This letter was reproduced in facsimile in St. Nicholas, June,1892. It is undated, but must have been written two or threemonths before it was published.To St. NicholasDear St. Nicholas:It gives me very great pleasure to send you my autograph becauseI want the boys and girls who read St. Nicholas to know how blindchildren write. I suppose some of them wonder how we keep thelines so straight so I will try to tell them how it is done. Wehave a grooved board which we put between the pages when we wishto write. The parallel grooves correspond to lines and when wehave pressed the paper into them by means of the blunt end of thepencil it is very easy to keep the words even. The small lettersare all made in the grooves, while the long ones extend above andbelow them. We guide the pencil with the right hand, and feelcarefully with the forefinger of the left hand to see that weshape and space the letters correctly. It is very difficult atfirst to form them plainly, but if we keep on trying it graduallybecomes easier, and after a great deal of practice we can writelegible letters to our friends. Then we are very, very happy.Sometime they may visit a school for the blind. If they do, I amsure they will wish to see the pupils write.Very sincerely your little friendHELEN KELLER.In May, 1892, Helen gave a tea in aid of the kindergarten for theblind. It was quite her own idea, and was given in the house ofMrs. Mahlon D. Spaulding, sister of Mr. John P. Spaulding, one ofHelen's kindest and most liberal friends. The tea brought morethan two thousand dollars for the blind children.TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYSouth Boston, May 9, 1892.My dear Miss Carrie:—I was much pleased to receive your kindletter. Need I tell you that I was more than delighted to hearthat you are really interested in the "tea"? Of course we mustnot give it up. Very soon I am going far away, to my own dearhome, in the sunny south, and it would always make me happy tothink that the last thing which my dear friends in Boston did formy pleasure was to help make the lives of many little sightlesschildren good and happy. I know that kind people cannot helpfeeling a tender sympathy for the little ones, who cannot see thebeautiful light, or any of the wonderful things which give thempleasure; and it seems to me that all loving sympathy mustexpress itself in acts of kindness; and when the friends oflittle helpless blind children understand that we are working fortheir happiness, they will come and make our "tea" a success, andI am sure I shall be the happiest little girl in all the world.Please let Bishop Brooks know our plans, so that he may arrangeto be with us. I am glad Miss Eleanor is interested. Please giveher my love. I will see you to-morrow and then we can make therest of our plans. Please give your dear aunt teacher's and mylove and tell her that we enjoyed our little visit very muchindeed.Lovingly yours,HELEN KELLER.TO MR. JOHN P. SPAULDINGSouth Boston, May 11th, 1892.My dear Mr. Spaulding:—I am afraid you will think your littlefriend, Helen, very troublesome when you read this letter; but Iam sure you will not blame me when I tell you that I am veryanxious about something. You remember teacher and I told youSunday that I wanted to have a little tea in aid of thekindergarten. We thought everything was arranged: but we foundMonday that Mrs. Elliott would not be willing to let us invitemore than fifty people, because Mrs. Howe's house is quite small.I am sure that a great many people would like to come to the tea,and help me do something to brighten the lives of little blindchildren; but some of my friends say that I shall have to give upthe idea of having a tea unless we can find another house.Teacher said yesterday, that perhaps Mrs. Spaulding would bewilling to let us have her beautiful house, and [I] thought Iwould ask you about it. Do you think Mrs. Spaulding would helpme, if I wrote to her? I shall be so disappointed if my littleplans fail, because I have wanted for a long time to do somethingfor the poor little ones who are waiting to enter thekindergarten. Please let me know what you think about the house,and try to forgive me for troubling you so much.Lovingly your little friend,HELEN KELLER.TO MR. EDWARD H. CLEMENTSouth Boston, May 18th, 1892.My dear Mr. Clement:—I am going to write to you this beautifulmorning because my heart is brimful of happiness and I want youand all my dear friends in the Transcript office to rejoice withme. The preparations for my tea are nearly completed, and I amlooking forward joyfully to the event. I know I shall not fail.Kind people will not disappoint me, when they know that I pleadfor helpless little children who live in darkness and ignorance.They will come to my tea and buy light,—the beautiful light ofknowledge and love for many little ones who are blind andfriendless. I remember perfectly when my dear teacher came to me.Then I was like the little blind children who are waiting toenter the kindergarten. There was no light in my soul. Thiswonderful world with all its sunlight and beauty was hidden fromme, and I had never dreamed of its loveliness. But teacher cameto me and taught my little fingers to use the beautiful key thathas unlocked the door of my dark prison and set my spirit free.It is my earnest wish to share my happiness with others, and Iask the kind people of Boston to help me make the lives of littleblind children brighter and happier.Lovingly your little friend,HELEN KELLER.At the end of June Miss Sullivan and Helen went home toTuscumbia.TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYTuscumbia, Alabama, July 9th 1892.My dear Carrie—You are to look upon it as a most positive proofof my love that I write to you to-day. For a whole week it hasbeen "cold and dark and dreary" in Tuscumbia, and I must confessthe continuous rain and dismalness of the weather fills me withgloomy thoughts and makes the writing of letters, or any pleasantemployment, seem quite impossible. Nevertheless, I must tell youthat we are alive,—that we reached home safely, and that wespeak of you daily, and enjoy your interesting letters very much.I had a beautiful visit at Hulton. Everything was fresh andspring-like, and we stayed out of doors all day. We even ate ourbreakfast out on the piazza. Sometimes we sat in the hammock, andteacher read to me. I rode horseback nearly every evening andonce I rode five miles at a fast gallop. O, it was great fun! Doyou like to ride? I have a very pretty little cart now, and if itever stops raining teacher and I are going to drive everyevening. And I have another beautiful Mastiff—the largest one Iever saw—and he will go along to protect us. His name is Eumer.A queer name, is it not? I think it is Saxon. We expect to go tothe mountains next week. My little brother, Phillips, is notwell, and we think the clear mountain air will benefit him.Mildred is a sweet little sister and I am sure you would loveher. I thank you very much for your photograph. I like to have myfriends' pictures even though I cannot see them. I was greatlyamused at the idea of your writing the square hand. I do notwrite on a Braille tablet, as you suppose, but on a grooved boardlike the piece which I enclose. You could not read Braille; forit is written in dots, not at all like ordinary letters. Pleasegive my love to Miss Derby and tell her that I hope she gave mysweetest