with its candles, its silver, glass and flowers,
and the dinner was admirable, — but oh, how stupid

it was ! Even Mr. A 's, where I was the night

before, was brighter.

WASHINGTON, March 14th, 1881.
Monday afternoon

DEAR M., — What are you doing in peaceful
Farmington, while Czars are dying and Czarowitches
mounting the throne ? Imagine what a family matter
that assassination J must have seemed, when Alice

1 James Donald Cameron of Pennsylvania, Secretary of War
under President Grant, and later U. S. Senator.

2 Emperor Alexander II of Russia, assassinated March 13, 1881.
M. Bartolomei was then the Russian Minister to the United States.

[ 194]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

came running to the door yesterday as I came from
church to tell me of it, and when I saw Bartolomei
himself, sitting in my own parlor, and crossing and
recrossing himself, while he prayed devoutly before
reading the despatches, for all the news there was for
hours, was contained in the telegrams to the Secre-
tary of State. Poor Emperor, dogged to his death
at last! I think he must be enrolled among the
martyrs.

To come to the augustae res domi, Saturday after-
noon I stood up with Mrs. Garfield, while all the
American people, who wanted to, came to pay their
respects to her and the President. It is not any of
it so bad as I expected, and much of it is really
amusing.

Friday evening March 18th 1881

DEAR M., — I have spent the entire day in my
room, where your Father, I am sorry to say, is in
bed, having taken last night a frightful cold at the
White House, where the President and Mrs. Gar-
field received the Senate and their friends. Your
parents and the private secretary, with Alice and
Mr. Mahone,1 who had dined with us, and C. A.
made our party. Then Walker and Philip went
to the British Legation to Lady Thornton's last

1 William Mahone, U. S. Senator from Virginia.
[ 195]

LETTERS OF

Thursday. The Secretaryship grows more and more
agreeable. Tuesday your father and I assisted at
the Requiem Mass for the Czar. I had never antici-
pated going into black for any of the European sov-
ereigns, but with Mrs. Male's assistance, I did. She
was here when I was dressing, and pinned my old
black lace cape on to my old black chip, so that I
went en regie. Wednesday, I dined at the English
Legation, and sat between the host and Lord George
Campbell, who is a brother of the Marquis of Lome.
Jacky gets along beautifully. Letters are already
coming addressed to the Honorable Walker Elaine,
and at the Elliott Shepherd 1 dinner the other night,
he made a speech. The house is filled with flowers
all the time, an immense horse shoe, surmounted by
a ship of state, fills our parlor table. Dinner is just
over, and I am writing in your old room, not liking
to turn up the light in the other, where your Father
is asleep. Goodnight, with love,

H. S. B.

WASHINGTON, March 24th, 1881
Thursday morning

DEAR M., — To insure the successful completion
of my proposed task now, I must begin it early
in the morning. So having guided your Father

1 Col. Elliott F. Shepherd of New York at that time owner of the
Mail and Express.

[196]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

through the intricacies of his toilet and presided
over his eggs and tea, during which I have also
worked off a towel initial, I commence the duties and
pleasures of the day by writing this to-be letter, first
apologizing for its brothers and sisters which never
reached Farmington. Truth to tell, the new position
gives me a mighty wrench. I thought my hands full
before — I find they were empty. Your Father has
just gone to the Department. Did you notice the
nominations sent in yesterday ? * They mean business
and strength.

To-night we, Miss Dodge, your Father and I, dine
at the Outreys, and Alice and Walker tea at Mrs.
Berry's. All the afternoon I shall be paying visits,
and the letters, notes, accounts I have to notice be-
fore then, make my heart sink into my shoes. Mr.
Hitt 2 is to be the Assistant Secretary, Jacky re-
maining as he is. We have the plans for the house,
and they are so huge and so expensive that we are
now engaged in striking out every pretty thing to

1 Referring, among others, to the nomination of Wm. H. Robert-
son as Collector of the Port of New York in place of Edwin Atkins
Merritt.

2 Robert Roberts Hitt of Illinois, Secretary of Legation in Paris;
Assistant Secretary of State; a most distinguished member of Con-
gress and chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs for many
years. In early life Mr. Hitt became an accomplished stenographer
and was the means of preserving to history the Lincoln-Douglas de-
bates of 1858. It is said that Lincoln would never speak during
those momentous years without assuring himself that Mr. Hitt was
athiapost.

LETTERS OF

reduce the expenditure to the limits of your Father's
purse. Yesterday, I had my second reception, a great
crowd. Am now about to issue cards for Saturdays
in April. Jamie's Montana trip has come to noth-
ing. Mrs. Pike and her niece were over from Balti-
more Tuesday for lunch, and of course I took them
to the White House, where we saw the Garfields, and
the Hayes' china. Since writing this letter I have
written to Aunt Caddy, in answer to a cheerful letter
from herself, but I never dragged more over a letter.

H S B

March 28th.

I am writing in my room; present, your Father,
Alice, Walker, Tom Sherman and a messenger from
the State Department; subject, Shall we send mes-
sage, recognizing Charles as King of Roumania ? l
There are lots of things which hitch in our new
position, which make the new situation interesting.
Flowers have just come from Mrs. Garfield, and yes-
terday she and the President were both here. They

1 The kingdom of Roumania, as at present constituted, dates only
from 1881, having been formed by union of the principalities of
Moldavia and Wallachia in southeastern Europe. In 1881 Roumania
declared itself a Kingdom, and was in turn recognized by the powers,
its first minister from the United States being Eugene Schuyler of
New York.

[ 198]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

hate the situation, but this is not to be spoken of,
and I never want to be nearer the White House than
I now am.

Tuesday evening, May 17th, 1881.

DEAR M., — Your Father has lost one pair of
glasses and I have stepped on his spectacles. I need
not say who enjoys those still extant, so I write
blindly, unable to discern one letter. Tom got back
this morning, and the day was also marked by the
arrival of your letter, announcing the safe completion
of your journey. I enclose Mrs Manley's letter re-
ceived during the forenoon, to show that I am free
from anxiety concerning the departing ones. Noth-
ing of private interest has transpired since you left,
but we had yesterday, with the rest of the world,
the sensational resignations of Conkling and Platt.1
They produce no excitement here, and I have yet to
hear one criticism complimentary of Conkling, though
I have seen all sorts of people and of every shade of
cowardice. I called at the White House yesterday to
see Mrs. Sheldon, but had only the privilege of sit-

1 "When in 1881 President Garfield failed to consult the New York
senators in appointing a Collector for the Port of New York, and when
the Senate confirmed the acts of the President, Senator Conkling
resigned his seat, together with his colleague, Thomas C. Platt, and
they appealed to the New York Legislature for vindication by a re-
election, which the Legislature failed to carry out."

Lamb's Biographical Dictionary.

[ 199]

LETTERS OF

ting in the antechamber, while a semi-military servant
ran up and down the house to find that Mrs. Sheldon
had gone out driving. Mrs. Garfield is better, and if
the doctors are not too much for her, she will get well.
Just before dinner, I walked out with your Father
to the " lot." They commenced grading yesterday,
and Mr. Frazier now has the contract. We are to

have it in December. B got away to-day.

His ticket was purchased yesterday, when the coup
d'etat of Conkling threw him out so, he stayed on for
further developments. Excuse this miserable scrawl,
and let the love atone for the irregularities of style.
As you know, I have a weakness for elegant chirog-
raphy. Always your

MOTHER.

To EMMONS, IN CHICAGO

WASHINGTON, May 17th, 1881

Your Father eating his breakfast this moment, and
Walker talking to him on the new, original and strik-
ing topic of procuring places for female applicants.
" Miss C," Walker says, " is as nice a little girl as I
ever saw, and writes a beautiful hand, we must pro-
vide for her ; " and your Father answers, " But I
must first look out for Mrs B, get her a place, then
the decks will be clear for Miss C," and to this enters
[ 200 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

a card from Mrs Chandler, with of course a woman
attached whom I am to see and help. I have had
this morning a long and delightful letter from Mr.
Phelps, sent from Queenstown, with an agreeable men-
tion of you, and we are this moment anxiously awaiting
a cablegram from him, on the subj ect of house lots, for
do you know your Father, with that independence of
criticism which makes him so interesting and delight-
ful a comrade, has conceived a sort of disgust with
the 16th street place, on account of the vicinage of
stables, and although he has had that immense tract
graded, is not going to build on it, and fastening his
affections on a lot on Massachusetts Avenue, P and
20th Streets, he comes upon the surprising fact that
Mr Phelps is the owner thereof, hence a cablegram
and the waited-for reply. In my letter Mr Phelps
says, " while I was struggling with the hasp of my
trunk I told Hopkins, who was in the room, to buy
that other piece of land for me." Your Father said
to me only yesterday, " I am just like Jamie, when
I want a thing, I want it dreadfully." They are a
pair of Jamies — after which Augusta and summer
and freedom and out of doors.

[ 201 ]

LETTERS OF

To M., AT FAEMINGTON

WASHINGTON, May 22nd, 1881.

MY DEAR M., — We are all well and flourishing,
your Father gone to the country since ten o'clock,
with Gen. Sherman, Walker at the B.'s to breakfast,
Alice, Jamie and I at Dr Paxton's church, and
H. with her hymnal and prayer book to St John's.
Your little sister grows more and more devout, and
when at breakfast Jamie spoke of deviled crabs, she
came around to his seat and begged him so earnestly
not to use that word before ladies and little girls,
that he actually promised not to. I think the com-
pliment implied by H that it would not hurt boys and
men, might have influenced him.

After church, I walked around to the White House,
where I had the privilege of seeing the President, and
later the Mac Veaghs, who also came to inquire for
Mrs. Garfield. I am sorry to say that I have grave
fears about Mrs. Garfield. She is very sick, and after
hearing exactly how she is, I confess I am very un-
easy. Still the doctors say she will get well, and if
she does, I shall not be surprised if she comes to
Maine and stays awhile with me. She has to go where
she can be perfectly quiet. Your Father received a
letter from Mr. Morton this morning, asking if he
[ 202 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

should engage passage for you with them on the

Amerique. You ought to have heard H 's howl.

" It has just spoiled my Sunday, and I have been
looking forward to it all the week." This brought
your Father to terms, and he was very soon able to
remember that Gen. Hurlbut * was going over later
and could take charge of your inconvenient self.

The political horizon looms up, if horizons ever
loom, in its old fashion. Everybody, as you will
suppose, is leaving Washington, and daily I inter-
view possible cooks, waitresses and laundresses. When
this role is filled, we shall be able to leave, though I
have many misgivings as to the boy I leave behind me,
or as Garfield would say, the dear one. I do not
mean Walker, but your Father, though he anticipates
real pleasure in visiting Deer Park and the Elkinses.

You cannot think how much praise has been
showered on Walker for his urbanity and efficiency
these last days.2 Mr. Lamar 3 says no such young
man has been in Washington.

HSB

1 Gen. Stephen A. Hurlburt, U. S. Minister to Peru.

* Walker Blame's appointment, on July 1st following, as third
Assistant Secretary of State, was the last appointment signed by
President Garfield before his assassination.

8 Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus Lamar, U. S. Senator from
Mississippi.

[ 203 ]

LETTERS OF

WASHINGTON May 31st 1881, Tuesday A. M.

Your Father has not been up since Saturday. He
came home from a drive that afternoon, had a chill,
was in a raging fever all that night, but thanks to
Dr Lincoln's heroic remedies, he has had no recur-
rence of chills and is intending to be present at the
Cabinet meeting to-day. The day is of the hottest,
and I have to go down town with H and shoe and
hat her, both ends need my attention.

Sitting here with me, while I write, are a variety
of people — Dr. Lincoln, waiting to make his pro-
fessional call, Mr. Frazier the architect ; and thereby
hangs this tale. We are not to build on 16th Street.
Mr. Pendleton takes our rejected lot, which has just
been graded, and he and Mr. Robeson divide the
residuum. Now we go to Massachusetts Avenue and
20th and P Streets, beyond the Stewart House.1 That
dear Mr. Phelps had bought this land, though he
did n't know it, and he has cablegraphed us that we
may have as much of the land as we want, if we will
make the dining room larger. Is n't that just like
him?

Joseph Manley also sits here, and the faithful Bart-
lett, while in the dim distance in the dining room,

1 The mansion built by Senator W. M. Stewart of Nevada, later
occupied for some years by the Chinese Minister.

[ 204 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Thomas and a State Department messenger may be
descried.

This new locale gives us a frontage to the east on
20th Street, drawing rooms and dining on P Street,
and library and hall and reception room on Massa-
chusetts Avenue. A wonderful situation. With love,

H SB

WASHINGTON, Monday evening. June 7th 1881
DEAR M., — Your Father is down stairs and has
been out driving — need I say, in the direction of
the lots old and new? First we go to 16th street, to
look it over and say how little we like it, then to 20th
Street, to admire. On the latter site, they are grad-
ing to-day, and on the former, hollowing out the
Pendleton cellar.

The family is so small, I have little to tell. Many
meals Alice and I have taken together of late, your
Father being confined to his room, and Walker having
engagements. With your Father, he is now discuss-
ing the Fortune Bay * award, which he has watched
very carefully and been much interested in. I judge
that he makes a great impression and your Father is
exceedingly pleased with him.

1 Damages of $73,000 were paid by Great Britain for injuries done
by Canadians to Gloucester fishermen taking fish in Fortune Bay,
Newfoundland, by right of the Treaty of Washington, ratified in 1871.

[ 205 ]

LETTERS OF

You cannot imagine how uncomfortable I am with
the close rooms. Your Father has a fire, all the
windows closed, and of course I nearly suffocate. Mrs
Garfield is getting well. This is all, as I am dull.
Good-night, with love,

H SB

WASHINGTON, June 10th 1881
Wednesday morning

MY DEAR M., — As I write the familiar date of
this letter, I am reminded that it is the day and
hour when I expected to be in Boston, at this precise
moment buying a Chuddah shawl, and here I am
notifying my various children that my address, for
the present, bids fair to be Washington. For your
Father has taken it into his head to be well, and when
an idea gets lodgment in that capacious brain, you
know it becomes a power, and drives the weak body.
So now, we are on the high road to health, and all
clumsy vehicles of notions, like going home to get
rest, malaria in Washington, Bright's Disease, etc.,
etc., must clear the tracks or be ridden down. If it
were not for H and Jamie, I should be content to
stay on and on, but I deeply sympathize with those
waifs, to whom I am separately writing, to be of good
cheer and to be good children. Walker says, " Poor
little children. I would give twenty dollars to console
H. this minute." Mr. Sherman leaves with his family
[ 206 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

to-morrow morning, and I cannot but envy him, he
looks so happy. He is tearing around now with a
roll of bills, greenbacks I mean, saying he has not
time for anything. I have collected and had colored
black, all the stray feathers in the house; and you

ought to see my hat which they adorn. Mrs B *s

was meek looking compared to it. It is as big as the
moon after the eclipse had passed off the other night,
and all around the edge of this great orb, these
plumes arise, solemnly rustling in the west wind which
has now been blowing for lo, these many days. True,
this mournful circumference is lighted, or lit up as
much as may be, by two red flowers. Nothing could
be prettier than it looks on Alice — of it on myself,
modesty, forbids me to speak. And Alice has your
white failure all made over. Forrest did very well with
it. Also, she has a black hat with feathers, and your
chip is all beautifully ready for you. So much for
millinery. Our house is started, but your Father is
again tinkering with the plans. With love,

H. S. B.

WASHINGTON, June 22nd, 1881, Wednesday
DEAR M., — I am almost sorry to be again writ-
ing from Washington, to which we seem tied for
an indefinite time. Your Father is perfectly well,
but is unwilling to have us leave him or to leave
[ 207 ]

LETTERS OF

with us. The President is away, and the new house
is starting. He likes to watch every spadeful of
earth which he can snatch time to see thrown out.
Meanwhile Emmons, who is with us, makes the delay
bearable. Poor fellow! He came Saturday evening,
expecting to transact business for his R.R. and get
away Monday, and have the next day for Cambridge
with its Class Day and its graduations, and he finds
himself on Wednesday, held back at arms' length by
the red tape of the circumlocution office, with no im-
mediate prospect of any capitulation. He has a great
deal of pride, I think, in carrying to a successful
conclusion, this first business entrusted to him, and
there is every prospect of his failing, so of course he
feels a little blue.

Our day for starting is now fixed for Tuesday,
but as the weather is perfectly comfortable and de-
cidedly charming, I have my doubts. Jacky and
others gave a farewell dinner to Sir Edward last
night, and I think he goes to Harrisburg to spend
Sunday, your Father going to Deer Park. I have
been out this morning inspecting houses, have looked
at the Windom, the Ashton and the Noble houses.

HOME, June 28th, 1881, Tuesday morning
DEAR M., — I have just had the pleasure of
reading your last brief note, and while I wait for
[ 208 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

your Father to finish his mail and begin his toilette,
if that word is thus spelled, I seize State paper, a
poor pen and thick ink, to tell you that your family
is still in Washington, though positively expecting
to leave this week. And Emmons is with us still, his
R.R. business unaccomplished, though he has hopes
of a decision to-day. He is quite heartened up about
it, almost hoping for what he confidently expected
when he came on, so soon do we in the school of ex-
perience learn to regard that as a favor, which earlier
we looked upon as ours by inheritance. I think that
Walker, Emmons, and your Father will leave with
the caravan on Thursday.

Concerning Washington, I have nothing to write.
The house is still in the damps, the cellar damps
I mean, and Tom is staying with us, occupying
Jamie's bed, and Mr. Hale is in town, having arrived
Saturday, and the Thorntons leave this morning,
and a dinner or breakfast or lunch is a thing of the
past. And Alice and I have about completed our
summer preparations, and after this letter and break-
fast, I shall pack. H. S. B.

WASHINGTON, July 3rd, 1881 *

DEAR M., — Your Father got up quite early
yesterday morning, in order to drive the President

1 President Garfield was shot in the waiting-room of the old
Pennsylvania Station in Washington while on his way to a reunion of
his class at Williams College.

