James T. Fields — 20 Dec. 1861
To JAMES T. FIELDS
December, 20 [1861], Wheeling
Mr. Fields
I find that John Lamar was not mailed until Dec 11–and directed to J. T. Fields, Atlantic Monthly, Boston. Possibly it is still in the Boston P.O.
I hope it is all right. The delay here was accidental. The error in the address may have caused the package to be thrown among your paper mail.
I was so hurried in writing before that I did not acknowledge Mrs. Fields’ kind letter. I do now most gratefully—with a blush for the compliments. As I wrote you yesterday I wash my hand in innocency of the Continental—told him I was engaged to write for you the next year.
Do not send me any money for Margret Howth until she has earned it. So far from belonging to the clan Croesus[1] I belong to a race from whom money runs away like water, so please keep it safe for me till I need it. Thank you just the same.
The proof sheets are ready—I will send them as soon as I hear you are back in Boston.
I shall wait uneasily until I hear that John Lamar is safe. He is my pet, my “shay dorver”— as Mr. Poliphon says[2]—did you know?—
Yours sincerely
R.B.H—
Did you receive my note thanking you for Rab & his Friends[3]
Notes
King of ancient Greece mythologized for his wealth.
“Mr. Poliphon” is probably a pun on polyphone.
Rab and His Friends (1859) by Scot author Dr. John Brown
Key Words
“John Lamar”, Annie Adams Fields, Continental Magazine, Croesus, Dr. John Brown, financial issues, Margret Howth, Rab and His Friends (Brown)
Source
Richard Harding Davis Papers, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia
Contributor
S. M. Harris