love to Baby Ruth. What was the book you sent me for mybirthday? I received several, and I do not know which was fromyou. I had one gift which especially pleased me. It was a lovelycape crocheted, for me, by an old gentleman, seventy-five yearsof age. And every stitch, he writes, represents a kind wish formy health and happiness. Tell your little cousins I think theyhad better get upon the fence with me until after the election;for there are so many parties and candidates that I doubt if suchyouthful politicians would make a wise selection. Please give mylove to Rosy when you write, and believe me,Your loving friendHELEN KELLER.P.S. How do you like this type-written letter?H. K.TO MRS. GROVER CLEVELANDMy dear Mrs. Cleveland,I am going to write you a little letter this beautiful morningbecause I love you and dear little Ruth very much indeed, andalso because I wish to thank you for the loving message which yousent me through Miss Derby. I am glad, very glad that such akind, beautiful lady loves me. I have loved you for a long time,but I did not think you had ever heard of me until your sweetmessage came. Please kiss your dear little baby for me, and tellher I have a little brother nearly sixteen months old. His nameis Phillips Brooks. I named him myself after my dear friendPhillips Brooks. I send you with this letter a pretty book whichmy teacher thinks will interest you, and my picture. Pleaseaccept them with the love and good wishes of your friend,HELEN KELLER.Tuscumbia, Alabama.November fourth. [1892.]Hitherto the letters have been given in full; from this point onpassages are omitted and the omissions are indicated.TO MR. JOHN HITZTuscumbia, Alabama, Dec. 19, 1892.My Dear Mr. Hitz,I hardly know how to begin a letter to you, it has been such along time since your kind letter reached me, and there is so muchthat I would like to write if I could. You must have wondered whyyour letter has not had an answer, and perhaps you have thoughtTeacher and me very naughty indeed. If so, you will be very sorrywhen I tell you something. Teacher's eyes have been hurting herso that she could not write to any one, and I have been trying tofulfil a promise which I made last summer. Before I left Boston,I was asked to write a sketch of my life for the Youth'sCompanion. I had intended to write the sketch during my vacation:but I was not well, and I did not feel able to write even to myfriends. But when the bright, pleasant autumn days came, and Ifelt strong again I began to think about the sketch. It was sometime before I could plan it to suit me. You see, it is not verypleasant to write all about one's self. At last, however, I gotsomething bit by bit that Teacher thought would do, and I setabout putting the scraps together, which was not an easy task:for, although I worked some on it every day, I did not finish ituntil a week ago Saturday. I sent the sketch to the Companion assoon as it was finished; but I do not know that they will acceptit. Since then, I have not been well, and I have been obliged tokeep very quiet, and rest; but to-day I am better, and to-morrowI shall be well again, I hope.The reports which you have read in the paper about me are nottrue at all. We received the Silent Worker which you sent, and Iwrote right away to the editor to tell him that it was a mistake.Sometimes I am not well; but I am not a "wreck," and there isnothing "distressing" about my condition.I enjoyed your dear letter so much! I am always delighted whenanyone writes me a beautiful thought which I can treasure in mymemory forever. It is because my books are full of the riches ofwhich Mr. Ruskin speaks that I love them so dearly. I did notrealize until I began to write the sketch for the Companion, whatprecious companions books have been to me, and how blessed evenmy life has been: and now I am happier than ever because I dorealize the happiness that has come to me. I hope you will writeto me as often as you can. Teacher and I are always delighted tohear from you. I want to write to Mr. Bell and send him mypicture. I suppose he has been too busy to write to his littlefriend. I often think of the pleasant time we had all together inBoston last spring.Now I am going to tell you a secret. I think we, Teacher, and myfather and little sister, and myself, will visit Washington nextMarch!!! Then I shall see you, and dear Mr. Bell, and Elsie andDaisy again! Would not it be lovely if Mrs. Pratt could meet usthere? I think I will write to her and tell her the secrettoo....Lovingly your little friend,HELEN KELLER.P.S. Teacher says you want to know what kind of a pet I wouldlike to have. I love all living things,—I suppose everyone does;but of course I cannot have a menagerie. I have a beautiful pony,and a large dog. And I would like a little dog to hold in my lap,or a big pussy (there are no fine cats in Tuscumbia) or a parrot.I would like to feel a parrot talk, it would be so much fun! butI would be pleased with, and love any little creature you sendme.H. K.TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYTuscumbia, Alabama, February 18, 1893....You have often been in my thoughts during these sad days,while my heart has been grieving over the loss of my belovedfriend [Phillips Brooks died January 23, 1893], and I have wishedmany times that I was in Boston with those who knew and loved himas I did... he was so much of a friend to me! so tender andloving always! I do try not to mourn his death too sadly. I dotry to think that he is still near, very near; but sometimes thethought that he is not here, that I shall not see him when I goto Boston,—that he is gone,—rushes over my soul like a greatwave of sorrow. But at other times, when I am happier, I do feelhis beautiful presence, and his loving hand leading me inpleasant ways. Do you remember the happy hour we spent with himlast June when he held my hand, as he always did, and talked tous about his friend Tennyson, and our own dear poet Dr. Holmes,and I tried to teach him the manual alphabet, and he laughed sogaily over his mistakes, and afterward I told him about my tea,and he promised to come? I can hear him now, saying in hischeerful, decided way, in reply to my wish that my tea might be asuccess, "Of course it will, Helen. Put your whole heart in thegood work, my child, and it cannot fail." I am glad the peopleare going to raise a monument to his memory....In March Helen and Miss Sullivan went North, and spent the nextfew months traveling and visiting friends.In reading this letter about Niagara one should remember thatMiss Keller knows distance and shape, and that the size ofNiagara is within her experience after she has explored it,crossed the bridge and gone down in the elevator. Especiallyimportant are such details as her feeling the rush of the waterby putting her hand on the window. Dr. Bell gave her a downpillow, which she held against her to increase the vibrations.TO MRS. KATE ADAMS KELLERSouth Boston, April 13, 1893....Teacher, Mrs. Pratt and I very unexpectedly decided to take ajourney with dear Dr. Bell Mr. Westervelt, a gentleman whomfather met in Washington, has a school for the deaf in Rochester.We went there first....Mr. Westervelt gave us a reception one afternoon. A great manypeople came. Some of them asked odd questions. A lady seemedsurprised that I loved flowers when I could not see theirbeautiful colors, and when I assured her I did love