VOL.I— 14 [ 209 ]

LETTERS OF

to the Station, and at 9 :30 Tom, the boys, Alice and
I had breakfast. In the midst of it, the doorbell
rang, and Tom was called out. Then he called
Walker; but as the house is besieged all the time,
we, who were so fortunate as to remain unsent for,
paid no attention to the prolonged absence of the
absentees ; but shall I ever forget the moment when
Maggie Nurse came running into the room crying,
*' They have telephoned over to you, Mrs. Elaine,
that the President is assassinated." Emmons flew,
for we all remembered, with one accord, that his
Father was with him. By the time I reached the door,
I saw that it must be true1 — everybody on the street,
and wild. Mrs. Sherman got a carriage and we drove
over to the White House. Found the streets in front
jammed and the doors closed, but they let us through
and in. The President still at the station, so drove
thitherward. Met the mounted poh'ce clearing the
avenue, then the ambulance ; turned and followed into
that very gateway where, on the fourth of March,
we had watched him enter. I stood with Mrs. Mac-
Veagh in the hall, when a dozen men bore him above
their heads, stretched on a mattress, and as he saw
us and held us with his eye, he kissed his hand to us
— I thought I should die ; and when they brought

1 Mrs. Sherman lived at this time at 817 Fifteenth Street, next
door but one to Mr. Blaine.

[210]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

him into his chamber and had laid him on the bed,
he turned his eyes to me, beckoned, and when I went
to him, pulled me down, kissed me again and again,
and said, " Whatever happens I want you to promise
to look out for Crete " 1 the name he always gives
his wife. " Don't leave me until Crete comes." I took
my old bonnet off and just stayed. I never left him
a moment. Whatever happened in the room, I never
blenched, and the day will never pass from my mem-
ory. At six or thereabouts, Mrs. Garfield came, frail,
fatigued, desperate, but firm and quiet and full of
purpose to save, and I think now there is a possibility
of succeeding.

Of course I don't know when we shall go home.
There seems a purpose in our delay. I came from
the White House at two this morning, and had been
there all day, but not in the room. Emmons is here.
I am writing in greatest haste, and may have to sit
up to-night. With love,

H. S. B.

1 A contraction of Mrs. Garfield's Christian name Lucretia.
[ 211 ]

LETTERS OF

821 15TH STREET, July 6th 1881

DEAR M., — I must send you a line, if only to
let you know that in these times which are history,
you are remembered and sympathized with. It has
been a quiet but exceedingly hot day with us. After
breakfast, I went with your Father to the White
House, and finding that their arrangements for nurs-
ing were all made for the day, I came immediately
away and have not been there since. It is not in
me to sit around in those public rooms unless I can
be of service. It looks as though Gaffy would live.
He is now, six o'clock, still comfortable, and has
asked for beefsteak. They will not, of course, let
him have it, but if they would, it ought not to come
from the White House kitchens. Such tough leather
as they had there for breakfast the other morning,
is a disgrace to the cattle on a thousand hills.
All the Cabinet ladies were there, and Mrs. Sher-
man and Tom,1 who came to let the President and
Mrs. Garfield know, that yesterday, the young men,
of his Order made their Communion an offering for
the President's recovery. And Dr. Bliss came in
to explain to your Father, the changes they were
making in the President's bed, and the instructions
which he hoped he would give to Private Secretary

1 The Rev. Father Thomas Sherman, General Sherman's son, a
priest of the Jesuit order.

[ 212 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Brown anent the admission of visitors. And since
our return, I have written some letters and sat around
in a light and breezy costume, and your Father
has stayed in and read and signed despatches and
received callers, and in general taken things easy, and
now Walker and your Father have gone to the White
House to make inquiries, and thence to make their
daily visit to Vice President Arthur, who is on Cap-
itol Hill. I cannot tell you anything of the White
House. I am afraid to trust things to pen and ink.
Character comes out so surprisingly at such times,
and many of the ladies who are around, manage to
have such a good time. And I have learned to recog-
nize the kitchen cabinet. Nothing can exceed the
satisfaction of the President when I am around, but
I do not think I shall be able to do much for him,
but if they will only put the President's room into the
hands of professionals, I shall live content and have
greater hope that he will not die.

I have nothing to tell about our plans, as they all
hinge on that fateful bedroom. We did not go Fri-
day, because we could not get a car, Saturday we did
not wish to go, and Sunday, I would not, so Monday
we had decided upon. I want Alice to take Maggie
Nurse and another girl and go home and open the
house, but she is not willing. Of course it will be
impossible for your Father, save in a fatal event, to
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LETTERS OF

go for a long time. Emmons is still here, cannot get
his business transacted. I had a telegram from Jamie
yesterday, asking if he could use the buggy.

When I was with the President yesterday, as I was
all the forenoon, he looked up at me and said, " When
I am ready to eat, I am going to break into Mrs.
Elaine's larder." I will try to write again tomorrow.

H. S. B.

WASHINGTON July 8th 1881,
Friday noon

DEAR M., — Everything seems to be going as
well with the President as the most loving heart
can wish. All peoples and tongues vieing with each
other to do him honor, a purse made up for Mrs.
Garfield, no danger now for the President, no anxiety
about paralysis or bullet in the liver, and every pros-
pect of a speedy recovery in all his parts. Arthur
can go back to New York and we soon to Augusta,
and all the pain and woe and anticipated peril will
not be lost on the country. I have been to the White
House this morning, but saw none but officials. Left
your Father there, in consultation with the doctors
and drove up to Mrs. MacVeagh's,1 for I am restless
and broken up as you may suppose. Emmons opened

1 Wayne MacVeagh of Pennsylvania was Attorney-General under
President Garfield.

[214]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

the door to me when I finally came home. He was in
his shirt sleeves, and looked every inch a gentleman.
His case is still undecided, and I think his hopes are
low. Your Father holds up wonderfully, but the
weather tries us all much. As for me, I am rapidly
getting unpacked and fast getting all my washable
dresses ready for the laundry. Jacky 1 keeps on the
even tenor of his way, all days at the State Depart-
ment, all evenings at the White House, his only re-
source an infinite number of cigarettes, the smoke
of whose consumption ascends from his mouth for-
ever and ever. Mr. Sherman is with us, and I am,
among other experiences, putting to the test my
newly engaged servants. The laundress is condemned
and I think perhaps the waitress.

I suppose you have noticed that the President came
here Friday afternoon. He sat with me an hour,
waiting for your Father, gave me his Inaugural,
nicely bound, with his autograph in it, wanted to go
to Augusta, but hated the long tail to his kite on this
trip. Finally your Father came and they walked
away together. Now it seems this Guiteau followed
him to the house, waited to shoot him on his return,
but not wanting to hurt Secretary Blaine, had to
give it up that time.

1 Nickname for Walker.
[215]

LETTERS OF

I hope I may go home Monday. Good-bye, with
love.

H S B

WASHINGTON, July 10th, 1881.

MY DEAB M., — I have been talking and talk-
ing over the family situation, and strange to say,
have secured your Father's attention for fifteen min-
utes. It is difficult for me to satisfy him and myself.
My own plan is this, to send Maggie Nurse and two
other girls home on Wednesday with Walker, you to
join them on Thursday. You can go on with Miss
Cowles, staying with C. A. that night, if you are
willing, home on the first train, leaving Boston at
8 :30 A. M. If that train does not stop at Hamilton,
you will have to hit it at Salem, Ipswich or wherever
C. A. advises. This part of the plan you will have
to perfect yourself. You will reach Augusta at 4 —
must get Jamie and H. home, do as well as you
can with the house, and be as happy as possible.
There are the horses, carriages and Fred, and your
little sister and brother, and Walker for two days.

The President is doing very nicely. There is no
need, so far as he is concerned, of my staying here,
but your Father must, and he cannot be left. Alice
is going, with Mrs. Sherman and Lizzie, to-night to
Oaklands in Maryland, and will probably stay till we
leave. When, oh when, will this be? I think of the
[216]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

cool air and the comforts of home, till my head swims.
My trunks have been entirely packed for a long
time, and I sometimes feel as though I should not get
away this summer. You are to telegraph me if you
would rather go to New London or home. Emmons
still here. With love,

H. S. B.

To M., AT AUGUSTA

i

821 15TH STREET, July 15th 1881,
Friday morning

M DEAE M., — This date reminds me, that I have
only once before stayed as late as this in Wash-
ington. In 1870, on this very day, I saw Con-
gress adjourn in palm leaf fans and linen dusters,
only your Father, the Speaker, had on an alpaca.
He sits here this blessed moment in another, and with
him Emmons, in shirt sleeves, lamenting the Solici-
tor's decision, which is against him. Tom is at the
door, warding off one of your Father's country
women, and down stairs the laundresses are busily
wrestling with Jacky's and Emmons's linen, leaving
the chamber work to Charles and me. That excellent
young man has charge of the third floor, while I man-
age, or womanage, my own bed. It does not look
handsome, but it sleeps well. George Stinson break-
fasted with us, and afterwards bade us good-bye for
[217]

LETTERS OF

N. C. I only hope you may have had as good a break-
fast as he had. Just at nine last night, we received
Walker's telegram from Augusta. " Swing low,
Sweet Chariot," and take me in next week, for all the
doctors, male and female, cannot long keep Gaffy on
his back, and when he is pronounced out of danger,
we expect to leave.

I spent yesterday in reading Don John, but think
the author should have kept the clue for identifica-
tion, for the satisfaction of the reader. He has no
right to assume the prerogative of Providence. You
should hear your Father, to whom I have told the
story, scold about it. I think Jean Ingelow must
have got the hint for the story from the Thorntons.

I have not been at the White House for two days,
but Emmons and your Father were over last night,
found everything monotonously comfortable. And
last evening, your Father, Tom and I slowly creaked
out in the State coach to the Soldiers' Home. Found
there fresh air in abundance, but we gave it all up, as
we came back on to the concrete, and I ate my dinner
like the fine ladies of Goldsmith. Mr Brown tele-
phoned over Walker's Ipswich message. Kiss all the
Blaines for me and make yourself as comfortable as
possible.

H. S. B.

[218]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

WASHINGTON July 19th 1881
Tuesday afternoon

DEAR M., — Emmons has now gone to the station
to meet Jacky who has telegraphed that he is on the
Limited, and Emmons is going to-morrow, so we are
to have changes but no gain. For two days now, it
has been really comfortable here, so that I can wear a
dress and stay before my fellow creatures. Before
lunch, I drove out to the house with your Father,
thence to the State Department, getting some books,
thence home. The house is steadily pushing itself
above ground now, and is in its kitchen windows and
pressed brick promising to the eye and suggestive to
imagination, and my mind often transports me to
that western porch, where I shall love to steal awhile
away from every worldly care. To-night, I shall
probably call at the White House, the least pleasing
hour of the twenty-four, as I am obliged to content
myself with a mere formality when I long to be of
real service.

Walker has come and has told us all about you. I
have pumped and pumped, and at last the stream
refuses to flow. We have had a long drive, Emmons
acting as Jehu. Have squeaked and groaned over
about fourteen miles, and are now through with our
eight o'clock dinner. I think we shall certainly be
at home by the middle of next week. You cannot
[219]

LETTERS OF

think how much I want to be there. Love to J.,
H. and yourself. Emmons is very blue. He has
to go to-morrow morning.

Always yours,

H S B

WASHINGTON
821 15xH STREET, July 22nd, 1881

MY DEAR M., — Do not get discouraged over the
cook, though I think it much harder for you, than for
anyone else. Let her wash and iron, and as soon as I
am there, Tuesday, I will take her in hand.

We had the agreeable novelty of all eating break-
fast together, and in consequence I am sustained by
a passable meal, and your Father and Tom and
Walker are this moment testing some muscle beaters,
which have just come — ting, ting, ting is resounding
through the room. We expect now to leave here
Monday, though I hold myself ready for disappoint-
ment. I have been packed so long and have seen that
journey made so many times, I have little confidence
left. Your Father saw the President for six minutes
yesterday morning, the first time since that fateful
Saturday. They had put him (the Prex) off day
after day, till he would be denied no longer. He
looked better than your Father expected to see him,
though his voice was weak. Mrs Garfield told me
[ 220 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

yesterday, she considered him out of danger. Is n't
it wonderfully good? Alice is still at Oaklands, pro-
posing to return tomorrow. I have had a calm and
restful two weeks. Every night, we drive out to the
new house, which interests us immensely, but it
changes now rather slowly, there being a paucity of
pressed brick layers.

Emmons telegraphed yesterday that he was ar-
rived all right. Since commencing this letter, I have
been to the station with Tom, to arrange about a car
for Tuesday. Expect us then Wednesday, but I shall
telegraph our departure to you. We have tele-
graphed about the bells. Give my dearest love to
those dearest children. Did H. get the " Little
Earl" to read which I sent her? JT was in one of
the trunks, Seaside Library.

Most affectionately,

H. S. B.

WASHINGTON, Sunday, July 24th, 1881.
DEAR M., — I do not know when we can come
home. Your Father does not feel j ustified in leaving,
and he is not willing for me to leave him.

How sorry I am, and what a summer this is ! But

petty disappointments must not be remembered. I am

just home from the White House, where I have been

sitting for two hours. Saw Drs. Agnew and Hamil-

[221]

LETTERS OF

ton, the Cabinet, Mrs. Garfield and Molly, everyone
looking very anxious and sober. Mrs. Garfield said
the President did not mind much who was in the room
with him to-day, and then he was in a drenching per-
spiration, which was not good for him, something
I am afraid like a night sweat. This morning, Dr.
Agnew made an incision, and opened, as he suspected
he should, a pus sac. This was drained, to the sen-
sible relief of the patient.

I cannot tell you what a state we are in. My head
aches violently, the day is very sultry, and I am as
disappointed as though a re-set bone had to be re-
broken. People act like lost children. If I could go
into that room, I should have an opinion.

Alice came home yesterday. It is very dull for her
here, and I think she ought to go to Augusta. I
should think you might ask Aunt Susan to advise the
cook. I will make you a present of the tennis. Love
to my darlings,

H. S. B.

WASHINGTON July 25th 1881

DEAR M., — We are doing nothing but wait, and

despair and hope. Five minutes ago, we had talked

ourselves into an abyss of misery, and three minutes

since the telephone sounded, and Walker called over

[ 222 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

the wire that Dr Agnew had put his finger into the
wound more than an inch further than yesterday,
that pieces of bone had come away, relieving the stop-
page of the pus, and that the President's restlessness
was abating.

Your Father and I came back a few minutes ago
from our daily drive to the house, where our eyes were
delighted by the sight of three workmen nooning
under a tree, and from the White House, where we
saw Dr Woodward, who seemed quite hopeful about
its poor tenant.

Alice has got in a large supply of books, and is
reading diligently and making notes. I cannot tell
you how dull and stupid I am. I loathe the sight of
the Department carriage. Our table is an offence to
me. A novel takes on all at once, from the times,
a sickly association. I almost wish your Father did
not want me with him so constantly — in short, I am
idle, yet not rested, of use to no one, yet tied down to
others. Do make yourself as comfortable as you
can. Let Aunt Susan advise the cook. I am sure
she will. My love to the children and yourself.

H S B

WASHINGTON, July 28th, 1881.

DEAR M., — You can tell Mr. Homan, unless the
telegraph intervenes before this letter reaches you
[ 223 ]

LETTERS OF

with bad news, that we are more confident of the
President's recovery this morning, than we have ever
been. When we shall get away, I have no chance of
knowing. Your Father's stay here gives confidence
to every friend and while he stays, I must. I do not
feel that this is necessary but he does, and I cannot
unlearn the old habit of regarding his word as law.
Walker, as you may suppose, is more than satisfied,
and Alice will not listen to the proposition of going
to Augusta. I really think she needs the change, but
I have no fault to find with her. We are all bright
again about the President, and I now feel a certain
assurance as to his being carefully looked after, which
I have not hitherto had. Doctors Agnew and Hamil-
ton will keep a closer watch than before this fright.

If I could feel happy about the Augusta house
and children, I should know how to cultivate patience,
that homely but friendly herb, but with a house half
put to rights, a half-way cook, and half a family,
how can you be enjoying a perfect whole? No one
sympathizes with my misgivings. In fact, your
Father does not hesitate to call it selfishness on my
part. The weather is deliciously cool this morning.
Use the carriages all you can, and enjoy yourself in
every way. Will you get Miss Potter to finish
H.'s blue linen dress? The sleeves I did not try
to make without trying. This is all there is to do
[ 224 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

to it. If the pattern for the yellow gingham is there,
she can finish that too, and her old last summer's
ginghams can be given to Fred's children.
With love to all,

H. S. B.

1881. Sunday evening.

DEAB YOTJ-UNS, — I am ashamed that I, with
nothing to do for myself, should not have written
you to-day, but truth to tell, this is one of my, or
rather our, blue days, and my mind refuses long to
stray from that sick bed, with its impending issue
and all that thereon hangs.

We are greatly disappointed at the gravity of the
bulletins. Friday I felt an assurance full and free
that he would recover. Dr. Hamilton so believed, and
so believed Dr. Bliss. But the gland gives trouble,
nausea has returned, and plainly I do not see how
he is to recover. To-day I have seen the Attorney
General, who is always depressed; Dr. Agnew, who
spoke with great caution, but hope lies at the bottom
of all he admits ; Secretary Lincoln, whose darkness
is unillumined by one ray of courage; the Hunts,
who are rosy; Mrs. Garfield, who is, as ever, confi-
dent ; Rockwell, whose feathers I imagined drooped ;
VOL. i-15 [ 225 ]

LETTERS OF

and Swayne, who announced the President better
than ever.1

I was at the White House at one o'clock and am
now going over again. The day has been warm, and
the night is warmer. The State people have been in,
and the faithful Bigelow, and Gen. Noyes.2 Your
Father sits here writing to Arthur. I am nervous
and can scarcely form a letter. Yesterday morning
I thought we might leave to-morrow morning. It has
gone away now into a remote future — my leaving,
I mean. Mr. Barlow has sent again about the dog.
Thanks for your and M.'s letters. Do not think
about us, but get all the enjoyment you can out of
home. I sent a box yesterday, containing Alice's
dress and some soiled linen. She must excuse the
combination.

With love,

H. S. B.

WASHINGTON, July 30th, Sunday noon
DEAB M., — I am writing just as lunch is coming
on to the table, nothing promising in that formal-

1 Robert Todd Lincoln of Illinois, oldest son of Abraham Lincoln,
was Secretary of War under Presidents Garfield and Arthur. William
Henry Hunt of Louisiana, afterward minister to Russia, was Secre-
tary of the Navy. Col. A. F. Rockwell, U. S. A., War Superintendent
of Public Buildings from 1881 to 1885.

