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July 31th 1881 Stockbridge House Mass Dear Julia When your letter to Dick came we were in the turmoil of getting ready to come here. We arrived Saturday, it is Paradise - We were amazed at the beauty of the place - my steps offering a new, lovely view. The gentle hills blue tinted the magnificent elms standing everywhere, the river, all has just entranced us. We expect
[written across top of page] was to me, as well as it was to S. It was true, you said the right thing - we had been so thankful to Seneca - I think of the maples. Ever yours EDBS
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to remain as long as the money lasts. This hotel it seems has a high reputation among N E hotels. Comfort and order every where, linen sheets plenty of fine towels, excellent beds, pleasant rooms, we had fires [every] morning in open fire places, and capital cooking a profusion of good things. We have had six kinds of beautiful breads at once, good soup, delicious gravy, and pastry in which we are delighted. Stoddard wanted me to write you at once to tell you that you were the first literary person to appreciate his poem, he has had great praise from everyone. Bayard T. came in the other night, and carelessly remarked
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in the course of the conversation that there are some fine lines in your poem! - He hurt us cruelly. & Holland said to Stoddard with emotion - Money will not cannot pay for that poem Mr Stoddard - but he was paid more for it than for any poem he ever wrote. Do you think that B. I think that poem is not great? You are wrong about his poem I think, it is better work than he has done lately, remember how difficult that form of verse is any success is something. I liked the poem very well. Everything has been done to push it, but it is not much regarded. How can any earnest writer feel envy and jealousy - no person in
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this world has ever so hurt and wounded us individually as B T - and it all began with me, because I could not tell him that I thought he had succeeded in a novel. He is afraid of us. As to Bret Haste although he cannot prove that gamblers are heroes and that to be drunk is to virtuous, he has an exquisite genius, he says true and beautiful things and he fascinates the imagination, but he leaves a bitter tang on the intellectual palate. We have spoken of going to you, but we think we cannot this year. Lorry is growing beautiful - For my part I cannot tell you what a drop of comfort your letter
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was to me, as well as it was to S. It was true, you said the right thing - we had been so hurt. Love to Seneca - I think of The Maples Yours truly EDBS July 31st 1881 Stockbridge House Mass.