them, shesaid, "no doubt you feel the colors with your fingers." But ofcourse, it is not alone for their bright colors that we love theflowers.... A gentleman asked me what BEAUTY meant to my mind. Imust confess I was puzzled at first. But after a minute Ianswered that beauty was a form of goodness—and he went away.When the reception was over we went back to the hotel and teacherslept quite unconscious of the surprise which was in store forher. Mr. Bell and I planned it together, and Mr. Bell made allthe arrangements before we told teacher anything about it. Thiswas the surprise—I was to have the pleasure of taking my dearteacher to see Niagara Falls!...The hotel was so near the river that I could feel it rushing pastby putting my hand on the window. The next morning the sun rosebright and warm, and we got up quickly for our hearts were fullof pleasant expectation.... You can never imagine how I felt whenI stood in the presence of Niagara until you have the samemysterious sensations yourself. I could hardly realize that itwas water that I felt rushing and plunging with impetuous fury atmy feet. It seemed as if it were some living thing rushing on tosome terrible fate. I wish I could describe the cataract as itis, its beauty and awful grandeur, and the fearful andirresistible plunge of its waters over the brow of the precipice.One feels helpless and overwhelmed in the presence of such a vastforce. I had the same feeling once before when I first stood bythe great ocean and felt its waves beating against the shore. Isuppose you feel so, too, when you gaze up to the stars in thestillness of the night, do you not?... We went down a hundred andtwenty feet in an elevator that we might see the violent eddiesand whirlpools in the deep gorge below the Falls. Within twomiles of the Falls is a wonderful suspension bridge. It is thrownacross the gorge at a height of two hundred and fifty-eight feetabove the water and is supported on each bank by towers of solidrock, which are eight hundred feet apart. When we crossed over tothe Canadian side, I cried, "God save the Queen!" Teacher said Iwas a little traitor. But I do not think so. I was only doing asthe Canadians do, while I was in their country, and besides Ihonor England's good queen.You will be pleased, dear Mother, to hear that a kind lady whosename is Miss Hooker is endeavoring to improve my speech. Oh, I doso hope and pray that I shall speak well some day!...Mr. Munsell spent last Sunday evening with us. How you would haveenjoyed hearing him tell about Venice! His beautifulword-pictures made us feel as if we were sitting in the shadow ofSan Marco, dreaming, or sailing upon the moonlit canal.... I hopewhen I visit Venice, as I surely shall some day, that Mr. Munsellwill go with me. That is my castle in the air. You see, none ofmy friends describe things to me so vividly and so beautifully ashe does....Her visit to the World's Fair she described in a letter to Mr.John P. Spaulding, which was published in St. Nicholas, and ismuch like the following letter. In a prefatory note which MissSullivan wrote for St. Nicholas, she says that people frequentlysaid to her, "Helen sees more with her fingers than we do withour eyes." The President of the Exposition gave her this letter:TO THE CHIEFS OF THE DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICERS IN CHARGE OFBUILDINGS AND EXHIBITSGENTLEMEN—The bearer, Miss Helen Keller, accompanied by MissSullivan, is desirous of making a complete inspection of theExposition in all Departments. She is blind and deaf, but is ableto converse, and is introduced to me as one having a wonderfulability to understand the objects she visits, and as beingpossessed of a high order of intelligence and of culture beyondher years. Please favour her with every facility to examine theexhibits in the several Departments, and extend to her such othercourtesies as may be possible.Thanking you in advance for the same, I am, with respect,Very truly yours,(signed) H. N. HIGINBOTHAM,President.TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYHulton, Penn., August 17, 1893....Every one at the Fair was very kind to me... Nearly all of theexhibitors seemed perfectly willing to let me touch the mostdelicate things, and they were very nice about explainingeverything to me. A French gentleman, whose name I cannotremember, showed me the great French bronzes. I believe they gaveme more pleasure than anything else at the Fair: they were solifelike and wonderful to my touch. Dr. Bell went with us himselfto the electrical building, and showed us some of the historicaltelephones. I saw the one through which Emperor Dom Pedrolistened to the words, "To be, or not to be," at the Centennial.Dr. Gillett of Illinois took us to the Liberal Arts and Woman'sbuildings. In the former I visited Tiffany's exhibit, and heldthe beautiful Tiffany diamond, which is valued at one hundredthousand dollars, and touched many other rare and costly things.I sat in King Ludwig's armchair and felt like a queen when Dr.Gillett remarked that I had many loyal subjects. At the Woman'sbuilding we met the Princess Maria Schaovskoy of Russia, and abeautiful Syrian lady. I liked them both very much. I went to theJapanese department with Prof. Morse who is a well-knownlecturer. I never realized what a wonderful people the Japaneseare until I saw their most interesting exhibit. Japan must indeedbe a paradise for children to judge from the great number ofplaythings which are manufactured there. The queer-lookingJapanese musical instruments, and their beautiful works of artwere interesting. The Japanese books are very odd. There areforty-seven letters in their alphabets. Prof. Morse knows a greatdeal about Japan, and is very kind and wise. He invited me tovisit his museum in Salem the next time I go to Boston. But Ithink I enjoyed the sails on the tranquil lagoon, and the lovelyscenes, as my friends described them to me, more than anythingelse at the Fair. Once, while we were out on the water, the sunwent down over the rim of the earth, and threw a soft, rosy lightover the White City, making it look more than ever likeDreamland....Of course, we visited the Midway Plaisance. It was a bewilderingand fascinating place. I went into the streets of Cairo, and rodeon the camel. That was fine fun. We also rode in the Ferriswheel, and on the ice-railway, and had a sail in theWhale-back....In the spring of 1893 a club was started in Tuscumbia, of whichMrs. Keller was president, to establish a public library. MissKeller says:"I wrote to my friends about the work and enlisted theirsympathy. Several hundred books, including many fine ones, weresent to me in a short time, as well as money and encouragement.This generous assistance encouraged the ladies, and they havegone on collecting and buying books ever since, until now theyhave a very respectable public library in the town."TO MRS. CHARLES E. INCHESHulton, Penn., Oct. 21, 1893....We spent September at home in Tuscumbia... and were all veryhappy together.... Our quiet mountain home was especiallyattractive and restful after the excitement and fatigue of ourvisit to the World's Fair. We enjoyed the beauty and solitude ofthe hills more than ever.And now we are in Hulton, Penn. again where I am going to studythis winter with a tutor assisted by my dear teacher. I studyArithmetic, Latin and literature. I enjoy my lessons very much.It is so pleasant to learn about new things. Every day I find howlittle I know, but I do not feel discouraged since God has givenme an eternity in which to learn more. In literature I amstudying Longfellow's poetry. I know a great deal of it by heart,for I loved it long before I knew a metaphor from a synecdoche. Iused to say I did not like arithmetic very well, but now I havechanged my mind. I see what a good and useful study it is, thoughI must confess my mind wanders from it sometimes! for, nice anduseful as arithmetic is, it is not as interesting as a beautifulpoem or a lovely story. But bless me, how time does fly. I haveonly a few moments left in which to answer your questions aboutthe "Helen Keller" Public Library.1. I think there are about 3,000 people in Tuscumbia, Ala., andperhaps half of them are colored people. 