2 Edward F. Noyes of Ohio, Minister to France in the administra-
tion of President Hayes.

[ 226 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

ity, nor in the stray callers who are sitting around
in the room — Mrs. Moore, Col. Forney,1 Mr. Tres-
cott, Dudley, the new Commissioner of Pensions,
and one, already tete-a-tete with your Father, whom
I do not know. Walker too is here, reading a letter
from Mrs Cameron, which I have just answered,
asking me to visit Harrisburg — and Tom, more
homesick than myself, if that be possible, is sitting
irresolutely around, uncertainly looking at news-
papers. When he told me just now, that a certain
letter was in a certain drawer, instead of looking for
it, I knew that it was all up with him. Alice having
on a morning gown, is obliged to flee this madding
crowd, and is far in her own room.

I am not without hope that we shall see Augusta
this week. I keep myself in marching order all the
time, instructing the laundresses — I have two — to
empty the clothes baskets every other morning, and
as they are on probation, everything to the last hand-
kerchief comes back to the minute.

Alice dressed, and with two dimes in her glove
from Jack, started out for church, but in fifteen min-
utes disconsolately came back, not having been able
to find any edifice open.

The President is doubtless doomed to recovery, not

1 Col. John Wien Forney, journalist, author, and Member of Con-
gress, at this time Collector of the Port of Philadelphia.

[ 227 ]

LETTERS OF

the Potomac flats, nor the doctors, falsely so called,
nor the doctress, nor the fool friends of nurses, nor
the poor diet, will cut the vital cord, attenuated as
it is, and because he lives, we shall live also, and at
the first possible moment you will see your mother,
who longs to see you and Jamie and H. more than
you can possibly conceive. I have your letter this

morning.

H. S. B.

To WALKER IN AUGUSTA
Col. Rockwell, whom I sat with at the White House
for half an hour last night, presented his usual fault-
less appearance, boutonniere, silk-lined lapelled coat,
cigar in hand, etc., etc. He is exceedingly indignant
over the stampede, as he calls it. Says the President
is strong and bright and the public are crazy, that
the weakness of the patient is greatly exaggerated.
I asked by whom, and he could give no answer. He
thought the Secretary of State ought to give more
reassuring cablegrams to Lowell,1 — generally he
seemed to be mad. To suggest anything for diet
or remedy seems to act upon him like a red rag on
a bull. But all the same, after a while it leaks out
that you have been listened to.

Have received your daily letter, Walker. Thanks.
Also M.'s. Thanks. With love,

H. S. B.

1 James Russell Lowell was then Minister to Great Britain.
[ 223 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

You can't imagine anything so vile as Washing-
ton. It seems like a weed by the wayside, covered
with dust, too ugly for notice.

WASHINGTON D. C. August 19th 1881.1
Friday morning.

MY DEAR CHILDREN, — I am just through with
breakfast, which we have taken at home. Bigelow
sitting by for company. We have had cold roast
beef, eggs, baked sweet potatoes, hashed potatoes,
dry toast, French loaf, melon, tea and coffee. And
when I this moment left this letter to go up stairs
and hunt your Father's glasses, I found my bed beau-
tifully made, so Caroline is a chambermaid, — an
accomplishment I had not hitherto given her credit
for.

There was not a leaf of tea, a lump of sugar, an
ounce of flour, a raisin, spice of any kind, butter, in
fact an eatable of any description, in the house when
we returned. But I observed the Rev. Solomon's
shirts hanging on our line, and Caroline herself was
in the house, and I could draw warm water, though
Caroline assured me the washing had been done away
from the house, only the starching being indulged in
here. A nice distinction, as was said of the Beauty.

I hardly know how I got through yesterday,

1 Written after the return from a visit to Augusta.
[ 229 ]

LETTERS OF

though I think I did better with my time than your
Father with his. I wrote some letters, visited the
house twice, where your Father's activity causes me
great anxiety as he now mounts the ladders and
overlooks the second story floor. Was at the White
House twice, and took quite a drive. Poor John,
the clouds have returned after much rain, and neither
the morning nor the evening is his day. One thing
is in my favor, I have an appetite and with my bottle
of currant, a loaf of fruit cake Mrs Hunter has made
me, and a Dutch cheese, I bid fair soon to lose it.

As to the President? Your Father had a long talk
with Dr. Hamilton last night, which depressed him
and rather encouraged me. I was in the carriage,
and Dr. Hamilton stood at its door, so I heard all.
He is anxious over the swelling of the gland, and is
apprehensive that the President may have to stay in
bed months, but the chances are in his favor. This
is bad enough, but it is better than death, though
your Father says an administration with a sick bed
for its centre is not a pleasant thought. The Presi-
dent took the whole of a raw onion chopped up in
vinegar, and Col. Henry,1 who told Mr Bigelow this,
attributes the whole of his relapse to this cause. Dr
Hamilton admitted to us that there was perhaps a
cause in the pus which had not been reached. The
1 Col. Guy V. Henry, U. S. A.
[ 230 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

channel of the wound, they now find, not having been
cleaned for two weeks. They thought the passage
was healing, but now find their mistake.

To WALKER, IN AUGUSTA

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, August 23rd, 1881.
MY DEAR WALKER, — I hope you will dispose of
all the letters possible at Augusta, as the care of this
ever-accumulating debris comes upon me, and you
know yourself the dreadful impedimenta which one
day's mail can load our limited writing conveniences
with. True, Mr Trescott and Mr Brown wait as-
siduous for hours in the parlor, and their chief enter-
tains them and himself often with bright talk, and
William sits in the hall, rising like a jack-in-the-box
whenever my august foot crosses the threshold, but
all the attaches of the State Department fail to
satisfy when I withhold my hand. So I consign all
the envelopes to the waste basket, and put my ele-
gant chirography on to the numerous letters from
Victor Drummond,1 et al. and breathe freely only when
I have put a rubber strap, as good as a lock and key,
around the file. For I know your Father is never

1 Victor Arthur Wellington Drummond, British Charge" d' Affaires
at Washington in 1877, in 1880, and again in 1881 ; knighted in 1903.

[ 231 ]

LETTERS OF

going to disturb anything so clerkly and tidy as a
bundle of letters. I was at the White House last
night, when I got another pound added to my already
hopeless condition, Miss Edson l having, confidentially
to Mrs. James,1 abandoned hope. Why indeed should
that angel tarry longer by that bed: when the poor
sufferer has lost his own identity, — praying to have
that other man taken from him away, and to be re-
lieved from that other man's face which cleaves to
and drags upon his? Mrs. Garfield had retired, and
about ten or perhaps later, we came home, when your
Father penned his bulletin to Lowell, which Sevellon
Brown 2 at eleven took to the telegraph office for him.
We were just in the seclusion of our own room when
a carriage drove up. Of course we think everything
unusual means the White House, but this was Rams-
dell,2 who had come, as it were, to hear his doom from
our lips. Your Father went down and let him in, but
alas could give him no comfort. I might as well
stop writing, my interruptions are so discouraging.
The S. of S. left his glasses at the White House last

1 Susan A. Edson, a physician from Auburn, N. Y., in constant at-
tendance on President Garfield. For this service Congress appropri-
ated to her $3000. Mrs. James was the wife of Thomas L. James,
then Postmaster-General.

2 Sevellon A. Brown, for many years chief clerk of the State
Department. Daniel Ramsdell was correspondent of the Philadelphia
Press at Washington.

[ 232 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

night. Mine of course, when he needed them, grazed
his nose. So I sent William to the Executive Man-
sion to get his. They were not there, but he had
borrowed Dr Bliss's, so I have had to go down town

and purchase for myself, and then Mrs M has

just been in, and now we have been to the house,
though I could not see that one brick had been laid
on another since we were there yesterday.

Caroline is making me an apple dumpling for
dinner, but I have no interest in anything. I want
to go home, and all the circumstances are monstrous.
I spare you myself, which is a poor, mean, warmly-
dressed, moist, dissatisfied body. Do be kind to my
poor motherless children, and whenever you wake at
night, think of me sleeplessly tossing and striking
out at mosquitoes.

H. S. B.

We feel this morning a little bit better about the
object of all our thoughts.

WASHINGTON August 25th 1881.

MY DEAR WALKER, — I suppose you can see as
well as another that hope is over. This dreadful sick-
ness will soon be over. Every night when I go to bed
I try to brace for that telephone which I am sure
before morning will send its shrill summons through
[ 233 ]

LETTERS OF

our room. The morning is a little reassuring, for
light itself gives courage. Your Father is in the
parlor at this moment, where he has been for an hour
with Mr. Chaffee 1 and Gen. Logan 2 — quite a re-
prieve for me, who in the absence of better company,
follow him upstairs and down like a dog. And yester-
day Mr. Davis 3 of West Virginia was here, which also
helped. Mr. Brown stays here too a great deal, and
every night goes with us to the White House, wait-
ing for your Father's despatches. We had no inti-
mation yesterday of the proposed incision into the
perotic gland. It was made, as I understand, be-
cause of the danger of suffocation.

To M., IN AUGUSTA

WASHINGTON Sept 1st 1881, 9 p. M.

MY DEAR M., — Your Father and Mr. Allen have
just left for the White House to get the data for the
Lowell telegram. When you read those frank and
discriminating telegrams in the morning Journal you
may always see behind them your Father and the
evening walk to the White House, and the interviews

1 Ex U. S. Senator Jerome 13. Chaffee of Colorado.

2 Gen. John A. Logan, U. S. Senator from Illinois, and Repub-
lican vice-presidential candidate with Mr. Blaine in 1884.

3 Henry Gassaway Davis, U. S. Senator from West Virginia and
Democratic vice-presidential candidate with Judge Alton B. Parker
in 1904.

[ 234 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

with the doctors, when the truth is made to stand
and deliver herself, for the benefit of England and
America. As I was within those formerly awe-inspir-
ing portals yesterday, twice, I have stayed at home,
and hence this note.

We have agreed that this is the most discourag-
ing day we have yet had, the heat is so great, and
every particle of moisture seems to be dried out of
earth, air and sky. I am not sleepy, but neither am
I hungry. Yesterday, Mr. Robeson dined with us,
and we had a soup and two other courses and wines.
I cannot tell you how horrid it was. Nothing seemed
right, and the door bell rang and Lewis was always
out of the room, and your Father insisted on chicken
when steak was the course, and altogether we agreed
not to ask any brother again, not though he were
starving.

I have not sent the passes to Walker, because we
are hoping to use them ourselves. I tried to talk
your Father into leaving at two o'clock to-day, but
he could not quite do that. He will try to urge on
Mrs. Garfield to-night the importance of a change
for the President. Poor dear Gaffy, how wretched it
is! Wounded and sore and hurt to the death, he
now to save his life, must dare to lose it. I send into
his unseen room sympathy enough to float his bed,
but he never knows it.

[235]

LETTERS OF

I have nothing to tell. A great basket of delicious
grapes has just come in, and I have had interesting
letters from all sorts of people, and when everything
else fails, there is the telephone. Mr. Phelps has
written me a long letter, in which he inquires for
M. filia. Old Judge Black * has been here all day,
talking in an old fashioned delightful manner. I do
hope I shall get home before Jamie leaves. Pity the
sorrows of a poor old mother, and tell Walker " I
want to go home." Allen thought judgment was
spelled with an e after the g. Imagine your Father's
satisfaction at worsting him.

All sorts of flying creatures are coming in, too
much light. I leave the world to darkness and to
thee. With love,

H. S. B.

We are dreadfully anxious about that dear Gaffy,
and your Father much exercised on the question of

1 Jeremiah Sullivan Black, Associate Justice, and later Chief
Justice, of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, delivered the eulogy
on President Andrew Jackson, and was a member of President Bu-
chanan's Cabinet first as Attorney-General and next as Secretary of
State, succeeding Lewis Cass of Michigan. At the close of the Bu-
chanan administration, Judge Black resumed his law practice, serving
in the Andrew Johnson impeachment trial, the Samuel J. Tilden and
the Vanderbilt will cases. He was a " Campbellite " by religion, and
wrote a book in reply to Robert G. Ingersoll.

[ 236 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

disability. Should Arthur l be brought to the front,
and how, and if this be done, how shall he be
retired?

WASHINGTON, Sunday evening, Sept 4 1881
DEAB. M., — Once more, everything is indecision
with us, — shall the President be moved? Mrs. Gar-
field is anxious for it, but I fear that if the excitement
of getting him down stairs or any other phase of the
journey, should affect him, he might faint, and if he
should, he would never recover consciousness. He is
very weak, and there is little to build on. Should he
go away, your Father will go with or immediately
follow him, and I shall take the N. E. train the same
day for home.

I have almost expected to get away tomorrow, but
my last call at the White House, from which I am
just returned, gives me no hope of that. I was there
this morning and found Mrs. Garfield ready for to-
morrow. Nothing can exceed the dryness of the air
and disagreeability of the city. I lose heart and
spirit — then they come back to me of their own
accord. I do wish Jamie were not going to Exeter.
Can't you talk him into waiting a year, and having
a tutor?

1 Chester A. Arthur of New York, twenty-first President of the
U. S., at that time Vice-President. "The country's ordeal in con-

[ 237 ]

LETTERS OF

Mrs. Morton has written that you are to come
over, and she will place you at a school. Excuse
brevity. I am not low spirited, but I consider Gaffy's
case very unpromising. I doubt if I ever meet the
dear old fellow again, in these walks of common life.
With much love,

H. S. B.

WEST END HOTEL, LONG BRANCH,

Thursday morning, Sept 8th, 1881

DEAREST CHILDREN, — I was packed for home
Tuesday morning, and your Father for this place,

nection with Garfield's death led to an important piece of legislation.
Few were then or are now aware by what a slender thread the orderly
government of our country hung between the shooting of Garfield in
July, 1881, and the second special session of Congress the following
October. The law of March, 1792, declares that in case the Vice-
President dies, is removed, or is disqualified, 'the President of the
Senate pro tempore, or, if there is none, then the Speaker of the House
of Representatives for the time being, shall act as President till the
disability is removed or a President elected.' But at the time of
Garfield's assassination neither a President pro tempore of the Senate,
nor a Speaker of the House existed." ... A bill passed in 1886 pro-
vides "that if the Presidency and the Vice-Presidency are both vacant,
the Presidency passes to the members of the Cabinet in the historical
order of the establishment of their departments, beginning with the
Secretary of State." — E. Benjamin Andrews: The United States
in Our Own Time.

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

when Mrs. Garfield sent me an affecting little note,
which determined me to heed your Father's advice and
stick to him, so with the aid of Allen and Adee,1 whose
name ought to be spelled Aider, I got off at 10:30,
and after as hot a day's journey as it was ever my
privilege to suffer from, all sweat and dust, we
reached this place at six that evening. All our jour-
ney through we were cheered by bulletins from the
President's car, telling us of the comfortable progress
he was making, and as we knew that some of the
doctors had feared the worst from the excitement
and risk, each mile that we travelled gave us a re-
newed assurance that the right step had at last been,
taken. But after getting here, after looking at the
ocean with emotion, he is just the same. I do not
believe he will recover.

This hotel is about a mile from the Franklyn cot-
tage, where he is. Every evening, the whole Cabinet
with its wife, drive over to see the doctors and Mrs.
Garfield, but I cannot explain why everything is so
unsatisfactory.

After breakfast: Henry has appeared, and is at
this moment seated on the piazza with your Father,
and Mr. Cohen and Mr. Seligman and others, and

1 Alvey A. Adee, chief of the Diplomatic Bureau of the State
Department.

[ 239 ]

LETTERS OF

Dana Horton * is here, not too wise, just wise enough,
and the President is better, and at five we are going
out to drive with Mr Montgomery. And this is
about all there is of it. Our rooms are much the
best I have ever seen in a seaside hotel, and the table
is good. I cannot get away till next week, but hope
to very soon.

(fragment)

1881
(written from Elberon in September) l

but I am tired out. I do not suppose I slept two
hours last night; then the day has been full of ex-

1 Samuel Dana Horton, political economist and author. Secretary
of the International Monetary Conference held at Paris in 1878.

2 President Garfield died at Elberon on September 19. By previous
arrangement a post mortem examination of the body of the President
was made in the presence, and with the assistance of Drs. Hamilton,
Agnew, Bliss, Barnes, Woodward, Reyburn, Andrew H. Smith of
Elberon, and Acting Assistant Surgeon D. S. Lamb of the Army
Medical Museum of Washington. The operation was performed by
Dr. Lamb. "It was found " (the report reads), "that the ball, after
fracturing the right eleventh rib, had passed through the spinal col-
umn in front of the spinal cord, fracturing the body of the first lumbar
vertebra, driving a number of small fragments of bone into the adja-
cent soft parts and lodging below the pancreas about two and one-
half inches to the left of the spine and behind the peritoneum, where
it had become completely encysted.

"The immediate cause of death was secondary hemorrage from
one of the mesenteric arteries adjoining the track of the ball, the
blood rupturing the peritoneum, and nearly a pint escaping into the
abdominal cavity. This hemorrage is believed to have been the

[ 240 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

citement of a most painful character, and I am going
to see Mrs. Garfield again to-night. Then the jour-
cause of the severe pain in the lower part of the chest complained of
just before death. An abscess cavity six inches by four was found in
the vicinity of the gall bladder, between the liver and the transverse
colon, which were strongly adherent. It did not involve the sub-
stance of the liver, no communication was found between it and the
wound.

"A long suppurating channel extended from the external wound
between the loin muscles and the right kidney, almost to the right
groin. This channel, now known to be due to the burrowing of pus
from the wound, was supposed during life to have been the track of
the ball.

" On an examination of the organs of the chest evidences of severe
bronchitis were found on both sides, with broncho-pneumonia of the
lower portions of the right lung, and, though to a much less extent,
of the left. The lungs contained no abscesses and the heart no clots.
The liver was enlarged and fatty, but not from abscesses. Nor were
any found in any other organ, except the left kidney, which contained
near its surface a small abscess about one-third of an inch in diameter.
" In reviewing the history of the case in connection with the autopsy
it is quite evident that the different suppurating surfaces, and espe-
cially the fractured, spongy tissue of the vertebrae, furnish a sufficient
explanation of the septic condition which existed."
[Signed^ D. W. BLISS,

J. K. BARNES,
J. J. WOODWAKD,
ROBERT REYBURN,
FRANK H. HAMILTON,
D. HAYES AGNEW,
ANDREW H. SMITH,
D. S. LAMB.
Official Bulletin of the Autopsy on the Body of

President Garfield : Medical Record, New York,

1881, vol. xx, p. 364.

