My dear Mrs. Howe,—I should only be too delighted to be “stared at” this evening at your little party, if I were not expressly forbidden by my doctor to go into any excitement; I have been so very feeble the past few days; so for once, dear friend, pleasure must yield to duty. We will go over, “the Great B” and myself, this week to see you. Please dance a “Redowa” for me and believe me your disappointed little friend,
Mary Booth.
Friday morn, June 28th.
The following letter shows Edwin Booth’s tender care for his little motherless daughter:
Friday.
Dear Mrs. Howe,—To-morrow and Sunday night I am engaged—but think I shall remain at home on account of ill-health; to-morrow night I start for New York. I am sorry I have been unable to see you, but hope to have that pleasure before I leave the city.
Baby Booth is not with me—I feared the climate and at the last moment concluded not to bring her here. I hear from her every day. She has grown to be a most splendid child and worships her papa. I miss her very much.
My long winter’s work has completely unnerved me and it is as much as I can do to drag through my performances.
Pray present my compliments to the young ladies and to Dr. Howe and accept my thanks for your polite invitation.
Hoping soon to have an opportunity to call upon you, believe me,