2. At present there isno library of any sort in the town. That is why I thought aboutstarting one. My mother and several of my lady friends said theywould help me, and they formed a club, the object of which is towork for the establishment of a free public library in Tuscumbia.They have now about 100 books and about $55 in money, and a kindgentleman has given us land on which to erect a library building.But in the meantime the club has rented a little room in acentral part of the town, and the books which we already have arefree to all. 3. Only a few of my kind friends in Boston knowanything about the library. I did not like to trouble them whileI was trying to get money for poor little Tommy, for of course itwas more important that he should be educated than that my peopleshould have books to read. 4. I do not know what books we have,but I think it is a miscellaneous (I think that is the word)collection....P.S. My teacher thinks it would be more businesslike to say thata list of the contributors toward the building fund will be keptand published in my father's paper, the "North Alabamian."H. K.TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYHulton, Penn., December 28, 1893....Please thank dear Miss Derby for me for the pretty shieldwhich she sent me. It is a very interesting souvenir of Columbus,and of the Fair White City; but I cannot imagine what discoveriesI have made,—I mean new discoveries. We are all discoverers inone sense, being born quite ignorant of all things; but I hardlythink that is what she meant. Tell her she must explain why I ama discoverer....TO DR. EDWARD EVERETT HALEHulton, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1894My dear Cousin: I had thought to write to you long before this inanswer to your kind letter which I was so glad to receive, and tothank you for the beautiful little book which you sent me; but Ihave been very busy since the beginning of the New Year. Thepublication of my little story in the Youth's Companion hasbrought me a large number of letters,—last week I receivedsixty-one!—and besides replying to some of these letters, I havemany lessons to learn, among them Arithmetic and Latin; and, youknow, Caesar is Caesar still, imperious and tyrannical, and if alittle girl would understand so great a man, and the wars andconquests of which he tells in his beautiful Latin language, shemust study much and think much, and study and thought requiretime.I shall prize the little book always, not only for its own value;but because of its associations with you. It is a delight tothink of you as the giver of one of your books into which, I amsure, you have wrought your own thoughts and feelings, and Ithank you very much for remembering me in such a very beautifulway....In February Helen and Miss Sullivan returned to Tuscumbia. Theyspent the rest of the spring reading and studying. In the summerthey attended the meeting at Chautauqua of the AmericanAssociation for the Promotion of the Teaching of Speech to theDeaf, where Miss Sullivan read a paper on Helen Keller'seducation.In the fall Helen and Miss Sullivan entered the Wright-HumasonSchool in New York, which makes a special of lip-reading andvoice-culture. The "singing lessons" were to strengthen hervoice. She had taken a few piano lessons at the PerkinsInstitution. The experiment was interesting, but of course cameto little.TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYThe Wright-Humason School.42 West 76th St.New York. Oct. 23, 1894....The school is very pleasant, and bless you! it is quitefashionable.... I study Arithmetic, English Literature and UnitedStates History as I did last winter. I also keep a diary. I enjoymy singing lessons with Dr. Humason more than I can say. I expectto take piano lessons sometime....Last Saturday our kind teachers planned a delightful trip toBedloe's Island to see Bartholdi's great statue of Libertyenlightening the world.... The ancient cannon, which lookseaward, wear a very menacing expression; but I doubt if there isany unkindness in their rusty old hearts.Liberty is a gigantic figure of a woman in Greek draperies,holding in her right hand a torch.... A spiral stairway leadsfrom the base of this pedestal to the torch. We climbed up to thehead which will hold forty persons, and viewed the scene on whichLiberty gazes day and night, and O, how wonderful it was! We didnot wonder that the great French artist thought the place worthyto be the home of his grand ideal. The glorious bay lay calm andbeautiful in the October sunshine, and the ships came and wentlike idle dreams; those seaward going slowly disappeared likeclouds that change from gold to gray; those homeward coming spedmore quickly like birds that seek their mother's nest....TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYThe Wright-Humason School.New York, March 15, 1895....I think I have improved a little in lip-reading, though Istill find it very difficult to read rapid speech; but I am sureI shall succeed some day if I only persevere. Dr. Humason isstill trying to improve my speech. Oh, Carrie, how I should liketo speak like other people! I should be willing to work night andday if it could only be accomplished. Think what a joy it wouldbe to all of my friends to hear me speak naturally!! I wonder whyit is so difficult and perplexing for a deaf child to learn tospeak when it is so easy for other people; but I am sure I shallspeak perfectly some time if I am only patient....Although I have been so busy, I have found time to read a gooddeal.... I have lately read "Wilhelm Tell" by Schiller, and "TheLost Vestal."... Now I am reading "Nathan the Wise" by Lessingand "King Arthur" by Miss Mulock....You know our kind teachers take us to see everything whichthey think will interest us, and we learn a great deal in thatdelightful way. On George Washington's birthday we all went tothe Dog Show, and although there was a great crowd in the MadisonSquare Garden, and despite the bewilderment caused by the varietyof sounds made by the dog-orchestra, which was very confusing tothose who could hear them, we enjoyed the afternoon very much.Among the dogs which received the most attention were thebulldogs. They permitted themselves startling liberties when anyone caressed them, crowding themselves almost into one's arms andhelping themselves without ceremony to kisses, apparentlyunconscious of the impropriety of their conduct. Dear me, whatunbeautiful little beasts they are! But they are so good naturedand friendly, one cannot help liking them.Dr. Humason, Teacher, and I left the others at the Dog Show andwent to a reception given by the "Metropolitan Club."