In this connection it is interesting to note that from the day of the
assassination, Mr. Blaine insisted that the above-mentioned "long
VOL.I —16 [ 241 ]

LETTERS OF

ney to-morrow. Mr. Osgood expects to be home
Thursday at eight, and he can tell you everything.
Please send this letter to Abby. The ink is so pale
I cannot see it. Do look out that Jamie has his
things, and write him every day. Goodbye, with
love to all,

HSB.

To ALICE, IN AUGUSTA

October 23rd 1881
WASHINGTON 4 p. M. Sunday afternoon

DEAR ALICE, — If my letter leaves off in the
middle without formal end, you will understand that
I am hopelessly interrupted. Tom is lighting the
lamp at the table, and your Father is reading a State
paper at the other window, I being at the first, to
Mr. Chandler. How he manages to keep his mind
single for any subject I cannot imagine, as I have
never in all my long and varied experience seen any-
thing like the rush to the house. Yet to-day he has
written directions for papers, has seen men on private

suppurating channel " could not have been the trail of the bullet. He
was slightly deaf in the left ear, and by the distinct sound of the
bullet, he was convinced that it had passed his right ear and had
consequently entered the President's body at a different angle from
the one assumed by the doctors' theories. The autopsy alas ! proved
that he had been correct.

[ 242 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

and public business, has seen foreign Ministers, has
had exhaustive talks on matters of vital importance,
and all this with every room filled, — apparently with-
out disturbance to himself. Miss Knox was so
prompt and successful in her fits that we found we
need not wait for the night train, so as I say we got
over here late last night. Maj. and Mrs. and Lanier
Dunn, and Lizzie Cameron, were in the same car, and
Gen. Thomas and Mrs. Ewing on the train, and Vir-
ginia to Philadelphia, so that we managed not to feel
too tired. At the station, which I am sorry to say,
we reached an hour late, we found Walker in evening
dress just roused from a nap which he had been tak-
ing, leaning against one of the uprights of the depot.
He had with him a carriage, not of the State Depart-
ment, and we were soon, a little before twelve, at
home, where your Father met us, also in evening
dress, — more glad, he said, to see us than ever be-
fore in his life. By the time we were well in, Walker
had whisked him off to a German banquet,1 while Tom,
M. and I sat down to supper. The house looked
beautifully, though I discover to-day that from top
to bottom it needs cleaning. Not a pane of glass,

1 Banquet given in honor of the German guests visiting this coun-
try to celebrate the anniversary of the surrender at Yorktown. The
chief foreign guests were the Marquis de Ilochambeau from France,
and Baron von Steuben from Germany.

[243]

LETTERS OF

not a panel of a door can be spared. And then my
window curtains that went to Missouri — how I want
them!

H. S. B.

To M., IN ENGLAND

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, Nov 6, 1881,
Sunday morning

DEAREST M., — It is my sacred duty as well as
highest privilege, to inaugurate this morning, a
daily correspondence, which I hope will have on its
many pages, only the record of happy hours. After
you had left us, not we you, yesterday morning, and
we turned away from the pier only as the " Illinois "
was vanishing, mindful of your Father's injunction
not to watch the departing out of sight, we drove
back to the Continental, where my first overt act was
to go to the breakfast table and eat a quantity of
buckwheat cakes. The other H. soon joined me and
did likewise. We neither of us had the slightest
previous intention of so doing, but the sight of the
three Sherman sisters indulging in the sweets of
honey and buckwheat and each other, proved irresist-
ibly attractive, and you know by this time, it seemed
about the eleventh hour of the day. I spent the
rest of the forenoon attending to H's wardrobe, and
looking at old furniture, getting back to the hotel
[ 244 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

in time to lunch with your Father, preparatory to his
leaving for New York on the Limited. I looked so
good to him, that he determined to go back to Wash-
ington with us, but Jacky's entreaties prevailed, and
the original plan was carried out. After their de-
parture, I had time to shoe and stocking your little
sister, and when I send you her picture, you may
consider that from the crown of her head to the sole
of her foot, she is a monument of the Philadelphia
trip, and a perpetual reminder of you, a sort of Guy
Fawkes to be forever associated with the 5th of No-
vember. Before your Father left Philadelphia, he sent
telegrams saying that you had sailed, to Aunt Susan,
to Cousin Abby, to Mr. Manley, to J. G. B. Jr. Of
course he took to himself all the credit for the final
perseverance of St. Margaret, but, dear soul! who
finds fault with the weaknesses of the mighty? All
the rest of your friends, including Lizzie and Rachel,
left Philadelphia on the six o'clock train, reaching
Washington at ten. Whatever else we have gained
or lost in Philadelphia, we have certainly added to
our belongings, for Emmons was encumbered with
a hat-box and hand bag, an umbrella, and a bonnet
box containing Alice's veil and H.'s new hats; then
we had a box of shoes, and nobody knows what else
beside; but in spite of all these minor burdens, and
the great one of a daughter at sea, and the incon-
[245]

LETTERS OF

venience of no chairs in the Pullman, the hundred
miles between Philadelphia and Baltimore slipped by
like a watch in the night. I hope you noticed the
beauty of the heavens, for I suppose there was no
land for you to look on. Lewis met us at the station
with a carriage, and Maggie Nurse was waiting to
open the door upon all the light and color and warmth
of the old house, as well as one of Caroline's best
suppers.

Monday, 10 A. M.

An eight o'clock breakfast, and a rainy day give
me the prospect of long uninterrupted hours, which
I shall improve to the advantage of Alice's old black
silk, which needs an extra ruffle, and H.'s old gold,
which is in a similar predicament. Our early break-
fast was for Emmons's benefit, who wants to get off
for New York at 10:30 to attend the ball this even-
ing, for which your Father has telegraphed him.
He is now at the Post Office Department, trying to
get his business started. Mrs. Hale spent a good
part of the day with me yesterday, and Emmons
breakfasted and dined at the B.'s ; but while I have
you in all my thoughts, I think they were mostly
congratulatory at your really carrying out this long
arranged plan. I have had a great shock this morn-
ing, occasioned by the sight of as innocent an object
[246]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

as your clothes bag, which, with its double row of
mourning strings, confronted me as I pulled out one
of the secretary drawers this morning. I shall now
dedicate it to Alice and Fort Leavenworth, but what
becomes of all the sentiment I stitched into it?
H. is very blue this morning, nor does her story
of the " Buried Alive," which in regular order, she
has now reached in her Arabian Nights, tend to ele-
vate her spirits. To aid in this highly desirable
elevation, I have proposed that she take Maggie
Nurse out to see the new house, so they are now
waiting for John, as it is too wet for walking.
Unless I begin now to tell you what we have to eat, I
do not see how I can entertain you the remainder of
this sheetful, and in fact, Caroline has just appeared
with a large yellow apple on a china dish to see if
I consider it ripe enough for mince pies, and what
H. calls " invisible moose." Alice has just been in
to see Rachel's wrap, which she is anxious to sell,
but finds her gone to market, and in general, the
females of your family are left to themselves and the
weather, and though not in one accord, are in one
place, and the Harriets send you volumes of love
and good wishes enough to last you all your stay
away.

From your own,

MOTHEE.
[247]

LETTERS OF

821 FIFTEENTH ST "WASHINGTON, Nov 9, 1881.
Wednesday afternoon.

DEAREST M., — A very dark day is drawing to an.
end. I have not been out, but Emmons came while we
were at breakfast, and Lizzie Cameron, with Rachel
and Lizzie Sherman, has been here to lunch. I hope
you escape this wretchedly lifeless weather, which we
are suffering from all the time, a wet Indian summer.
I have not been " at home " this afternoon, though
two or three got in accidentally — the Danish Min-
ister and Mme. de Bille l and Mr. Gallaudet.2 The last
came to consult me about a memorial service to Gar-
field as a man of letters. Caroline gave us a lovely
lunch, and we all wished you here and thought and-
spoke of you constantly. Sanford's3 oranges and
mandarines graced the table, though I could wish he
had left them to ripen on the tree a little more sweetly.
Your Father and Jacky are still in New York, though
I think it would be more sensible if Walker would
come home, for Emmons says he is dead tired. They
could not wake him up to go to the ball. Your
Father stays now to oblige Arthur, who wants him
to come over with him.

1 The Danish representative in 1880-82 was Carl Stern Ander-
son de Bille, who was the Charge d'Affaires from 1880-82, and
then recognized as Minister Resident.

3 Edward Miner Gallaudet, Ph.D., of Philadelphia.

* Henry D. Sanford, afterwards Minister to Belgium.
[ 248 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Nov. 13.

Your Father is delighted to be home again, and it
seems good to me, I assure you. This morning we
have been out to the house, in and over it. I have
thought a good deal about it, this last dark, stormy,
gloomy November week. Your Father has retired
from the State Committee, after a chairmanship of
twenty-one years. Gen. Corkhill1 is in the parlor, talk-
ing of the Guiteau trial, which commences to-morrow.
Do you know, there is quite a desire that he may be
convicted of insanity? A more dangerous sentiment
could hardly become fashionable. Mrs. Lambard has
written me a letter of sympathy at losing you, and
having you on the ocean, which reminds me that my
anxiety on the latter account is almost over. Yes,
you are now nearly through with your eighth day,
and I hope soon to hear of your arrival in England.
Maggie nurse has gone to visit her aunt's grave and
to lay on it a wreath, to-wit, one of the calico baskets
which the Public Gardens twice a week send to me.
She has a new crepe hat, made from the Garfield por-
trait mourning drapery.

1 Gen. Corkhill conducted the prosecution of Guiteau.

[ 249 ]

LETTERS OF

Monday.

Mr. Sanford has returned, as a call from him at
eleven o'clock last night only too surely testifies.
Walker and I were nodding at each other over the
parlor fire, and your Father and Mr. Chandler dis-
cussing the Canal paper in the dining room, when
on our dullness and absorption in national affairs,
entered this Florida orange merchant. He sails
Wednesday on the White Star Line. Every steamer
seems now to carry out some friend of yours. We
expect Jamie and Emmons to-morrow, then, as in
Philadelphia, I shall have five children with me.

Your Father is making ready to present Mr. West l
to the President. He is as busy as can be, and you
know what that means with him. Tom is making
out comparisons between areas of countries. The
bills for the foreign guests are being inspected. Mr
Trescott is examining with him the statements for the
President's message, and unknown men are waiting

1 The Hon. Lionel Sackville-West, who succeeded Sir Edward
Thornton as British Minister at Washington ; later Baron Sackville,
died in 1908. The late Baron Sackville was driven from his position
at Washington by the newspaper publication in 1888 of a letter he
had written to one Murchison, expressing his belief that England
preferred Mr. Cleveland's election to that of Mr. Harrison, — an
incident which not only discredited him, but ended his diplomatic
career.

[ 250 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

in the parlor, and alas ! our dinner comes off Wednes-
day.

H. S. B.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, Nov 16, 1881,
Wednesday a. m.

DEAR M., — This is the day of the Sackville-West
and President dinner, and as I have no cook but Caro-
line, and only one man, and only Maggie for a
chambermaid, I shall be heartily glad when it is
over. I have gone over the bill of fare till my head
swims, and no doubt I am borrowing a great deal of
trouble, besides weakening everybody's confidence
in the dinner. Emmons and Walker will both be at
the table. And now to more pleasing topics. Yes-
terday about noon, I was telephoned from the Depart-
ment by Walker, this telegram from Philadelphia.
" The Illinois passed Holyhead at eleven o'clock this
morning, English time," and this morning here is the
arrival of the Illinois in the regular shipping news,
and so Tom Donaldson's assurance " that Miss
M. is as safe as though landed at the pier in Liver-
pool," is made good. So to-day, we all fancy you
taking your first impression of an English town,
which your Father says is not very different from
an American town.

H. S. B.
[251]

LETTERS OF

821 Fifteenth St. WASHINGTON Nov 20th 1881.
MY DEAE M., — Your Father, after spending his
entire morning on despatches, is off for the Presi-
dent's, and Walker, who has been with his little
sister to St. John's, comes in and Lewis brings up
fresh lunch, and all goes on to the tune of Auld
Lang Syne. I do not know when I wrote my last
letter to you, but I believe I have had two dinners
and one luncheon party since then. The first was,
as you know, the much dreaded dinner to the Presi-
dent, and I might add to Mr. West, only that you
can never have two chiefest lions at the same dinner,
and in this case, the lion was the American eagle.
It went off beautifully. Five handsome and beauti-
fully dressed women besides myself, whose reputation
I leave to my dearest daughter : Cameron, Beale, Robe-
son, Schlcsinger, Outrey. But while I am admiring
women, let me not fail to do honor to Mrs. Solomon
Hunter, to whom we are indebted for a most satis-
factorily cooked dinner. No French gravy disgusted
my appetite, all was sweet and clean, hot and whole-
some, and everybody was so gay that not a moment
dragged, till at nearly twelve, the party broke up.
Mr. Sackville-West was very agreeable and cordial,
and extremely ready to be entertained. I leave you
to judge of my feelings, when, while I was still in
[ 252 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

labor with this dinner, in fact having my hair dressed
for it, your Father walked into that temple of mer-
chandise, my bedroom, with the announcement that
having entirely forgotten to invite Sir Leonard and
Lady Tilley 1 to this dinner, I must make up another
for the next day, and sure enough, Thursday, besides
the nobility mentioned by my proud pen, I found the
Prex, Secretary and Mrs. Hunt, Gen. Baird,2 Col.
Bliss,3 Mr. and Mrs. John Davis, dining with the five
Blaines. And yesterday, Miss Gary, who had sung
in concert the night before in Washington, came to
breakfast, and with her the Robesons and Lincolns.
Poor Lewis looked absolutely white, he was so tired,
and as for Caroline, I have been expecting every
meal to hear that she was found wanting. Emmons
got away last night. I hated to have him go, for he
is a dear son as well as most agreeable gentleman;
but having secured a three hours' talk with your
Father on business matters, he went off very cheerful.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON Nov 80th, 1881
MY DEAB, M., — I drop you a line during the last
hour before the closing of the French mail at the

1 Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley, from 1873-78 Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor of New Brunswick; died in 1896.

2 Gen. Absalom Baird of Pennsylvania. In Sherman's march to
the sea, he commanded the 14th Army Corps. He had been a class-
mate of Mr. Blaine at Washington College, Pennsylvania.

* Col. Alexander Bliss of Washington, Mr. Bancroft's son-in-law.

[ 253 ]

LETTERS OF

State Department. In about two weeks I shall have
to forego the privilege of that despatch bag, hunt
up thin paper, crowd my lines and reckon my words
before they are written. I am alone, sweet and blessed
privilege! Down stairs Alice is entertaining Jim-
mie Walker, a solemn cousin of yours, who believes
in the Holy Roman Catholic Church, and your
Father, Mr. Hitt, Trescott, Walker and Tom, at
the dining room table, gas lighted, are diligently
working on State papers, to which I have already
listened and have affixed the sign of my approval.
Walker 1 is to go Friday. What do you suppose I
can do without him? But the embarrrassments of the
change of administration he will be spared; also
a society winter in Washington, which I consider

1 "When Mr. Blaioe entered the Department of State, war was
waging between Chili and Peru, and he sought to exercise the good
offices of our government, first, for the restoration of peace, and
second, to mitigate the consequences of the crushing defeat sustained
by Peru. Other efforts failing, he despatched William Henry Tres-
cott on a special mission to offer the friendly services of the United
States; but this attempt was interrupted and frustrated by his retire-
ment from the department." — Appleton's Encyclopaedia of American
Biography.

On November 28, 1881, President Arthur appointed William
Henry Trescott, of South Carolina, Special Envoy, etc., etc., to Chili,
Peru, and Bolivia. Mr. Trescott was accompanied by Mr. WTalker
Blaine, then third assistant Secretary of State, and Mr. Trescott was
empowered by the President to authorize Mr. Blaine to represent
him at any point where necessity might require. — State Department
Report.

[ 254 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

no loss for him. Also the risk of the loss of some of
his pleasantest intimacies. I hope to get through
myself without breaks. Mrs. Phelps sails to-day, to
join Mr. Phelps at Vienna. I hoped he might be
back by this time, but this looks like a winter's deten-
tion. Your Father gains constantly. He is now re-
gaining his flesh, which does not give him apparently
the satisfaction it ought.

I was at the Spanish Minister's * night before last,
a most pleasant party, though as he comes from a
part of Spain where exaggeration is the positive de-
gree, I suffered a little from their politeness, being
taken out to supper first, placed behind a small table,
loaded with supper, wine and tea, no one coming to
keep me company, till I had had all the honor of my
solitary state.

H. S. B.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. Friday evening Nov 25th, 1881.
MY DEAR M., — I am just in from the Guiteau
trial, where I have been for the second time. I can-
not tell you how interesting it is, though I was very
much afraid to-day, I might be embarrassed by the
pulling to pieces of the Oneida Commimity.2 I went

1 Felipe Mendez de Vigo y Osorio, Spanish Minister to the U. S.
1879-81, succeeding Senor Polo y Bernabe.

2 One of the witnesses in the Guiteau trial had testified to the
erratic character of Guiteau's father, who was at one time a member

[ 255 ]

LETTERS OF

with Walker and Orville Baker, but both my escorts
left me at the recess, and then I had a chair by Mrs.
Robeson, who was there with Mrs. Emory.1 I found
them on the most intimate terms with Mrs. Ricker,
a lawyeress from New Hampshire, a tall woman with
short hair, sitting like a man unhatted, a cheap ruff
around her neck, good features, altogether a char-
acter. Knowing all the resources of the court room,
she took Mrs. Emory to a dressing room, coming
back with her hands full of apples, to which she
treated her distinguished friends. To-morrow, Judge
Davidge has warned his lady friends to stay at home.
Orville arrived yesterday morning and leaves to-
morrow. He dined with us yesterday, and Walker
took him to the matinee in the afternoon with E. B.

of the so-called Oneida Community which cherished unconventional
views with respect to marriage. Guiteau (Charles Jules), had by
turns tried law, lecturing, the ministry, and politics, and his motive
in the assassination of President Garfield was supposed by many
persons at the time to be due to his disappointment at not receiving
some minor office under the Administration, so that the affair had
something to do, though indirectly, with the death of the old " spoils
system." He was found guilty in January, 1882, but his obstreperous
and garrulous behavior during the trial was extraordinary, Judge Cox
at one time threatening to have him gagged. The conduct of the
trial was outspokenly criticised in the daily papers at the time, the
New York Tribune remarking that it would "put the United States
to shame in the eyes of the European countries if they did not know
that in the prosecution of criminals Washington ceased to be the
capital of the nation and became a Maryland village."
1 Wife of General William Helmsley Emory, U. S. A.

