Letter from Mary Elizabeth Garrett to M. Carey Thomas, December 10, 1890

Dearest Minnie, You certainly ought to approve of me, for I have stayed in bed for two whole days, as I was [illegible for several lines] ...of a good many, but it has been a weary process. I wrote, among the rest, about sending out documents everywhere except of course Phila. The reason I asked by telegraph was because Bridges or Mrs. Brune, whichever it was, spoke of sending half the quantity of circulars etc to Bryn Mawr, so that I thought my recollection of our understanding might be wrong. A letter from the California Secretary tonight says that they were going to wait for the new circulars and that so far they had made no attempt to solicit subscriptions. Camilla Morris reports $200 from Mrs. Hawley. I am trying to find that ideal Secretary, and am to see a lady tomorrow to hear all about one who was hers for two years, of whom I heard through Mrs. Trimble and whom I can get if I want her and if she proves undesirable, I have heard of another who may do. I mean to find her if possible! Mrs. Fields found me out by telegraph and letter this morning and on Friday night I am going to dine with her and go to her on Saturday afternoon. As you will see from the enclosed note, before accepting the latter part of her invitation, I wrote her that I must be rude enough to ask her what it was to be, that if it was simply for a quiet chat with her and one or two friends, I should be glad to go. I think that that [illegible] ought to suffice to prevent her suggesting a meeting. Tomorrow afternoon I hope to see Miss Hovey if she is well enough. The enclosed from Miss Rosford came also this evening. I have not answered the enclosed from Dr. Hurd yet, but it really sounds very cheering, does it not? I am sorry that she must be disappointed about the baths. I can not clear out the envelopes as you suggest by forwarding them to you for answer, but perhaps I may come across some yet. I hope soon to get to my personal letters, most of which are still waiting, although I got a few off today that had waited a very awkwardly long time. Miss Child spent last night at Roxbury and tonight I gave her MamieGÇÖs book much to her delight apparently. She managed to pilot herself successfully to the Library Bureau yesterday afternoon, but, much to my amusement told me this morning, that she had asked them to send a small boy with her to her car. The other day in New York I had to send Nicoline with her to the typewriter place, and Julia told me that she had left the house without the instrument (the object of the journey being to have it put in order) when she, Julia, happened to see it standing by the front door, and called after her to know whether she wanted it! Naturally she did, but she did not confess this little episode to me! Today something came up about the letters I had written in New York and it turned out when I asked for the list that said list was still chiefly in her head. She was as usual much crestfallen when she found that her head could not supply the print in question, and this afternoon did take a list, but of tomorrow who can prophesy? The newspapers have vanished, with the exception of last weekGÇÖs Nation. By the way, I have 2 of yours, I find. Shall I return them? You were wrong in your inference about your photograph not being one of my usual travelling companions because Miss McDowell did not send it to me. The one in the Japanese frame always goes with me, but she does not pack my things or know about them all, so that she did not send me all by any means. Your little old one I have and it I like too, but still I am very glad to have these now. After this I shall direct to 1228 Madison Ave. for a day or two. I hope you will find them all well there and that Zoe is getting on well. Please remember me to them all and to Nelly. I hope she is better. I wish I felt some confidence in your taking some care about your back. WonGÇÖt you promise me to be prudent and to use the salt and have Mamie douche it, and to take a walk every day whatever betides even if only a short one? Indeed it will not pay if you let yourself worn down again. Please take care of yourself. I will use your own argument and beg you to do it if you love me. I assure you I am trying very hard myself. I was very glad to get MamieGÇÖs letter last night. With love for her and hoping she too is better. Goodnight, with much love, Yours, Mary E.G.