... It issometimes called the "Millionaires' Club." The building ismagnificent, being built of white marble; the rooms are large andsplendidly furnished; but I must confess, so much splendor israther oppressive to me; and I didn't envy the millionaires inthe least all the happiness their gorgeous surroundings aresupposed to bring them....TO MRS. KATE ADAMS KELLERNew York, March 31, 1895....Teacher and I spent the afternoon at Mr. Hutton's, and had amost delightful time!... We met Mr. Clemens and Mr. Howellsthere! I had known about them for a long time; but I had neverthought that I should see them, and talk to them; and I canscarcely realize now that this great pleasure has been mine! But,much as I wonder that I, only a little girl of fourteen, shouldcome in contact with so many distinguished people, I do realizethat I am a very happy child, and very grateful for the manybeautiful privileges I have enjoyed. The two distinguishedauthors were very gentle and kind, and I could not tell which ofthem I loved best. Mr. Clemens told us many entertaining stories,and made us laugh till we cried. I only wish you could have seenand heard him! He told us that he would go to Europe in a fewdays to bring his wife and his daughter, Jeanne, back to America,because Jeanne, who is studying in Paris, has learned so much inthree years and a half that if he did not bring her home, shewould soon know more than he did. I think Mark Twain is a veryappropriate nom de plume for Mr. Clemens because it has a funnyand quaint sound, and goes well with his amusing writings, andits nautical significance suggests the deep and beautiful thingsthat he has written. I think he is very handsome indeed....Teacher said she thought he looked something like Paradeuski. (Ifthat is the way to spell the name.) Mr. Howells told me a littleabout Venice, which is one of his favorite cities, and spoke verytenderly of his dear little girl, Winnifred, who is now with God.He has another daughter, named Mildred, who knows Carrie. I mighthave seen Mrs. Wiggin, the sweet author of "Birds' ChristmasCarol," but she had a dangerous cough and could not come. I wasmuch disappointed not to see her, but I hope I shall have thatpleasure some other time. Mr. Hutton gave me a lovely littleglass, shaped like a thistle, which belonged to his dear mother,as a souvenir of my delightful visit. We also met Mr. Rogers...who kindly left his carriage to bring us home.When the Wright-Humason School closed for the summer, MissSullivan and Helen went South.TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTONTuscumbia, Alabama, July 29, 1895....I am spending my vacation very quietly and pleasantly at mybeautiful, sunny home, with my loving parents, my darling littlesister and my small brother, Phillips My precious teacher iswith me too, and so of course I am happy I read a little, walk alittle, write a little and play with the children a great deal,and the days slip by delightfully!...My friends are so pleased with the improvement which I made inspeech and lip-reading last year, that it has been decided bestfor me to continue my studies in New York another year I amdelighted at the prospect, of spending another year in your greatcity I used to think that I should never feel "at home" in NewYork, but since I have made the acquaintance of so many people,and can look back to such a bright and successful winter there, Ifind myself looking forward to next year, and anticipating stillbrighter and better times in the MetropolisPlease give my kindest love to Mr Hutton, and Mrs Riggs and MrWarner too, although I have never had the pleasure of knowing himpersonally As I listen Venicewards, I hear Mr Hutton's pendancing over the pages of his new book It is a pleasant soundbecause it is full of promise How much I shall enjoy reading it!Please pardon me, my dear Mrs Hutton, for sending you atypewritten letter across the ocean I have tried several timesto write with a pencil on my little writing machine since I camehome; but I have found it very difficult to do so on account ofthe heat The moisture of my hand soils and blurs the paper sodreadfully, that I am compelled to use my typewriter altogetherAnd it is not my "Remington" either, but a naughty little thingthat gets out of order on the slightest provocation, and cannotbe induced to make a period...TO MRS. WILLIAM THAWNew York, October 16, 1895.Here we are once more in the great metropolis! We left HultonFriday night and arrived here Saturday morning. Our friends weregreatly surprised to see us, as they had not expected us beforethe last of this month. I rested Saturday afternoon, for I wasvery tired, and Sunday I visited with my schoolmates, and nowthat I feel quite rested, I am going to write to you; for I knowyou will want to hear that we reached New York safely. We had tochange cars at Philadelphia; but we did not mind it much. Afterwe had had our breakfast, Teacher asked one of the train-men inthe station if the New York train was made up. He said no, itwould not be called for about fifteen minutes; so we sat down towait; but in a moment the man came back and asked Teacher if wewould like to go to the train at once. She said we would, and hetook us way out on the track and put us on board our train. Thuswe avoided the rush and had a nice quiet visit before the trainstarted. Was that not very kind? So it always is. Some one isever ready to scatter little acts of kindness along our pathway,making it smooth and pleasant...We had a quiet but very pleasant time in Hulton. Mr. Wade is justas dear and good as ever! He has lately had several books printedin England for me, "Old Mortality," "The Castle of Otranto" and"King of No-land."...TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYNew York, December 29, 1895....Teacher and I have been very gay of late. We have seen ourkind friends, Mrs. Dodge, Mr. and Mrs. Hutton, Mrs. Riggs and herhusband, and met many distinguished people, among whom were MissEllen Terry, Sir Henry Irving and Mr. Stockton! Weren't we veryfortunate? Miss Terry was lovely. She kissed Teacher and said, "Ido not know whether I am glad to see you or not; for I feel soashamed of myself when I think of how much you have done for thelittle girl." We also met Mr. and Mrs. Terry, Miss Terry'sbrother and his wife. I thought her beauty angellic, and oh, whata clear, beautiful voice she had! We saw Miss Terry again withSir Henry in "King Charles the First," a week ago last Friday,and after the play they kindly let me feel of them and get anidea of how they looked. How noble and kingly the King was,especially in his misfortunes! And how pretty and faithful thepoor Queen was! The play seemed so real, we almost forgot wherewe were, and believed we were watching the genuine scenes as theywere acted so long ago. The last act affected us most deeply, andwe all wept, wondering how the executioner could have the heartto tear the King from his loving wife's arms.I have just finished reading "Ivanhoe." It was very exciting; butI must say I did not enjoy it very much. Sweet Rebecca, with herstrong, brave spirit, and her pure, generous nature, was the onlycharacter which thoroughly won my admiration. Now I am reading"Stories from Scottish History," and they are very thrilling andabsorbing!...The next two letters were written just after the death of Mr.John