[ 256 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

and Lizzie Cameron. Lizzie also dined with us. Mr
Cameron was sick and E. B., who is staying with Mrs
Cameron dined at Mrs. Adams's, coming in here at
nine with chattering teeth and a cold back, the house
being as cold as that celebrated blood. She said she
sent for her fur shoes and her cloak, and that when
she went out to dinner she looked as though going
for a sleigh-ride.

My family is again diminishing. Walker goes
next week, or rather leaves for South America. Mr.
Trescott is sent out by this government as Envoy
to look into the Peru and Chilean matters, and
Walker goes with him as assistant. They will be away
the entire winter. Walker is both pleased and sorry.
It looks good to him to stay here through the winter
— at the same time, he will be glad to add to his
travels and experience, and perhaps reputation, and
if the changes which are coming involve personal
relations, he may be spared some painful scenes —
with a chance that time, the great mollifier, may be-
fore his return smooth away all acerbities. It is a
little hard on me, to lose my three appreciative chil-
dren. H. is now through with Vanity Fair. Now
she begins with Mademoiselle Seron in Music, with
the dentist, Henry Esmond with me, drawing with
Adelaide Outrey's teacher, a doll's party at Ethel
Robeson's to-morrow, and French at Madam Burr's
VOL. i—17 [ 257 ]

LETTERS OF

school. With all these divisions and subdivisions, I
hope that time may not hang too heavy on her hands.
The dinner at Mrs. Hunt's was Getchell's I think,
and of course poor, — with a company exceptionally
interesting. Arthur is so social and fond of being
away from his lonely habitation on Capitol Hill,1
and etiquette requiring everyone to stay until he
leaves, it becomes an interesting problem how to end
a dinner before twelve o'clock — but we did get home
from the Hunts a little before that hour. What do
you suppose the turkey Mr. Anthony 2 sent me
weighed? Thirty-eight pounds, and Caroline roasted
it fit for the gods.

H. S. B.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON Dec 7th 1881,

Wednesday morning.

MY DEAR M., — Alice is just starting for the trial
with Mrs. Kinsley, and your Father and Mr. Chand-
ler are talking some Mexican matters, apparently of
interest, as the former is fast working himself into
a fury. I am trying to catch the foreign mail which
closes at the Department to-day at twelve. Congress
is in session, so we are daily expecting your Father's

1 President Arthur lived temporarily in the Butler Mansion, New
Jersey Avenue and B Street, S. W., while the White House was being
renovated. Mrs. Arthur, who was a daughter of Commodore William
Lewis Herndon, U. S. N., died in 1880.

2 Senator Henry B. Anthony of Rhode Island.

[ 258 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

head to roll in the basket. I cannot but feel a little
blue, though the person chiefly interested was never
gayer or in better health. Last night he dined at
the Spanish Minister's and to-morrow we go to Mr.
West's. The Hales are settled in the Morton house,1
with which they are perfectly delighted. It is a
charming house, full of sunshine and all manner of
possibilities. Mr. Hale's mother died Monday, and
he has now gone to Turner to the funeral. Mrs. H.
spent last evening with me, also Mr. Reed, who feels
the loss of the Speakership ; not that he had ever a
good prospect of getting it, but it was a beckoning
ambition, and he seems to be without a polestar. Not
one word do we yet know about your voyage. I am
so glad you like the Scotts. Indeed I can think of
little but yourself and would like to talk of nothing
but the rare wonder of your actually having been
to London. I suppose to-day you commence your
school. We expect C. A. in a fortnight. I am now
going to re-read your letters. Walker's friends
come in every day to bewail his departure. You see
of course that Mr. Kilpatrick2 is dead.
With love from everybody,

H. S. B.

1 The residence of Senator Oliver P. Morton of Indiana, later
occupied by Mr. L. P. Morton of New York. Its site is part of the
present Shoreham Hotel.

' Brig.-Gen. Judson Kilpatrick, Minister to Chili from 1865-70,
[259]

LETTERS OF

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON Dec llth 1881.

Friday evening.

MY DEAREST M., — I have been again to-day
to the Trial — the most interesting place, by all
odds, in Washington — and after enduring the bad
air and shifting companionship of the crowded court-
room for three hours, and after gaping with the rest
of the crowd at the van till Guiteau sprang into it
like a rabbit, I drove home with Mrs. Kinsley, stop-
ping on the way to look at photographs of the Presi-
dent and of Mrs. Garfield and of Guiteau, which I
am intending to send to Lady Thornton. Found no
one at home, and an untouched luncheon table stand-
ing. H. had gone to Mrs Cameron's, Alice to. Mrs
Baird's, Jamie was on his travels, your Father at the
Department, and this, alas, includes my family. I
am conscious of a great want. It is right and
natural, and for the highest good of those most
nearly concerned, that my three children should be
away, but it is not a costless sacrifice. I pay dearly

and reappointed in 1881. He died in Valparaiso, Dec. 4, 1881. In
a letter dated Dec. 13, 1881, Walker Elaine wrote to his father:

"Poor Kilpatrick, how short his enjoyment! I recall his extrava-
gant joy when he received the place last May, and now he's gone,
leaving the little wife and two children in Chili. ... I am extremely
complimented by the high honor which the President has paid in
making me charge. Mr. Trescott was, I think, extremely gratified,
as it removes any embarrassment that might attend the success of
the mission by a new man being sent."

[ 260 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

for Emmons's business, for Walker's opportunities,
and for your French. Col. Corkhill assures me that
Guiteau will be hung. If he is not, as dreadful a
villain as civilization has produced, will go unwhipped
of justice.

All your letters have now come and I can make
a complete Progress for you from the moment you
arrived at the Mersey till the day before you left
London. Every word is interesting you write, but I
am sorry not to know something of your voyage.
All your letters have been started this afternoon to
South America. Last night we dined at the British
Legation. Twenty-five at the table, representing
thirteen nationalities, ourselves the only Americans.
It was a pleasant dinner, though not so good a one
as Lady Thornton's cook, whom Lizzie Cameron now
has, would have given us, and the house is frightfully
bare, all the cabinets empty, no bric-a-brac, no pic-
tures. I was taken out to dinner by the host, and
on the whole, had rather an agreeable evening. The
President has to-day telegraphed Walker to be
charge d'affaires at Chili till Kilpatrick's successor
is appointed. Did you ever know of such luck as
he has? The President went into the White House
Wednesday.

Do you notice that Arthur was unwise enough to
destroy the letter Guiteau wrote him after the Presi-
[261]

LETTERS OF

dent's death? I am thoroughly tired, but am always
yours, with the greatest love,

H. S. B.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON Dec 13th 1881,

Tuesday morning.

DEAREST M., — We are at breakfast. H with her
Philly, your Father cutting around the outer crust
of all the corn cake, Alice latest of all, and Jamie
with inky fingers, fresh from his Csesar, which he had
been translating with a free hand and out loud at the
last minute, at your Father's desk.

Well, my dearest daughter, Frelinghuysen's l name
was sent in yesterday and yesterday confirmed, and
in a few days, he will take the oath of office, and for
the first time in twenty-three years, he (your Father)
finds himself out of public life, he entering the legis-
lature in '58. Of course he is extremely busy, getting
ready to welcome his successor, so I cannot yet judge
how the absolute freedom will affect him, but I have
few misgivings. One of our first privileges will be
to give a diplomatic party to meet the Freling-
huysens, and then I rather hope we shall shut down
on dinners and all that sort of outlay, for a little
while.

Your Father and I dined at the Hales Sunday even-

1 Frederick T. Frelinghuysen of New Jersey was appointed Sec-
retary of State by President Arthur.

[ 262 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

ing, the first persons to eat at their board since they
went into the Morton house. We went unexpectedly,
at the last moment leaving a most interesting supper,
which Lewis had just brought up. I think the house
they are in charming, and we had a nice visit, your
Father being in one of his irresistible moods, when no
man, I care not who he may be, can surpass him.
Then, as Mr Chandler says, I would rather hear him
than eat.

To WALKER, IN SOUTH AMERICA

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON Dec 13 1881

Tuesday morning.

DEADEST WALKEE, — The bell is being pulled
every moment, and at each tinkle, I look up, hoping
to see a telegram which will prove to be from the
Isthmus, for we began to hope to hear from you
Sunday, and it seems a very attenuated pathway on
which the lambent flame now plays.

Clarence Hale is here, trying to get an answer;
from your Father for Mr. Rollins,1 from whose house
he has just arrived, as to whether he will speak at
the New England dinner. And Mr Frye is here, and
Robeson and Gibson,2 and Mr West — these are all

1 Edward H. Rollins, Member of Congress and later Senator from
New Hampshire.

2 Randall Gibson, U. S. Senator from Louisiana.

[ 263 ]

LETTERS OF

in, but there is a circle kept outside, larger and more
importunate than this privileged one. Mr Freling-
huysen's name yesterday sent in and at once con-
firmed, seems to time the day and provisions of grace.
Your Father has promised me that once out, he will
not try to get places for this hungry horde of office
seekers. I cannot help feeling a little blue over the
loss of place. Do you suppose that a Prime Minister
ever went out without a secret feeling that he was
deprived of a right? But every day I see the wis-
dom of your timely absence. For instance, Sunday
afternoon, when I was at the B.'s, it taxed all my
equanimity to hear them calmly discussing your
Father's removal without remembering to regret it,
even to me. Not the shadow of a shade of compli-
mentary allusion passed the lips of one. Everything
that was kind was said of you, and with an air of
proprietorship, which had they been nice in other
directions, would have warmed my heart, but what
are you, my dearest boy, what care I for any other
name than your Father's? He himself says that you
have more of a reputation than he had at your age,
but you must remember that he rose without advan-
tage, while you are free born.

Gen B is, I suppose, going into the Cabinet. I
understand Grant insists. The first privilege we
shall enjoy, is the giving a party to the Freling-
[ 264 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

huysens to meet the Diplomatic Corps, and I antici-
pate the luxury of choice in my guests. They have
just telephoned from the State Department that a
cipher despatch from Mr. Trescott at the Isthmus,
is there, so farewell to anxiety.

Wednesday

We dined at the Allisons' last night — dull dinner,
Mrs. R. talking self and nursery and Paris salons
and Oscar Wilde and cotillion (pronounced French
fashion) to which her girls — M., S. and Miss P.,
" the latter with a mediaeval lily in her hand and look-
ing do you know, exactly like a figure out of stained
glass " — had gone unprotected, until this paragon
of duennas should get there; and R., who is con-
sidered a sort of assistant Speaker, he having un-
doubtedly presided at the appointment of committees,
talking old poetry, invariably misquoting; and Mr.
Evarts, sandwiched between Mrs. Story * and Mr.
Bancroft ; — I with Secretary Howe,2 who is old and
weak ; — and our dear little hostess as flighty as a
bird ; — and the Outreys.

I am writing this sheet by fits and starts over
your Father's bed, where he lies helpless with the gout,
and since the top of the other page, I have adminis-

1 Wife of Captain John Story, U. S. A.

* Timothy O. Howe, Postmaster-General under President Arthur.

[ 265 ]

LETTERS OF

tered his breakfast, his soda, his medicines, and an
amount of sympathy and attention such as I could
not give to any other human being. Now Tom is
taking down in shorthand a letter of regret to Mr.
Hutchins,1 that on account of hoarseness he finds
himself unable to preside at the Webster Centennial
meeting, and Senator Plumb 2 has just telephoned
from the senate that a party of Kansas gentlemen
will call this evening and pay their respects, and I
have telephoned back hoarseness. So you see we are
to-day as you have a thousand times seen us. Mr. and
Mrs. Hunt were here Sunday and stayed to lunch.
Not one word has the President said to him about
staying, nor to Mr. Kirkwood 3 either. I can see
that the President is bored by having these reminders
of Garfield still about him. Good-bye, with oceans
of love from all the Blaines.

To M., IN PARIS

821 FIFTEENTH ST. Wednesday morning, Dec 14th, 1881.
MY DEAR M., — Mr. Frelinghuysen has just called.
A note came before your Father was up, asking
for an interview. Everything connected with the

1 Stilson Hutchins, journalist, of Washington.
a Preston B. Plumb, U. S. Senator from Kansas.
8 Samuel Jordan Kirkwood of Iowa, President Garfield's Secre-
tary of the Interior.

[ 266 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

State Department is all right, most of all the retir-
ing Secretary, who went with me last night to an
auction of water colors, and amused himself by buy-
ing many pictures.

Your first Paris letters came this morning. De-
lighted to get them and they now lie before me,
enveloped for Emmons. I see there were double
stamps on them, so I suppose they did not come by
the despatch bag. Walker was to leave the Isthmus
yesterday for Callao. Rachel has just been in, left
her love for you. Your Tribune has been started
three weeks ago. Do not feel uneasy about anything
you may hear politically. The Chili and Peru busi-
ness need not give you the slightest concern. It is
a decided policy instead of drifting, as cowardly
Americans only desire to do. Your Father has as-
serted the rights of this country, as was his bounden
duty. Goodbye, with love,

H. S. B.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. Friday evening,

WASHINGTON Dec 16th, 1881.

DEAR M., — I am in the midst of the invita-
tions to a reception which your father is to give
Monday evening to the Diplomatic Corps to meet
Mr. Frelinghusen, and to keep the house from being
overcrowded, most of the notes remain unsent, though
[267]

LETTERS OF

Tom is perseveringly writing out the original list.
I have written myself all out to Walker, so you will
get little more than love and good wishes. Yester-
day I went in to see the Frelinghuysens. The Eugene
and Clarence Hales dined here yesterday, also the Alli-
sons l and Mr. Chandler. Mrs. Allison was never
prettier or better dressed. Your Father has just
looked up through his glasses, to say that he has
bought Hitt's horse for $180. I hail this as the
beginning of a stable. Alice is just starting for a
Presbyterian fair, first going through the inevitable
preliminary of asking for money. H. is reading
and eating buttered toast, deeply lamenting that
Maggie Nurse, by her untimely zeal, has deprived
her of the pleasure of dining at the Camerons, as she
had fully intended to do, and Jamie is here with a
pair of new shoes, larger than ever, and not as sweet
as the rose, which he wants my authorization for pur-
chasing. Mr. Bigelow and Joseph Manley have
been in from the Guiteau trial, which they found
extremely interesting. I had a lovely letter from
Mrs. Garfield this morning, very simple, very effec-
tive and affecting. I shall send it to Lady Thornton,
as there is in it a very kind message to her.

Brewster 2 is made Attorney General. All the

1 William B. Allison, U. S. Senator from Iowa.
8 Benjamin H. Brewster of Pennsylvania.

[ 268 ]

MRS. JAMES G, ELAINE

Stalwarts are going in,1 and though the mills of
Arthur may seem to grind slow, they grind exceeding
fine. But whatever you may read or hear, always
remember that your Father is a very careful as well
as able man, and that because the press criticises, you
need feel no apprehensions — there often is advan-
tage in the very criticism. Abby is coming Monday
— quite suddenly it seems, though we have waited so
long. Good-night, with love,

H. S. B.

1 "He (Arthur) had been one of the chief representatives of a
faction in the Republican Party, and he never seemed able to shake
off the influences which had surrounded him before his election. . . .
He made a fatal mistake, as it always seemed to me, in permitting
the resignation of President Garfield's Cabinet and filling their
places with men who, like himself, belonged to the Grant faction.
If he had said he would not allow the hand of an assassin to make
a change in the forces that were to control the Administration so far
as could be helped, and that he would carry into effect the purposes
of his predecessor wherever he could in conscience do so, he would
have maintained himself in the public esteem. But that was not his
only mistake." — Senator George F. Hoar : Autobiography of Seventy
Years.

[ 269 ]

LETTERS OF
To WALKER, IN SOUTH AMERICA

821 FIFTEENTH ST., WASHINGTON, December 16th, 1881

Friday morning.

MY DEAR WALKER, — I went yesterday to
Wormley's and called on the Frelinghuysens. Ban-
croft Davis 1 will of course be Assistant Secre-
tary, and the maiden Frelinghuysens and Sallie
Davis will look out for the social department,
and will do it well. The outgoing secretary is still
in gay spirits, and I think, the best of health.

In the meanwhile everything is going Stal-
wart way.2 Mr Frelinghuysen has expressed to
your Father his hope that you will remain in
the Department. He desires it on your Father's
account, and for his own, everything he hears of
you making him anxious to have you near him.

Mr. Christiancy 3 having been interviewed by the

1 J. C. Bancroft Davis, Assistant Secretary of State under Mr.
Frelinghuysen.

a "Stalwarts" was the nickname given about this time to per-
sistent advocates of a third term for Grant, 306 of them standing
out for him in the Republican National Convention of 1880. To
appease them Arthur was given the vice-presidential nomination, and
on President Garfield's death and Arthur's accession to the Presi-
dency their influence became predominant. E. Benjamin Andrews
in his "History of the Last Quarter Century in the United States,"
states that this word " stalwart " was coined by Mr. Blaine, who,
however, makes no use of it in the account he gives in his book
"Twenty Years in Congress," of the Chicago Convention of 1880.

3 Isaac Peckham Christiancy, Free-Soil candidate for governor of

[ 270 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Herald, and stating that the first sentence or para-
graph of your Father's South American despatch
to him, as now published, had not been on the
original paper, your Father wrote him, when he
came down handsomely. His note will be given to
the Press to-day. Joseph Manley and Mr. Bigelow
are here, and have just interrupted my letter with
a most friendly call. They deeply and devotedly feel
your Father's retiracy, and are longing to see him
in the Senate. M. and B. have just come from the
trial, in which they had been most deeply inter-
ested. With oceans of love — and you know what
an ocean is.

