James T. Fields — 7 May 1862

To JAMES T. FIELDS
May 7, [1862], Wheeling

Mr Fields

How very glad I shall be to go! I have just told Mrs. Fields why I was afraid I could not come so soon as I would like, to you. It would be better for me to go to Boston first and stop at New York as I come home.[1] However we can arrange that afterwards. Perhaps something may happen to detain me altogether but I think not. I don’t think I have done anything to obtain such punishment as that! As you say, we will talk all business over when I see you. This miserable David Gaunt has a most despondent face on! He thinks I will see Boston before he does as I think of nothing else but going. Please make Mrs. Fields be candid about your time for leaving the city. I am afraid I shall interfere with it.

In strict confidence, Mrs. Fremont[2] has made me doubly anxious to see Mrs Fields. She tells me–but I forgot–men cannot keep a secret–and this is one which of course you do not know.

Yours truly
R.B.H.

I must say it—I do hope you will all like me.

Notes

1. Annie Fields and Jessie Benton Frémont were each trying to have RHD come to their home first.

2. Jessie Benton Fremont (1824-1902), author of memoirs and fiction; RHD met Fremont in Wheeling when her husband, General John C. Fremont, was stationed there.

Key Words

"David Gaunt", Annie Adams Fields, Jesse Benton Fremont, travel

Source

Richard Harding Davis Papers, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia

Contributor

S. M. Harris