P. Spaulding.TO MRS. GEORGE H. BRADFORDNew York, February 4, 1896.What can I say which will make you understand how much Teacherand I appreciate your thoughtful kindness in sending us thoselittle souvenirs of the dear room where we first met the best andkindest of friends? Indeed, you can never know all the comfortyou have given us. We have put the dear picture on themantel-piece in our room where we can see it every day, and Ioften go and touch it, and somehow I cannot help feeling that ourbeloved friend is very near to me.... It was very hard to take upour school work again, as if nothing had happened; but I am sureit is well that we have duties which must be done, and which takeour minds away for a time at least from our sorrow....TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYNew York, March 2nd, 1896....We miss dear King John sadly. It was so hard to lose him, hewas the best and kindest of friends, and I do not know what weshall do without him....We went to a poultry-show... and the man there kindly permittedus to feel of the birds. They were so tame, they stood perfectlystill when I handled them. I saw great big turkeys, geese,guineas, ducks and many others.Almost two weeks ago we called at Mr. Hutton's and had adelightful time. We always do! We met Mr. Warner, the writer, Mr.Mabie, the editor of the Outlook and other pleasant people. I amsure you would like to know Mr. and Mrs. Hutton, they are so kindand interesting. I can never tell you how much pleasure they havegiven us.Mr. Warner and Mr. Burroughs, the great lover of nature, came tosee us a few days after, and we had a delightful talk with them.They were both very, very dear! Mr. Burroughs told me about hishome near the Hudson, and what a happy place it must be! I hopewe shall visit it some day. Teacher has read me his livelystories about his boyhood, and I enjoyed them greatly. Have youread the beautiful poem, "Waiting"? I know it, and it makes mefeel so happy, it has such sweet thoughts. Mr. Warner showed me ascarf-pin with a beetle on it which was made in Egypt fifteenhundred years before Christ, and told me that the beetle meantimmortality to the Egyptians because it wrapped itself up andwent to sleep and came out again in a new form, thus renewingitself.TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYNew York, April 25, 1896....My studies are the same as they were when I saw you, exceptthat I have taken up French with a French teacher who comes threetimes a week. I read her lips almost exclusively, (she does notknow the manual alphabet) and we get on quite well. I have read"Le Medecin Malgre Lui," a very good French comedy by Moliere,with pleasure; and they say I speak French pretty well now, andGerman also. Anyway, French and German people understand what Iam trying to say, and that is very encouraging. In voice-trainingI have still the same old difficulties to contend against; andthe fulfilment of my wish to speak well seems O, so far away!Sometimes I feel sure that I catch a faint glimpse of the goal Iam striving for, but in another minute a bend in the road hidesit from my view, and I am again left wandering in the dark! But Itry hard not to be discouraged. Surely we shall all find at lastthe ideals we are seeking....TO MR. JOHN HITZBrewster, Mass. July 15, 1896....As to the book, I am sure I shall enjoy it very much when I amadmitted, by the magic of Teacher's dear fingers, into thecompanionship of the two sisters who went to the ImmortalFountain.As I sit by the window writing to you, it is so lovely to havethe soft, cool breezes fan my cheek and to feel that the hardwork of last year is over! Teacher seems to feel benefitted bythe change too; for she is already beginning to look like herdear old self. We only need you, dear Mr. Hitz, to complete ourhappiness. Teacher and Mrs. Hopkins both say you must come assoon as you can! We will try to make you comfortable.Teacher and I spent nine days at Philadelphia. Have you ever beenat Dr. Crouter's Institution? Mr. Howes has probably given you afull account of our doings. We were busy all the time; weattended the meetings and talked with hundreds of people, amongwhom were dear Dr. Bell, Mr. Banerji of Calcutta, Monsieur Magnatof Paris with whom I conversed in French exclusively, and manyother distinguished persons. We had looked forward to seeing youthere, and so we were greatly disappointed that you did not come.We think of you so, so often! and our hearts go out to you intenderest sympathy; and you know better than this poor letter cantell you how happy we always are to have you with us! I made a"speech" on July eighth, telling the members of the Associationwhat an unspeakable blessing speech has been to me, and urgingthem to give every little deaf child an opportunity to learn tospeak. Every one said I spoke very well and intelligibly. Aftermy little "speech," we attended a reception at which over sixhundred people were present. I must confess I do not like suchlarge receptions; the people crowd so, and we have to do so muchtalking; and yet it is at receptions like the one in Philadelphiathat we often meet friends whom we learn to love afterwards. Weleft the city last Thursday night, and arrived in Brewster Fridayafternoon. We missed the Cape Cod train Friday morning, and so wecame down to Provincetown in the steamer Longfellow. I am glad wedid so; for it was lovely and cool on the water, and BostonHarbor is always interesting.We spent about three weeks in Boston, after leaving New York, andI need not tell you we had a most delightful time. We visited ourgood friends, Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin, at Wrentham, out in thecountry, where they have a lovely home. Their house stands near acharming lake where we went boating and canoeing, which was greatfun. We also went in bathing several times. Mr. and Mrs.Chamberlin celebrated the 17th of June by giving a picnic totheir literary friends. There were about forty persons present,all of whom were writers and publishers. Our friend, Mr. Alden,the editor of Harper's was there, and of course we enjoyed hissociety very much....
This letter was reproduced in facsimile in St. Nicholas, June,1892. It is undated, but must have been written two or threemonths before it was published.To St. NicholasDear St. Nicholas:It gives me very great pleasure to send you my autograph becauseI want the boys and girls who read St. Nicholas to know how blindchildren write. I suppose some of them wonder how we keep thelines so straight so I will try to tell them how it is done. Wehave a grooved board which we put between the pages when we wishto write. The parallel grooves correspond to lines and when wehave pressed the paper into them by means of the blunt end of thepencil it is very easy to keep the words even. The small lettersare all made in the grooves, while the long ones extend above andbelow them. We guide the pencil with the right hand, and feelcarefully with the forefinger of the left hand to see that weshape and space the letters correctly. It is very difficult atfirst to form them plainly, but if we keep on trying it graduallybecomes easier, and after a great deal of practice we can writelegible letters to our friends. Then we are very, very happy.Sometime they may visit a school for the blind. If they do, I amsure they will wish to see the pupils write.Very sincerely your little friendHELEN KELLER.