WASHINGTON, Monday, Dec. 19, 1881, 10 A. M.
MY DEAR WALKER, — I am in the midst of punch
making, and Lewis has judiciously allowed a stick
of wood to fall on his side, and your Father sur-
renders the portfolio to-day to Mr. Frelinghuysen,
and has now gone to the Department with Secretary
Hunt, and C. A. comes this afternoon, and to-night
we give a reception to the Corps Diplomatique, and
Congress has unanimously asked your Father to
deliver the oration at the Congressional Memorial

Michigan in 1852, and one of the founders of the Republican party.
Mr. Christiancy was elected U. S. Senator in 1875, and resigning in
February, 1879, was sent as Minister to Peru, from 1879-81.

[ 271 ]

LETTERS OF

services on the death of Garfield, and I am against
his accepting it, as he is himself, but almost every
friend he has insists that he shall do it,1 and how
it will end, I know not. One insuperable objection,
it seems to me, is the emotion your Father will
feel, embarrassing him to an uncontrollable extent,
I am sure. And the man is here about the flowers,
and altogether it is a representative day in the
Blaine family, as it has hitherto flourished, though
very likely this is the last of them. Well, to a
good deal of this make-up, I can cheerfully say
good-bye; welcome to go, is the punch and all that
part of it, and if your Father does not miss the
carking cares, as the starved Irishman misses the
heart of the potato, I am ready to lighten the ship
by throwing overboard all this old load. He says
he does not and shall not, that he is not thinking
of it at all, but that all his trouble comes from his
business. I am glad the Dodger comes this after-
noon. Happily yesterday he had an engagement to
dine at the Hales — a Senatorial dinner ; afterwards
he went to Mrs. Robeson's, coming home late and
sleeping well. I suppose long before you are read-
ing this all these troubles will be over, so you are not

1 Representative, afterwards President, McKinley, of President
Garfield's State of Ohio, was especially urgent, and it was his voice
chiefly which persuaded Mr. Blaine to agree to the delivering of the
eulogy on President Garfield.

[ 272 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

to add to your homesickness, provided you are so
afflicted, the positive element of anxiety about us.

We hope to go to New York in a few days, when
I shall get myself as good an outfit as though we
still had the State Department. Politically, every-
thing goes one way. The wind is Stalwartward, and
their laps are filled, and the hungry are not sent
hungry away.

H. S. B.

To M., IN PARIS

WASHINGTON Dec 22nd, 1881,

MY DEAR M., — I am afraid I have neglected you
lately, owing to other letters which I have been
writing, but my heart is always yours. The second
day of rain is drawing to a close, very bad for Christ-
mas week. Two presents only have I bought, a pin
for Alice and another for Carl Sherman. There
seems nothing in Washington to buy. The Freling-
huysen reception was a very brilliant affair. I wore
my old white and stood in my old satin slippers till
I nearly fainted. As is usual with our parties, a
number stayed until very late. Your Father appeared
at his very best, but after all it was the dying song
of the swan, and the next morning there was no John,
and the next afternoon no New York papers. How-
ever, for the former I do not care, as I always hated
VOL.I— 18 [ 273 ]

LETTERS OF

to use an official carriage. C. A. and I have now
taken to the horse cars, but I think your Father is
seriously contemplating the carriage question. It
does seem absurd, to have four horses and a pony
in Augusta, and hire a carriage here. While I write,

F S is playing all sorts of old fashioned

tunes to your Father, who I fear, is in too tender a
mood. To-morrow he goes to New York, which will
be a good change for him, and Tuesday I expect to
join him, C. A. going with me. From Walker we
do not yet hear, though I long inexpressibly for him.
I suppose you will want to know what the ex-Secretary
is going to do. Well, first and foremost, he will try
to retrieve his fortunes, and then he is to deliver
the eulogy on Garfield before Congress, and thirdly
he will look up his railroads, etc.

H. S. B.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON Dec 24th, 1881.

DEABLY BELOVED M., — School is out, but the

boy is not at play. On the contrary, his leisure is

as oppressive to him as Hollo's on his holiday, and

were it not for the Garfield eulogy, which makes a

goal for his reveries, I should think him a little blue.

Not so much because he has lost the Secretaryship

of State alone. It is not so much the money I care

for, as the time in which it has taken to itself wings.

[274]

MRS. JAMES G. BLAINE

The tonic of money making is so much more stimu-
lating than any other at certain times. Breakfast
is just over, and your family are sitting about as
usual. Tom not yet here, because, poor fellow! he
fondly hoped he was to have an idle day, as your
Father had expected to spend to-morrow with Mrs
Lawrence at Doylestown, but H made such a fuss
about his leaving our already diminished family for
Christmas, that he gave it up, so now we have all to
make an effort to keep him in a good humor. Alice is
dressing one of her dolls for a Sunday School scholar,
I think, and C. A. with one hand shading her eyes, is
going through the morning papers. The Freling-
huysens have left town, also the President. Mrs F
has asked me to receive with her on New Year's Day,
and if I am in the city, I shall, but Tuesday we
go over to New York. Yesterday Sackville-West
brought his daughter to call. She reached Wash-
ington the night before, and he wished her to make
her first call at this house. She is extremely pleas-
ing and quite pretty. Not one word yet from Walker,
though we shall now begin to look for letters. Can
you imagine how I miss him?

Christmas Day.

Father has only now had his slice of toast and cup
of tea. Meanwhile since the family breakfasted, I have
had a long talk with him, finding him very cheery and
[275]

LETTERS OF

cheerful, even over his moneys which are not what
could be wished. He says there is only one position
which he craves in the future, the Presidency may go,
but he would like to carry out his views of statecraft
in 1885 as Secretary of State. Do you know, I think
this election of a President every four years makes
life very short. Hayes is elected, and the disap-
pointed immediately mortgage the future. And Gar-
field dies, and his friends, pushed to the wall, at
once forecast conclusions for the next administration.
I interrupted myself in my letter yesterday to take
H to Mme Outrey's, whither she was to go to prac-
tice a carol which her children and Ethel Robeson
and Max Heard are to sing to-morrow at eleven. I
came home just too late for Mrs. Swayne's a funeral,
which C. A. and I had it in our hearts to be at, and
then came a long stretch of visitors, all agreeable,
some foreign and most of them regretful of our
changed fortunes. Not all, perhaps, as Bancroft
and Mrs. Davis were among them, and I suppose he
is de-facto Secretary of State. After these visits
were over, C. A. and I returned the West visit, and
paid one to the Spanish Minister's wife, then home to
dinner; after which, your Father, C. A., H. and
Jamie went to hear Lotta in " Bob," a Christmas
treat from the Pater.

1 Wife of ex-Justice Swayne of the U. S. Supreme Court.
[ 276 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

I am delighted that you have seen Mr. Phelps. I
should have written him long ago, had I not supposed
he was coming home. I do not see how I can write
you anything about politics, inside or outside views.
In Europe, of course, your Father's policy, which is
decidedly American, you will see very much criticised,
and you must remember that this is really greatly to
his credit. A policy which European countries would
applaud, could not be very American.

H. S. B.

FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL, NEW YORK Dec 29th, 1881.

Thursday moraing.

MY DEAREST DAUGHTER, — Your Father and I
came over to this city Tuesday afternoon, arriving in
a storm, and stormy it has been ever since. I am
about my dressmaking, and my dearer self — and
certainly he might apply the title with another sig-
nificance to me — is looking up his sadly neglected
stocks. The only question now is, are they worth
taking any notice of? All that fine Fortunatus'
purse which we once held the strings of, and in which
we had only to insert the finger to pay therewith for
the house, has melted from the grasp which too care-
lessly held it, and we must look about for new invest-
ments, the comfort of which I find is the inference
that there is still enough left to spare for investments.

Your Father says he is not even thinking of public
[ 277 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

affairs, while every issue of the press contains at
least one resume of his intentions and ambitions, the
upshot of all being the presidency in '84. I am fast
becoming content with the situation. As soon as
people cease asking me if I am going to leave Wash-
ington, I shall be entirely so.

[ 278 ]

1882

To M., IN PARIS

Friday morning [January].

Here is a letter from your Father just received,
though I do not know that I have yet told you that
he went over to New York again Wednesday. While
I was there, we were invited to Mr. Reid's to dinner,
to meet Mr. James, the novelist.

I suppose you will see in the newspapers that Gen
Grant is out for the restoration of Fitz-John Porter,1
the simple meaning of which is, that he desires himself
to be placed on the retired list of the U. S. A., with
the pay of General, and the Democrats will not vote
for it, unless Porter goes through at the same time.
This I suppose is the true inwardness of the whole
thing. What do you suppose Mrs. Logan will do
with all that testimony she got together for her
husband's three days' speech two years ago? The

1 "General Fitz-John Porter, one of McClellan's most efficient
commanders during the Peninsular Campaign. . . . Temporarily at-
tached to the Army of Virginia (Pope's) and formal charges having
been made against him, he was deprived of his command. . . . He was
ordered to Washington for trial by court-martial, on charges preferred
by General Pope, and in 1863 he was cashiered for violation of the
9th and 52d Articles of War. In 1870 he appealed to the President
for a reversal of the sentence, and in 1878, a commission of inquiry
was instituted to determine whether there was new evidence in his
favor. . . . He was finally, in 1886, restored to his rank of colonel and
retired." — Harper's Encyclopaedia of United States History.

[ 281 ]

LETTERS OF

allusion in your Father's note relates to a criticism
of Mr. Evarts on the Clayton-Bulwer * paper of your
Father's. I was at the White house on Monday, also
at the Frelinghuysens'. Jamie went around and paid
visits with your Father and was quite in love with the
ceremonies of the day. We were all at the Freling-
huysen breakfast. Alice, as usual, was at Gen.
Sherman's, and wore her new prune colored velvet,
looking very handsome. Good-bye, with quantities
of love from everybody.

H. S. B.

To WALKER

We have cards to-day to the Susy Washburne
wedding. Mr. Bishop is to be in the city to-morrow,
as we know by a telegram to your father.

Mrs. Wadsworth made me a long call the other

1 "The Clayton-Bulwer treaty was negotiated in 1850 between
this country and Great Britain, and guarranteed the neutrality and
encouragement of lines of interoceanic travel across the American
isthmus. In 1881 the Columbian Republic had proposed to the Euro-
pean powers that they should unite in guaranteeing the neutrality of
the Panama Canal. On June 24, Mr. Blaine issued a circular letter
declaring the objection of this government to any such concerted
action, and asserting the prior and paramount rights and obligations
of this country. . . . Throughout the correspondence, Mr. Bkiue
insisted in the firmest tone that it was the fixed purpose of the United
States to consider the Isthmus Canal question as an American ques-
tion to be dealt with and decided by the American governments." —
Appleton's Encyclopaedia of American Biography.

[ 282 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

day, full of inquiries for you. Said she never was at
a better fete or had a more delicious lunch, than that
on the Despatch,1 all of which she understood was
managed by you. Reminded me that she there first
met Arthur. We dined at Judge Cox's 2 Saturday.
Arthur has at last asked Lincoln to remain. Do
not feel uneasy about us. Your Father said yes-
terday, the Presidency came no more into his cal-
culations, but that his family had never seemed so
dear to him, nor had he ever felt himself so devoted
to them. With which lovely sentiment I take my
leave.

With love,

H. S. B.
To M., IN PARIS

821 FIFTEENTH ST. Wednesday evening,
January llth, 1882.

MY DEAR M., — I am writing at your Father's
sacred table — the table consecrated to his Eulogy
on Garfield — and where do you think this table is
situated? In medias res, you will at once decide, for
you who know him so well, will remember that his
muse, historical or political, dwells always in the
bosom of his family. So when he saw my large old-

1 The U. S. S. Despatch, presidential yacht, afterwards lost off
the coast of New Jersey.

2 Walter Smith Cox of Washington, appointed by President Hayes,
in 1879, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the District of
Columbia. He presided at the Guiteau trial in 1881-82.

[ 283 ]

LETTERS OF

fashioned table, which I had had brought down from
the billiard room and covered with one of those old
green table cloths which I have had time out of mind,
that I might have writing room for my correspond-
ence with my absent children, he at once asked if it
might be kept for him ; so almost all day he has been
here, writing the parallels between Thaddeus Stevens *
and Garfield, Garfield and Gladstone, and Garfield and
Garfield.

Alice is going to hear Rossi 2 in Lear to-night, and
one of the Jamies or one of the H's must accom-
pany her, and if it be I, I must put on a short
dress, and I have still to eat an unpretending dinner
of stewed chicken, for which I have little inclination,
as it was there when I had luncheon, your Father and
I having made a pilgrimage at high noon to the new
house. I went into your room and echoed Duchess
May's prayer as she crossed the threshold of Linter-
gen. We also walked the plank into the Windom
house. Alice has been out and made Cabinet calls for
me, for you know I am reduced now to Mrs. A's

1 "Thaddeus Stevens was the unquestioned leader of the House
of Representatives from July 4, 1861, when it assembled at the call
of Lincoln, until his death, which occurred in 1868. The legislative
work of that period stands unapproached in difficulty and importance
in the history of Congress, if not indeed of any parliamentary body
in the world." — S. W. McCall : Thaddeus Stevens, in American
Statesmen Series.

2 Ernesto Rossi, the Italian actor, author, and dramatist.

[ 284 ]

MRS. 'JAMES G. ELAINE

foundation, and must call on everybody, even on the
A's, so to the lowest deep I find a deeper still. As
my new cloak had not come from Egan, your Father
— who would accuse him of such weakness ? — ad-
vised me to call by proxy, hence Alice's mission. My
dresses came yesterday. Only think of the relief!
They fit, they are not loud, they are handsome, and
as far as can pertain to my years, they are becoming.
We are now in the midst of all the gayety there is,
and perhaps I have never seen as quiet a winter in
Washington.

Thursday noon.

I am about starting for Mrs. S.'s, where to my
sorrow, I am going to luncheon, with Alice and Miss
Dodge. I have the excitement of my new dress and
the prospect of three good hours indoors, when I
want to be visiting. Then all the morning, there has
been a steady run of callers, so that I have been in
the parlor all the time. Your Father has been in
possession all the morning of my room, and a more
unhandy thing than this fancy, it would be hard to
conceive. But perhaps this is the last sacrifice I shall
be called on to make for Garfield.

Saturday afternoon, Jany 14th.

I hope, M., you will see the Tribune, to read the
telegram from Whitelaw Reid, sent to President Gar-
[285]

LETTERS OF

field about the Robertson appointment,1 and stolen
and given to the Herald; then John Hay's letter
from Cleveland to Reid,2 and Garfield's letter to
Nichols,3 and the editorials coresponding, which all

1 A telegram from Mr. Reid, dated March 27, 1881, advising
President Garfield to stand by his appointment of Judge Robertson
as Collector of the Port of New York. President Garfield's New
York appointments were in general opposed by the Senators from
that State, Conkling and Platt, and the publication of the despatch
alluded to in the " Letters" was called at the time a "stalwart" at-
tempt to attack the dead President as having been too much under
the influence of Secretary Blaine.

3 Referring to the letter from John Hay to Mr. Reid given below,
published in the New York Tribune of January 11, 1882. The
Washington correspondent of the New York Herald had published
Mr. Reid's despatch with the assertion that it had been personally
shown to him by President Garfield, who had allowed him to take a
copy of it.

"No. 506, Euclid Avenue,
Cleveland, Jan. 7, 1882.

I write in haste to let you know that your dispatch to me must
have been stolen from the wires. I have it here under lock and
key. Nobody but myself has ever seen it — not even Garfield. I
took it over to him and read it to him. He never saw it, except in
my hands — never touched it with his. It has been under lock
and key ever since. You may proceed on this with absolute confi-
dence. It was either stolen from your own copy in New York, or
stolen from the wires. ... I read it to Garfield and you remember
what heat once said about withdrawing Robertson's nomination —
'They may take him out of the Senate head-first or feet first ; I
will never withdraw him.' I have only a minute to catch the mail
Yours faithfully,

John Hay."

3 Mr. Thomas M. Nichols had been one of the private secretaries
as well as an intimate friend of President Garfield. He published a
letter from the dead President, dated May 29, 1881, in which, re-
ferring to the Robertson appointment he wrote: "The attempt to
[ 286 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

make very interesting reading. I enclose one of
Grundy's stupid matter-of-fact society notes, think-
ing you may see some names you are interested in.
Yesterday C. A. and I spent the day at court, the
Guiteau trial, I mean. Very interesting.

H. S. B.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON Jany 17th 1882,

Tuesday morning.

DEABEST M., — I am sure I do not know what to
write you, for I have pre-empted my day for let-
ters to Walker and Mr Phelps, to whom I am cer-
tainly going to write at length. Here we sit just
through with breakfast, your Father having spent
the hour of the family meal, in the parlor, talking to
an untimely visitor, and now H and C. A. are sit-
ting in one window, she reading and she reading —
the one her book, the other the morning paper —
and Tom is answering invitations, to the Freling-
huysens, accepting dinner invitation to the united
Blaine headship, and to Gen. Schenck, accepting
breakfast invitation to your Father to meet the
President next Saturday. And to-day I dine at
the Allisons, and Alice lunches at Mrs. Wood's.

shift the fight to Blaine's shoulders is as weak as it is unjust. The
fact is, no member of the Cabinet behaves with more careful respect
for the rights of his brother men than Blaine. It should be under-
stood that the Administration is not meddling in New York politics.
It only defends itself when assailed."

[ 287 ]

LETTERS OF

Thursday we gave a dinner to the President, Wests,
etc. Your Father is writing the Eulogy, which now
interests him, now tries him. The trouble is in eulog-
izing and not going beyond the truth, for no man
knew Garfield better than your Father, all his weak-
ness and the greatness of his power.

We see by newspaper telegraph from Panama,
that Walker and Mr Trescott left Callao Christmas
Day. Do you realize how little we know about him?
You seem almost face to face with me. I wore my new
velvet coat for the first time yesterday. Apparently
Atlas did not find the world so heavy on his shoulders.
This is a complete kill-joy. It cramps my arms and
embarrasses my elbows. Your loving,

H. S. B.

To WALKER, IN SOUTH AMERICA

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, Jany 17th 1882.

Tuesday.

DEAE WALKER, — The day has been made delight-
ful by the arrival of letters from your own dear self,
Hat's containing the Neptune Rex (You know Rex
is one of the Latin words she is always declining,
Continental fashion) address, your Father's and my
own. Mr. Elkins was sitting with us when they came,
and enjoyed listening to them, apparently as much
as any of us. You ought to have heard H. " Oh,
[ 288 ]

MRS. JAMES G. BLAINE

what a brother Jacky is ! " Your letter reveals such
a depth of ignorance of the family affairs, I hardly
know where or how to begin your enlightenment, and
by this time, of course, you must know much which,
when you wrote, had not been revealed to you. We
have been now in private life for some time, but it
makes but little difference to us, save in the matter
of etiquette. It is Tuesday, and we dine to-night at
the Allisons', Thursday we give a dinner to the
President, Friday we dine at the Hales; then next
week Thursday we dine at the Frelinghuysens*.
They seem to take Thursday for their dinner day,
and this week we stumbled in our invitations upon
many of their guests, Mrs. Wadsworth,1 for instance,
the F's themselves, and the President. There was a
little misunderstanding about the President, and
John Davis 2 came around yesterday to make it
straight. He had engaged on the same day to dine
at two places, the Secretary of State's and here, but
as our invitations were given out " to meet the Pres-
ident," of course he had to come here. Hunt and
Delano 3 and Lincoln are still in his cabinet, but I

1 Wife of James Wadsworth, Member of Congress from New
York.

2 Private Secretary to President Arthur and afterwards Judge of
the Court of Claims; married Miss Sally Frelinghuysen, daughter of
the Secretary of State.

• Columbus Delano of Ohio, Secretary of the Interior.
VOL. i—19 [ 289 ]

LETTERS OF

think he would be better pleased to have them where
your Father is. It is plainly evident that Arthur
is not his own master. I suppose you have seen that
Grant has been interviewed on the Fitz John Porter
matter? And that he has, over his own signature,
stated that he believes nineteen years of injustice
have been done to Gen. Porter. He is of course ac-
cused of bidding for Democratic votes for his own
retirement as General. Logan stands to his old
argument and refuses to take any step backward.
Your Father is this moment riding up to the door,
with Mr. Parsons, who supplies horses and saddles
and escorts. He looks well, and is cheerful and gay.

To M., IN PARIS

821 FIFTEENTH ST.
WASHINGTON Jany 25th 1882,

Wednesday.

DEAR M., — I had the pleasure of reading your
last letter — the first in your new famille — in the
court room, that vile room, daily resounding to the
imprecations of Guiteau, the narrative of the tak-
ing off of poor Garfield, the murmur of the crowd of
attendants, the indecisive Judge's decisions. I had
gone thither after a hasty breakfast, with Mrs Hill
' [ 290 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE
of Colorado, Alice and C. A. and we stayed till the
adjournment at 1—1/2 > but I shall never go again.
Before this letter reaches you, everything will be de-
cided, and I am much afraid to the interests of the
wretch. It is amazing to see how many people insist
upon his lunacy, which is only another term for ac-
quittal; Mr. Ingersoll, for instance, who for some
reason never speaks of Garfield, the Pendletons, and
scores of others. For myself, I have but one wish,
to see him put out of the way. I want it impossible
for that hoarse, cracked voice, ever to raise itself
again. As a pleasing contrast to the surroundings
in which your letter was read, let me describe these
in which this is being written. My own room, — the
big old table from the billiard room in the center —
your father at it writing the Eulogy — and as fast
as he completes a page, reading it out to his admiring
audience of Alice, C. A. and me. Jamie too can find
no place to study in outside of my chamber door, and
he is here at this moment with pen and ink and parch-
ment paper and algebra, shouting at the top of his
voice for information as to his co-efficients and expo-
nents. H., dear darling H., has just started off
through the snow storm to spend the morning with
Rachel Sherman in her room, to which she is now con-
fined. At twelve thirty she will come back and cheer-
fully take up her French conversation with Mme.
[291 ]

LETTERS OF

Kline, and at two, when lunch is ready, I shall go in
and say, " Bon jour, Madame, come out and take a
cup du the," and with this mixture of French and
English, and with the combined efforts of H and Alice
and C. A ; and above all of your Father, whose quick
ear catches everything that is said, we scramble
through a most entertaining meal, during which I
manage to convey to Madame everything which I
have been doing during the day. She says H is char-
mante, and paries with a correct accent, but as you
say, your true Frenchman will always say something
pleasant to you. I was out all day yesterday making
calls with Mrs. Hale, who had really taken to heart
my indifference on this subject. On the whole, I en-
joyed it, and in the evening C. A. and I were at Mrs.
Hill's * at a musicale, where good music and a better
supper made the time pass very nicely. To-day I am
going out again with a carriage full of cards and
addresses. Now let me go back and take up a few
dropped stitches. Have I told you that Oscar Wilde
has been here, bringing a letter to your father from
Archibald Forbes ? 2 We would not invite him to the
house, but he came and called Saturday evening, and
was here more than an hour. Very interesting I

1 Wife of Nathaniel Parker Hill, U. S. Senator from Colorado.

2 Archibald Forbes, the English war correspondent, who married
a daughter of General Meigs of Washington.

[ 292 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

thought, though previously I had not been able to
stay in the room with him. We have also been see-
ing Henry James, who dined here.

H. S. B.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. Jany 28th 1882, Saturday morning
MY DEAR M., — I do not know with what particu-
larity the text of the Chili-Peruvian papers * may be
cabled to Europe, but as there is a great deal of
talk on this side concerning them, I hasten to say,
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be
afraid. Only on the publication of these state papers,

1 Mr. Elaine's "foreign policy had two principal objects. The
first was to secure and preserve peace throughout this continent. The
second was to cultivate close commercial relations and increase our
trade with the various countries of North and South America. The
accomplishment of the first object was preliminary and essential to
the attainment of the second, and, in order to promote it, he projected
a peace congress to be held at Washington, to which all the inde-
pendent powers of North and South America were to be invited. His
plan contemplated the cultivation of such a friendly understanding
on the part of the powers a < would permanently avert the horrors of
war either through the influence of pacific counsels or the acceptance
of impartial arbitration. Incidentally, it assumed that the assem-
bling of their representatives at Washington would open the way to
such relations as would inure to the commercial advantage of this
country. The project, though already determined, was delayed by
the fatal shot at Garfield, and the letter of invitation was finally
issued on the 29th of November, 1881, fixing the 24th of November,
1882, as the date for the proposed congress On the 19th of December
Mr. Elaine retired from the cabinet, and within three weeks his
successor had reversed his policy and the plan was abandoned, after
the invitation had been accepted by all the American powers except
two." — Appleton's Encyclopaedia of American Biography.

[ 293 ]

LETTERS OF

yesterday morning, in the daily newspapers, did your
Father know that his instructions had been altered
and revoked, and when I say his instructions, you
will remember they are officially the President's act,
he alone being responsible for them, and it is he who
has gone back on himself, for you (his friends), must
either admit, that he does not know to what he signs
his name, or that he is vacillating and doubtful to
the last degree. In point of fact, the papers were
all read to him, and he approved them, understand-
ing distinctly that they committed his government to
a positive policy. I suspect that Bancroft Davis has
kept from Frelinghuysen the successive steps of al-
ternation and recantation and that the President
himself is not intelligent on the matter. At any rate,
he seemed completely unprepared for the charge of
fickleness yesterday morning. You remember, don't
you, what Orville Baker told us about Arthur's two
passions, as he heard them discussed at Sam Ward's *
dinner in New York? New coats being one, he hav-
ing then already ordered twenty-five from his tailor
since the new year came in ; the other, seeming to do
things, while never putting his mind or his hands
near them. Your Father saw the President yesterday
morning and had a courteous interview with him.
What he, the Pater, may do hereafter, I do not know,

* Samuel Ward of New York, a brother of Julia Ward Howe.
[ 294 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

but at present, he has decided on the patient dignity
of perfect silence. But he says he never wrote pa-
pers of which a man or his children ought to be more
proud, and that there is not a single word in them he
would have changed. Boynton on the New York
Herald is particularly outrageous on your Father,
and as Mr. Nordhoff 1 employs him and is the re-
sponsible manager of the Herald in Washington, we
are going to cut him. Your Father is well and
bright and busy, but feels that he has been treated
with indignity and that the whole thing is simply
a determination to break him down.
With oceans of love,

H. S. B.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. Thursday morning, Feby 2nd, 1882.
DEAREST M., — I am in the very throes — not of
dissolution, but of visiting, — and having now made
out a list twice too long for my day and cards, I
snatch the moment preceding luncheon, to tell you
that Jacky was very wise, when he foresaw that the
Frelinghuysen dynasty might not settle itself into
the saddle, without an impulse to ride down your
Father. Undoubtedly the State Department in-
tended the life of your Father, which they expected

1 Charles Nordhoff, author and journalist, at that time Washington
correspondent of the New York Herald.

[ 295 ]

LETTERS OF

to take, with all due regard for the convenances, and
with so much dignity on their own part, that nobody
would know that anybody was hurt, only by and by,
it would strike people that our dearest dear was for-
ever silent. But a man attacked from behind is not
always worsted. He faces round, and is not deterred
from striking back, for fear of hurting the clothes
or gentility of his assailant. So with your Father —
what difference does it make to him that Freling-
huysen is a nice man who does a dirty thing? He
knows the act and the man, and holds the latter to
account for the former. I verily believe the Secre-
tary of State expected to silence Blaine. They re-
voked his instructions, though they were Arthur's
as well; they kept back his papers, they sent to
Congress garbled despatches of Trescott's, they per-
mitted private letters of Christiancy to be sent to
Congress. Nordhoff employed Boynton, an old and
bitter enemy of your Father, to send the telegrams to
the Herald, and John Russell Young1 wrote editorials
accusing the ex-Secretary of dishonesty and dirty
tricks, and Nordhoff himself has telegraphed attack
upon attack, and what does it all mount to? Your
Father will be vindicated in every particular. His
policy is a patriotic one, and the people are going to

1 Journalist, war correspondent, and librarian, succeeding A. R.
Spofford as librarian of Congiess.

[ 296 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

so recognize it. Not a selfish thought is in it, but
it is in all its ramifications, American.1 I must stop,
but first, a word or two en famille. Your Father is
going this afternoon to Baltimore to dine with Mr.
Garrett.3 Last night, we were at Mrs. Bancroft's.
The President came up and asked me to do him the
honor of walking through the rooms with him. Of
course it was intentional. I complied, and we made
a slow progress, I in my new dress, which is the hand-
somest I ever had. Never talk to me about black
velvet again! I expect to see it in the newspapers,
or should, only there was no member of the fraternity
there. Not a word of news from Walker. Poor fel-
low, shouldn't you think he would feel perplexed?
Young Mills3 is to be married to Miss Livingston in
a month. In great haste,

H. S. B.

Your Father sends his best love. This attack has
stimulated him, and he is as well as he ever was in his
life. There comes a fourth of March, which, to use
Fred's term, is a cold day. Look at poor Hayes. I

1 See note, page 13, Vol. II.

2 Robert Garrett, at that time first vice president of the Balti-
more and Ohio R. R. It was at a business interview with Mr. Garrett
that William H. Vanderbilt died suddenly from apoplexy, at Mr.
Vandcrbilt's house in New York.

3 Ogden M''lls, son of D. O. Mills of New York and California,
married Miss Ruth Livingston.

[ 297 ]

LETTERS OF

heard him so abused at Mrs. Hill's breakfast yester-
day, that I really came to his defense, and as I did it,
I said I believed I was the only person at the table,
who, four years ago, had dared to have the courage
of my convictions, but that now I thought his offenses
were condoned. No one had hitherto sat in judg-
ment upon him or Mrs. Hayes, and now they deserved
the charity of the grave. All our friends say that
your Father's position is all that could be desired.

To WALKER IN CHILI

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, Feby 8th, 1882,

Wednesday A. M.

DEAREST WALKER, — Sevellon Brown has sent over
a list of the Foreign Mail departures, so that I now,
every time that I raise my eyes, am reminded that the
South American mail leaves New York Friday the
10th, and it behooves me to set down, in order or dis-
order, all that I can remember of what has been going
on in the bosoms and home of your devoted family,
since last I wrote ; and, to begin at the end, Emmons
is with us, or rather was yesterday, and will be we
hope at any moment, though he yesterday afternoon
went over to Baltimore to look up Otho and spend
the night.

[ 298 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Emmons says he is going to Topeka, Kansas, and
I have no doubt it is his destiny to do so, as so often
as he ends his negotiations, kind fate re-opens them,
and we know that what is writ is writ. He is a dear
delightful son. . . . Business tells on him, and he
begins to look careworn and more man than boy. Of
course he lost no time in tasting the sweets of Wash-
ington society. Commencing with the Pendletons, to
whose reception we went that evening, where was
everybody almost whom one wants to meet, all the
old stars and others, like the Jays, the Rathbone
girls, Miss Heard,1 and a score of others. The
Pendleton House is a funny little box of an affair,
where I have a feeling that only a portion of the
company is on exhibition at once, and that after the
spectator has looked long enough at this section, the
crank will be turned, and as many more come into
view. I am willing the Pendletons should have it for
an abiding habitation, as Jamie would say, but as for
me, give me Massachusetts Avenue and 20th street.

And yesterday morning Emmons breakfasted with
E., first going to the P. O. Department to look up
his case, which alas, he finds decided against him,
solely on the responsibility of Solicitor General Phil-
lips, Mr. Howe and Mr. Elmer dissenting totally.

1 Daughter of Augustine Heard, at one time one of the great
merchants in the Chinese trade.

[ 299 ]

LETTERS OF

After his breakfast, Baltimore, and to-night he dines
with Mrs. Hale. Whether he will immediately return
to Chicago or await the Eulogy, he has not yet de-
cided. This important funereal day is fixed for the
27th, and the orator to be is really devoting his morn-
ing to it. I can hear Jamie this minute kissing him
good-bye, as he makes ready to climb the Hill of
Learning, as is his daily wont, for his tutor lives
beyond the Capitol.

February 8th, 1882.

You would be delighted, could you see how well and
bright and happy your Father is, dressed immacu-
lately in one of his new Baltimore suits, carefully
trimmed quoad hair and beard, and in the full exercise
of a mental faculty which makes the administration
cry for the little dog at home to know whether they
be they. It would be impossible for me to post you
as to the situation, which is so interesting, that I am
half the time breathless with excitement. Still I con-
gratulate you that you are not here. Your position
would be embarrassing, and if the State Department
did not drop you, you would feel obliged to drop it.
There can be no doubt, however, that a strong feeling
is growing for your Father's policy. It appeals to
the American sentiment, and the friends of the Admin-
istration have done the President incalculable harm
[ 300 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

by rushing to his defense with all sorts of wild
assertions ; such as that he did not know of the Peace
Conference, that Mr. Trescott had private instruc-
tions from the Secretary, etc., which, proved to be
true, would condemn Arthur out and out.

I must not forget to chronicle an adroit little trick
of Mrs. Bancroft's. We were all at a lovely little
party at her house last Wednesday evening, and it
was not till Saturday that I discovered that all the
other invitations, save ours, read " To meet Secre-
tary and Mrs. Frelinghuysen." Accordingly, I asked
your Father if he would go to the Bancrofts to meet
the Frelinghuysens. Most decidedly not, he said.
So I looked up our invitation and found, to my great
satisfaction, there was no mention of the F's. in our
notes. Now it turns out that all the other invitations
mentioned the F's. So Monday afternoon, when I
was making my party call on Mrs. Bancroft, I asked
her about it. Why, the Frelinghuysen name was so
long, that after writing out a good many invitations,
she concluded to drop it, and our cards came among
the abbreviated ones. I assured her that the ex-
planation was entirely satisfactory to me, but I asked
as a special favor that she make the same explanation
to Mrs. Frelinghuysen, at the same time telling her
that our cards did not contain their honored name.
This she solemnly promised to perform, but she
[301 ]

LETTERS OF

looked at me scrutinizingly as she promised, no doubt
deciding whether it would be safe to remember to
forget.

To M., IN FRANCE

821 FIFTEENTH ST. Monday morning, Feby 13th, 1882.
DEAREST M., — I have your letter of the 29th
ultimo, and as I received it this morning, I know
how you were just two weeks ago yesterday, and I
have been looking in my diary to see what we at home
were doing on that day, and find that your Father

was giving his interview to the Post, that H

went to St John's and was extremely affected by the
sermon, which was pertinent to the installation of
deacons, which there occurred, and that in the evening
the Sperrys of New Haven — do you not remember
being invited there while in Farmington ? — were
here. Also that your Father, to show that he was
well and generally as good as of old, attended Mrs
Robeson's Sunday evening. Since I wrote you, Em-
mons has come and gone, and we miss him fearfully,
as he fills a relation to his parents which neither
H, J'aime or Alice touch. Saturday evening he
dined at Lieut. Emory's, then went to a theatre party
with E., then home, almost at the same moment with
your Father, C. A. and I, who had dined at the
[ 302 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

Outreys. After admiring my dress, which he saw for
the first time, he packed, while Lewis got him a sup-
per and all the others went to bed, save myself, who
sat up till twelve, when I sent him to the station,
though his train was not to leave till two, but he could
go to bed at once, and this morning I hope he is all
ready for business at his office in Chicago. He lost
one day at home, through sick headache, including
a dinner at Mrs. Hale's. E came over at five last
night, bringing Mr. Northcote, the second son of
Sir Stafford,1 with her. She would not stay for sup-
per, but Mr. Northcote went away, put on his even-
ing dress, returned, and with Mr. McBride, the Utah
M.C., seemed to enjoy supper and talk immensely. As
he had had no dinner, there was the best reason in the
world for his appetite, and another and not a bad
one, for his more intellectual avidity. I am as usual
writing in my room, which has now, as I have often
told you, been converted into a sanctum, sacred to
Garfield, and here your Father, who cannot bear to be
alone, though he prohibits talking, is devoting him-
self to the most difficult portion of his eulogy, the
long sickness with its fatal termination. For the
second time this morning, I see him taking from the

1 Sir Stafford Northcote, latter Lord Iddesleigh, the English
statesman, a member of the Alabama Commission. Lord Iddesleigh
was executor of Gladstone's will.

[ 303 ]

LETTERS OF

drawer a fresh pocket handkerchief, with which he
vainly tries to hide his tears, and this time, wholly
overcome, he has beaten a retreat to the blue room.
Oh, M., there indeed is a Douglas, tender and true!
But if the writing so moves him, how with a great
audience before him, is he ever to control his emotion ?
Two weeks from this very hour, unless the unfore-
seen prevents, he will be in the very thick of it.
Emmons comes back to hear him. It will not be
eloquent, but it will be faithful.