In May, 1892, Helen gave a tea in aid of the kindergarten for theblind. It was quite her own idea, and was given in the house ofMrs. Mahlon D. Spaulding, sister of Mr. John P. Spaulding, one ofHelen's kindest and most liberal friends. The tea brought morethan two thousand dollars for the blind children.TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYSouth Boston, May 9, 1892.My dear Miss Carrie:—I was much pleased to receive your kindletter. Need I tell you that I was more than delighted to hearthat you are really interested in the "tea"? Of course we mustnot give it up. Very soon I am going far away, to my own dearhome, in the sunny south, and it would always make me happy tothink that the last thing which my dear friends in Boston did formy pleasure was to help make the lives of many little sightlesschildren good and happy. I know that kind people cannot helpfeeling a tender sympathy for the little ones, who cannot see thebeautiful light, or any of the wonderful things which give thempleasure; and it seems to me that all loving sympathy mustexpress itself in acts of kindness; and when the friends oflittle helpless blind children understand that we are working fortheir happiness, they will come and make our "tea" a success, andI am sure I shall be the happiest little girl in all the world.Please let Bishop Brooks know our plans, so that he may arrangeto be with us. I am glad Miss Eleanor is interested. Please giveher my love. I will see you to-morrow and then we can make therest of our plans. Please give your dear aunt teacher's and mylove and tell her that we enjoyed our little visit very muchindeed.Lovingly yours,HELEN KELLER.
TO MR. JOHN P. SPAULDINGSouth Boston, May 11th, 1892.My dear Mr. Spaulding:—I am afraid you will think your littlefriend, Helen, very troublesome when you read this letter; but Iam sure you will not blame me when I tell you that I am veryanxious about something. You remember teacher and I told youSunday that I wanted to have a little tea in aid of thekindergarten. We thought everything was arranged: but we foundMonday that Mrs. Elliott would not be willing to let us invitemore than fifty people, because Mrs. Howe's house is quite small.I am sure that a great many people would like to come to the tea,and help me do something to brighten the lives of little blindchildren; but some of my friends say that I shall have to give upthe idea of having a tea unless we can find another house.Teacher said yesterday, that perhaps Mrs. Spaulding would bewilling to let us have her beautiful house, and [I] thought Iwould ask you about it. Do you think Mrs. Spaulding would helpme, if I wrote to her? I shall be so disappointed if my littleplans fail, because I have wanted for a long time to do somethingfor the poor little ones who are waiting to enter thekindergarten. Please let me know what you think about the house,and try to forgive me for troubling you so much.Lovingly your little friend,HELEN KELLER.
TO MR. EDWARD H. CLEMENTSouth Boston, May 18th, 1892.My dear Mr. Clement:—I am going to write to you this beautifulmorning because my heart is brimful of happiness and I want youand all my dear friends in the Transcript office to rejoice withme. The preparations for my tea are nearly completed, and I amlooking forward joyfully to the event. I know I shall not fail.Kind people will not disappoint me, when they know that I pleadfor helpless little children who live in darkness and ignorance.They will come to my tea and buy light,—the beautiful light ofknowledge and love for many little ones who are blind andfriendless. I remember perfectly when my dear teacher came to me.Then I was like the little blind children who are waiting toenter the kindergarten. There was no light in my soul. Thiswonderful world with all its sunlight and beauty was hidden fromme, and I had never dreamed of its loveliness. But teacher cameto me and taught my little fingers to use the beautiful key thathas unlocked the door of my dark prison and set my spirit free.It is my earnest wish to share my happiness with others, and Iask the kind people of Boston to help me make the lives of littleblind children brighter and happier.Lovingly your little friend,HELEN KELLER.
At the end of June Miss Sullivan and Helen went home toTuscumbia.TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYTuscumbia, Alabama, July 9th 1892.My dear Carrie—You are to look upon it as a most positive proofof my love that I write to you to-day. For a whole week it hasbeen "cold and dark and dreary" in Tuscumbia, and I must confessthe continuous rain and dismalness of the weather fills me withgloomy thoughts and makes the writing of letters, or any pleasantemployment, seem quite impossible. Nevertheless, I must tell youthat we are alive,—that we reached home safely, and that wespeak of you daily, and enjoy your interesting letters very much.I had a beautiful visit at Hulton. Everything was fresh andspring-like, and we stayed out of doors all day. We even ate ourbreakfast out on the piazza. Sometimes we sat in the hammock, andteacher read to me. I rode horseback nearly every evening andonce I rode five miles at a fast gallop. O, it was great fun! Doyou like to ride? I have a very pretty little cart now, and if itever stops raining teacher and I are going to drive everyevening. And I have another beautiful Mastiff—the largest one Iever saw—and he will go along to protect us. His name is Eumer.A queer name, is it not? I think it is Saxon. We expect to go tothe mountains next week. My little brother, Phillips, is notwell, and we think the clear mountain air will benefit him.Mildred is a sweet little sister and I am sure you would loveher. I thank you very much for your photograph. I like to have myfriends' pictures even though I cannot see them. I was greatlyamused at the idea of your writing the square hand. I do notwrite on a Braille tablet, as you suppose, but on a grooved boardlike the piece which I enclose. You could not read Braille; forit is written in dots, not at all like ordinary letters. Pleasegive my love to Miss Derby and tell her that I hope she gave mysweetest love to Baby Ruth. What was the book you sent me for mybirthday? I received several, and I do not know which was fromyou. I had one gift which especially pleased me. It was a lovelycape crocheted, for me, by an old gentleman, seventy-five yearsof age. And every stitch, he writes, represents a kind wish formy health and happiness. Tell your little cousins I think theyhad better get upon the fence with me until after the election;for there are so many parties and candidates that I doubt if suchyouthful politicians would make a wise selection. Please give mylove to Rosy when you write, and believe me,Your loving friendHELEN KELLER.P.S. How do you like this type-written letter?H. K.
TO MRS. GROVER CLEVELANDMy dear Mrs. Cleveland,I am going to write you a little letter this beautiful morningbecause I love you and dear little Ruth very much indeed, andalso because I wish to thank you for the loving message which yousent me through Miss Derby. I am glad, very glad that such akind, beautiful lady loves me. I have loved you for a long time,but I did not think you had ever heard of me until your sweetmessage came. Please kiss your dear little baby for me, and tellher I have a little brother nearly sixteen months old. His nameis Phillips Brooks. I named him myself after my dear friendPhillips Brooks. I send you with this letter a pretty book whichmy teacher thinks will interest you, and my picture. Pleaseaccept them with the love and good wishes of your friend,HELEN KELLER.Tuscumbia, Alabama.November fourth. [1892.]