Alice is soon to start for Leavenworth. Mrs Dunn l
is here in the city. Friday she dined with us. It
seems very soon for the Scotts to be returning, but
how much better to make even that short trip than
none! There is nothing I so much regret, as that
I have not been abroad. It is too late now for the
foreign tour to seem attractive to me. Glasses, em-
bonpoint, and a certain tendency to uncertainty re-
garding all earthly affairs, make me reluctant to
take risks, but if we cannot come abroad this year,
you must remember that you can come home, to re-
turn in the fall. As you are a good sailor, money will
be the only preventing consideration, and we are
not yet quite poor.

Poor Father, I wish he would come down stairs!

1 Wife of Major William McKee Dunn, U. S. A., and daughter of
Senator Morrill.

[ 304 ]

MRS. JAMES G. BLAINE

The political situation remains about the same.
I saw the President last at Mrs. Bancroft's party.
The Frelinghuysens are exteriorly all that could be
desired, but I think this administration is doomed.
I do not believe that anything will seize it but perdi-
tion, and I do not love it.

I have been looking over the album to find an auto-
graph of Garfield, in vain, but in my next letter I hope
to send you one. I think Gambetta 1 is the man of
France. We have two portraits of him hanging on
the wall, and I presume he is the one Frenchman of
all others who has a foreign reputation.

Whitelaw Reid is with your Father in his foreign
policy, but the papers were all given to the press
without warning, and he says he was caught unin-
formed on the subject. Not one word from Walker.
Good-bye, my dearest. I am now going to lunch
and then to call on Mrs. Dunn with Mrs. Van Vliet 2
in the rain. With a bridge of love to span the ocean
between us, always yours,

H. S. B.

1 Leon Gambetta was a member of the French Chamber of
Deputies in 1869 and in the following year Minister of the Interior in
the government of National Defense, dictator, deputy again and
premier, 1881-82. He escaped from Paris during the Franco-
Prussian War in a balloon and organized the armies of the Loire and
of the North.

2 Wife of General Van Vliet, Mr. Elaine's next-door neighbor in
Washington, occupying the former home of Governor Buckingham.

VOL.I —20 [ 305 ]

LETTERS OF

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, Feby 18th 1882,

Saturday morning.

DEAREST M., — Alice is going away tonight and
the eulogy is finished in all its parts, and only
needs now the work of the skillful joiner, and I went
to a picture auction this week, where I have foolishly
or wisely spent many dollars, so that with the excep-
tion of notes, I have not this week had pen in hand.
And even now, I am writing at one side of the table,
vis-a-vis with your Father, and C. A., the former
transcribing to the latter's reading, " the religious
element of Garfield was strongly marked," etc. etc.
The eulogy is going to be good. Carefully discrim-
inating, it is an authoritative utterance on the ability
and work of Garfield, which, while it carefully ig-
nores the author, shrinks from no issue which the
administration of Garfield involved.

We have heard from Walker at Santiago de Chile,
but his letter, which is a Journal, is painfully deficient
in " personal mention," and I agree with E. who
read it, that she would rather know whether he had
garlic for supper than all these pages can tell of
Presidents and Ministers of whom we know nothing.
And speaking of foreign potentates reminds me that
you are not to give yourself the slightest anxiety
concerning your Father's condition, past or present.
Whoever has explanations or backdowns to make, it is
[ 306 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

certainly not he. Serene in the consciousness of a
policy or policies which looked out for the interests
of America, and which time is as sure to justify as
it is to come, he may well wait undisturbed,1 while Mr
Frelinghuysen accounts to his masters, the people,
for his truckling subserviency.

I have had a long visit between these lines from
Miss Snead,2 who has been here to get a suggestion
from me as to the observance of the Eulogy Day. I
can imagine your amusement at the large place the
Eulogy occupies in my letters nowadays. When
Jamie was snubbed by his Father the other day, he
exclaimed, " Crushed by a Eulogist." To revert to
my moutons, Miss Snead, she is to suggest that all
ladies in the House on the day shall dress in black.
I must not forget to tell you one bit of domestic news.
Maggie Nurse is going to be married after Lent.
She is really very much pleased, naively says she
never dreamed she could get him. I am very much
attached to her.

All the time I am writing, imagine the careful
criticism of language going on, " The true preroga-
tives of his high office," reads your Father. " Is that
any better? " says C. A. " than the true preroga-
tives of the Presidency ? " I j oin in the ensuing de-

1 See note, page 13, Vol. EL

1 Reporter for the Evening Star and National Republican, Wash-

S07

LETTERS OF

bate, and by and by, we lay over that line for to-
morrow's fresh reading, and by and by I begin to
listen again. " He followed with quickening step
the researches of Darwin, Huxley," —
Your own* —

MOTHER.

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON Feby 21st 1882.

DEAREST M., — I have this morning your letter
of February 5th, and with it for a text, I think I
can manage to fill this small sheet, though it was
only day before yesterday that I mailed you a letter,
and all of my letters, it seems to myself, go through
certain formulas.

I always mention the Eulogy, always speak of
E. and the C.'s, name your Father and the children
and C. A. and modestly allude to myself. Following
the usual guides this morning, I have to say that
your father is down stairs with Mr. Elkins, and Tom
and C A are also there, waiting for this room, which
Fagie is now vindictively dusting, with that thing
abhorred of Aunt Hannah, a long-handled feather-
duster. Whatever becomes of it eventually, she cer-
tainly dislodges a vast quantity, and while she raids,
I know that her mind is far away from this home and
family, and that she is mentally deciding on the color
of her wedding dress. I know it, because she has just
[ 308 ]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

brought me two samples of silk, one, claret colored
at a dollar a yard, — the other black, fifty percent
higher. Neither of them will of course pay for mak-
ing up. I would give her her wedding-dress myself,
did I not think I had better perhaps look out for
something less perishable. Last night, your Father
and I were at the English Legation, at a ball. For
a wonder, I enjoyed it thoroughly. Plenty of room
to sit, delightful music, pretty dances and dancers,
a supper, and attentive friends. Mr. West took out
Mrs. Bancroft Davis, and Count Lewenhaupt * fol-
lowed with me. The President and the Freling-
huysens had gone to Baltimore to see " Patience."
If you remember the description of Arthur, as given
by Mr. Hurlburt of the World, at Sam Ward's din-
ner, when Orville Baker was present, you have a very
correct idea of him. I do not think he knows any-
thing. He can quote a verse of poetry or a page
from Dickens and Thackeray, but these are only
leaves springing from a root out of dry ground. His
vital forces are not fed, and very soon he has given
out his all. I hardly know whether we are on terms
with him. The last time I saw him was at Mrs. Ban-
croft's party, and I am not likely now that Lent is
upon us, to see him again. The last time he was

1 Count Carl Lewenhaupt, Minister from Sweden and Norway to
the United States.

[ 309 ]

LETTERS OF

here, he spoke to me of his chagrin that we had not
been invited to the White House, but time wears on,
and the invitation lingers, and I do not think a
perfectly well bred President would make such an
apology. He certainly commands his own house and
table. I hear in society only approving words.
Can a President be otherwise than fascinating, pleas-
ant, intelligent and delightfully welcome?

To WALKER, IN SOUTH AMERICA

821 FIFTEENTH ST. Ash Wednesday, Washington's Birthday,

February 22nd, 1882, 4 p. M.

DEAREST WAITER, — It is too bad you are so far
away that I cannot sit down and write you a careless
note, as I do to M. in Paris, to Emmons in Chicago
and to Alice in Ft Leaven worth. Here I am, only
just through lunch, at which hour Mrs. Kinsley,
Miss Markoe, and Mr. Elkins all happened in.
Mrs. Kinsley stayed over from a call, Miss Markoe
came to bring me a package of cards left at the
State Department, and Mr. Elkins is already here,
to make sure of the Eulogy. This important docu-
ment is now in the hands of Tom, who is transcribing
it in the blackest of ink and the largest of hands, on
deeply black edged paper, so that the beloved orator
need wear no glasses and may have perfect freedom
[310]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

of feature and of expression. Nothing can equal the
interest taken in the day, the pressure for seats and
tickets is enormous. I am quite sure you will be
satisfied.

Last night, we all went to the Art Club's recep-
tion to Mr. Corcoran.1 Your Father gave the wel-
coming address, which was a perfect gem, and given
in a manner which made moist eyes. I felt it deeply
myself, but when Mrs Story said to me that she felt
like crying whenever she thought of it, I knew he had
played on the harp of a thousand strings. It was a
complete surprise to me, who had not even heard one
word of it. Mr Corcoran took me out to supper,
and in every way in his power, testified to his delight.
And, Walker, you would have felt proud and tender,
could you have seen the dear Pater, giving in a voice,
which was a caress and a benediction in itself, the
little address I enclose — then seen him step one side,
and with a simple dignity defer to Mr. Corcoran.
Nothing better was ever done or said.

Thursday morning.

Am just getting off invitations for a dinner on
Tuesday. Mrs Foster,2 Mrs. Wadsworth,3 the Lewen-

1 W. W. Corcoran, Washington banker, philanthropist, and
founder of the Corcoran art gallery.

a Wife of John W. Foster, who succeeded Mr. Blaine as Secretary
of State under President Harrison.

8 Mrs. Craig Wadsworth.

[311]

LETTERS OF

haupts, the Jays, Kasson,1 Bliss, Schlesingers, Schuy-
lers,2 Patterson 3 (Mr. Medill's son-in-law). Emmons
we hope will take your place, though these terrible
wash-outs, involving so much extra labor for all R.R.
employees, may prevent.

I am afraid, dear Walker, that if you have depended
on me as to the situation, personal and more general,
you have leaned on a broken reed. This morning I
notice among the telegrams in the Boston Traveler
of yesterday, that you have resigned, because of the
strictures upon your Father, in his South American
course. I do not suppose you have done so, though
your Father for the first time seems aware of the
importance of keeping you posted as to public senti-
ment here. I am constantly writing family letters,
which, I suppose, have the happy faculty of touching
on things of the least importance. I am truly dis-
gusted with myself as a universal correspondent
anyway, and I feel as though my children must long
for the sight of another handwriting, but to repair
past neglect, I send you a budget cut indiscrimi-
nately from the newspapers this morning. Do not

1 John A. Kasson of Iowa, formerly Minister to Austria; Col.
William Jay and Mrs. Jay of New York.

2 Eugene Schuyler, the author and diplomat, who later died while
Consul-General at Cairo.

* Robert W. Patterson married a daughter of Joseph Medill of
Chicago.

[318]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

for one moment imagine that your Father is going
down under this preconcerted attack on the part of
the State Department and its friends. I imagine him
very strong, and that the administration has lost its
grip upon this policy, which is so American that it
is bound to be the popular will. In short, dear
Walker, use your own good sense, and ask yourself
if it accords with your Father's past, that an attack
does him anything but good. Good-bye,

H. S. B.

To M., IN FRANCE

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, Feby. 24th, 1882.
DEAREST M., — No better proof of the imminence
of the 27th could be given, than the immense pile of
books, now encumbering the chairs and slab of the
entry, while waiting transportation to the State Li-
brary. In fact, your Father is at this moment for
the eleventh time, going over the manuscript, smooth-
ing out all inequalities of language, for he persisted
in the first place in writing in the most careless man-
ner, insisting always, when I remonstrated on the
awful after labor that he was laying up for himself,
" Let me get down the ideas, and the language will
come of itself." But alas, he often finds it frozen
truth, only to be warmed into motion by infinite nurs-
ing and pains. I have had a letter from you this morn-
[313]

LETTERS OF

ing, which like all its predecessors has had a warm wel-
come. I read it to your Father in bed. If I did not
remember how Emmons mourned at Geneva and Wal-
ker at Madame Hedler's, I should be quite miserable
about you. But you are not yet up to their concert
pitch.

This letter is interjected between the lines of all
sorts of things. Notes to people asking for tickets
Monday are in order always. We have about thirty
tickets and hundreds of applications. E., the Law-
rences, Col. Bliss and Miss Markoe go with me. No
tickets are necessary for our high mightinesses.
Jamie goes in with the Pater, also Emmons, also
Tom, also Mr. Chandler. I think of your wardrobe.
Why do you not get a seamstress to put you in order ?
We have a tea-party Sunday, a lunch Monday, a
dinner party Tuesday. This is only to sing BAH
to you, so good-by —

H. S. B.

To ALICE, AT FORT LEAVENWOETH

821 FIFTEENTH ST. WASHINGTON, March 1st,

Wednesday Morning.

DEAR ALICE, — Now that the Eulogy is over and
all the books sent back to their several libraries, and
all the black edged paper banished, and this formerly
[314]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

heavily freighted table, cleared up, you cannot think
how bare and empty the room seems. All the world
may come into it now and find nothing out of order,
and I miss the dear figure, that for so many weeks
has made it his studio. He is down stairs, however,
for he cannot make up his mind to separate himself
from his family, and I have this moment left him
after a whole morning's talk with Mr. Elkins and
Ernmons, on railroads and coal. Mr. E. has now
gone into Mr. Chandler's to ask him about the Cabi-
net appointment which the President is very possibly
about to offer him. He will come back here for lunch
if he sees Mr C. and gets through his call.

Well, Alice, the Eulogy has been made, and when
I say that I could ask nothing more of it, both as to
audience, subject matter, time and place, delivery and
reception, you will see that it equalled the unequalled
occasion, for probably your Father had not in that
vast assembly a more exacting critic than myself.
He has had the most delightful and warm assurances
from his friends both by letters and word of mouth.
The former, I shall keep for a special scrap book,
and the latter I shall cherish in my heart of hearts.
Yes, Alice, it is not too much to say that it is a
success, and nothing succeeds like success. I had
eight tickets to the Executive Gallery, E. had yours,
C. A. another, Mrs. Lawrence and Fanny Chapman
[315]

LETTERS OF

other two, Mrs. Emory and Col. Bliss and Miss
Markoe the others. We all left this house about ten,
I in Mrs B 's carriage, and we all got fairly com-
fortable seats in the gallery. Mr Bradbury repre-
sented Augusta, on the floor of the House, going in
with some Senator. There was a great deal of trouble
about the seats, as only three galleries were reserved.
The door keeper came down to turn me out of my
seat, saying it was to be reserved for the Secretary
of State's family, but when he saw who it was, he beat
a retreat, and I and my friends had most of the seat,
Mrs. Justice Matthews having one end and Mrs.
Brewster the other. I believe there was a great deal
of fuss and fume among the ushers in the gallery
later, but I never turned my head, though E. with
her big glasses, did not fail to note and comment
upon all that was going on. From the first word, I
knew that your Father had the ear of the audience.
The attention was profound, and the interest un-
tiring.

To M., IN PARIS

Wednesday afternoon.

DEAH M., — I have written and addressed and re-
voked the letter to Alice, which I now send to you.
I am afraid to put off your letter, and I find I have
no time left. It is not exactly written in the order
[316]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

in which I was intending to unload my mind for your
benefit, but the load is exactly the same. The Eulogy
was fine and tender, and concise and interesting to
the last degree, was listened to with untiring interest,
and has been followed by an almost unbroken stream
of congratulations. Probably you will miss nothing
to compare with it while away from us, and I am
truly sorry that only Jamie and Emmons, of all the
children, heard it. The former, who might, had he
listened, have known the whole history of the Eulogy
from table talk for the last six weeks, woke up to it,
only on the morning of the 26th, and then only to
tease with persistence for tickets for two of his
friends. But once your Father had begun, he lost
not a word, and Mr. Elkins who was near him, says
he cried without reserve or restraint. I send you
copy of the resolutions l passed in the Senate to-day.
Perry Belmont 2 has offered a similar Resolution in the
House. " France " means Mr. Morton, who is said to
have been interested in the sale of nitrates and guano.

H. S. B.

1 Resolutions calling for an investigation of our government's
course in the matter of the recent war between Chile and Peru. The
question of adjudicating specified American claims to guano fields
which Chile claimed by right of conquest was involved, and an at-
tempt was made by Democratic members in Congress to show that
the Secretary of State's course was not disinterested.

2 Perry Belmont, Representative from New York and a member
of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

[317]

LETTERS OF

March 2nd 1882, Thursday morning.

MY DEAB M., — If I have neglected you of late,
let the times past suffice. I am now really begin-
ning daily correspondence, as this letter if compared
with my last in date and matter, proves. I am
through with breakfast, through with my hair
dressing, which I am in grave doubts about, as Lizzie
has a constant tendency to elevate my frontispiece, a
la Drum, and at twelve Emmons is to breakfast with
the divine E. and Edith Fish, divinely tall and most
divinely fair, — and at one, C. A. and I enjoy a
dejeuner with my lofty examplar in chignons — leav-
ing your Father and Tom Sherman to each other,
for Jamie is always with his tutor at one. Our matu-
tinal reunion was made delightful by a great number
of congratulatory letters, a very feeling one from
Uncle Homan,1 to whom your Father had consider-
ately sent an advance copy of his Eulogy, which he
read, he said, to the neighbors and friends, at the
same hour that it was delivered to the larger and more
distinguished, but not more sympathetic and appre-
ciative and affectionate, audience. One from Mrs.
Garfield which I shall hereafter send you, a truly

1 Joseph A. Homan of Augusta, Maine, formerly editor of the
Maine Fanner ; for more than thirty years Mr. Blaine's next-door
neighbor and close friend.

[318]

MRS. JAMES G. ELAINE

beautiful letter, pathetic in its perfect simplicity, not
one trace of affectation to be discovered in it.

The house was full of visitors all yesterday after-
noon, everybody calling now to compliment the
Eulogy, and Col. Rockwell has just gone away with
a package of photographs of Mrs Garfield, which
he had brought me to look at. Very pretty — and
taken with the idea of affording an opportunity for
a good portrait hereafter. I do not know anything
further about the visit of your Father to England
in May. His business is very uncertain, and it all
depends on that. But I hold to your coming home,
in the event of none of the family visiting Europe.
Mr. Phelps is in Egypt, as I suppose you know.
With love and prudent advice,

H. S. B.

END OF VOLUME I

PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE
CARDS OR SLIPS FROM THIS POCKET

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY

E Elaine, Harriet Bailey Stanwood

664. Letters of Mrs. James G.

B62A4 Blaine

1908

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