Hitherto the letters have been given in full; from this point onpassages are omitted and the omissions are indicated.TO MR. JOHN HITZTuscumbia, Alabama, Dec. 19, 1892.My Dear Mr. Hitz,I hardly know how to begin a letter to you, it has been such along time since your kind letter reached me, and there is so muchthat I would like to write if I could. You must have wondered whyyour letter has not had an answer, and perhaps you have thoughtTeacher and me very naughty indeed. If so, you will be very sorrywhen I tell you something. Teacher's eyes have been hurting herso that she could not write to any one, and I have been trying tofulfil a promise which I made last summer. Before I left Boston,I was asked to write a sketch of my life for the Youth'sCompanion. I had intended to write the sketch during my vacation:but I was not well, and I did not feel able to write even to myfriends. But when the bright, pleasant autumn days came, and Ifelt strong again I began to think about the sketch. It was sometime before I could plan it to suit me. You see, it is not verypleasant to write all about one's self. At last, however, I gotsomething bit by bit that Teacher thought would do, and I setabout putting the scraps together, which was not an easy task:for, although I worked some on it every day, I did not finish ituntil a week ago Saturday. I sent the sketch to the Companion assoon as it was finished; but I do not know that they will acceptit. Since then, I have not been well, and I have been obliged tokeep very quiet, and rest; but to-day I am better, and to-morrowI shall be well again, I hope.The reports which you have read in the paper about me are nottrue at all. We received the Silent Worker which you sent, and Iwrote right away to the editor to tell him that it was a mistake.Sometimes I am not well; but I am not a "wreck," and there isnothing "distressing" about my condition.I enjoyed your dear letter so much! I am always delighted whenanyone writes me a beautiful thought which I can treasure in mymemory forever. It is because my books are full of the riches ofwhich Mr. Ruskin speaks that I love them so dearly. I did notrealize until I began to write the sketch for the Companion, whatprecious companions books have been to me, and how blessed evenmy life has been: and now I am happier than ever because I dorealize the happiness that has come to me. I hope you will writeto me as often as you can. Teacher and I are always delighted tohear from you. I want to write to Mr. Bell and send him mypicture. I suppose he has been too busy to write to his littlefriend. I often think of the pleasant time we had all together inBoston last spring.Now I am going to tell you a secret. I think we, Teacher, and myfather and little sister, and myself, will visit Washington nextMarch!!! Then I shall see you, and dear Mr. Bell, and Elsie andDaisy again! Would not it be lovely if Mrs. Pratt could meet usthere? I think I will write to her and tell her the secrettoo....Lovingly your little friend,HELEN KELLER.P.S. Teacher says you want to know what kind of a pet I wouldlike to have. I love all living things,—I suppose everyone does;but of course I cannot have a menagerie. I have a beautiful pony,and a large dog. And I would like a little dog to hold in my lap,or a big pussy (there are no fine cats in Tuscumbia) or a parrot.I would like to feel a parrot talk, it would be so much fun! butI would be pleased with, and love any little creature you sendme.H. K.
TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYTuscumbia, Alabama, February 18, 1893....You have often been in my thoughts during these sad days,while my heart has been grieving over the loss of my belovedfriend [Phillips Brooks died January 23, 1893], and I have wishedmany times that I was in Boston with those who knew and loved himas I did... he was so much of a friend to me! so tender andloving always! I do try not to mourn his death too sadly. I dotry to think that he is still near, very near; but sometimes thethought that he is not here, that I shall not see him when I goto Boston,—that he is gone,—rushes over my soul like a greatwave of sorrow. But at other times, when I am happier, I do feelhis beautiful presence, and his loving hand leading me inpleasant ways. Do you remember the happy hour we spent with himlast June when he held my hand, as he always did, and talked tous about his friend Tennyson, and our own dear poet Dr. Holmes,and I tried to teach him the manual alphabet, and he laughed sogaily over his mistakes, and afterward I told him about my tea,and he promised to come? I can hear him now, saying in hischeerful, decided way, in reply to my wish that my tea might be asuccess, "Of course it will, Helen. Put your whole heart in thegood work, my child, and it cannot fail." I am glad the peopleare going to raise a monument to his memory....
In March Helen and Miss Sullivan went North, and spent the nextfew months traveling and visiting friends.In reading this letter about Niagara one should remember thatMiss Keller knows distance and shape, and that the size ofNiagara is within her experience after she has explored it,crossed the bridge and gone down in the elevator. Especiallyimportant are such details as her feeling the rush of the waterby putting her hand on the window. Dr. Bell gave her a downpillow, which she held against her to increase the vibrations.TO MRS. KATE ADAMS KELLERSouth Boston, April 13, 1893....Teacher, Mrs. Pratt and I very unexpectedly decided to take ajourney with dear Dr. Bell Mr. Westervelt, a gentleman whomfather met in Washington, has a school for the deaf in Rochester.We went there first....Mr. Westervelt gave us a reception one afternoon. A great manypeople came. Some of them asked odd questions. A lady seemedsurprised that I loved flowers when I could not see theirbeautiful colors, and when I assured her I did love them, shesaid, "no doubt you feel the colors with your fingers." But ofcourse, it is not alone for their bright colors that we love theflowers.... A gentleman asked me what BEAUTY meant to my mind. Imust confess I was puzzled at first. But after a minute Ianswered that beauty was a form of goodness—and he went away.When the reception was over we went back to the hotel and teacherslept quite unconscious of the surprise which was in store forher. Mr. Bell and I planned it together, and Mr. Bell made allthe arrangements before we told teacher anything about it. Thiswas the surprise—I was to have the pleasure of taking my dearteacher to see Niagara Falls!...The hotel was so near the river that I could feel it rushing pastby putting my hand on the window. The next morning the sun rosebright and warm, and we got up quickly for our hearts were fullof pleasant expectation.... You can never imagine how I felt whenI stood in the presence of Niagara until you have the samemysterious sensations yourself. I could hardly realize that itwas water that I felt rushing and plunging with impetuous fury atmy feet. It seemed as if it were some living thing rushing on tosome terrible fate. I wish I could describe the cataract as itis, its beauty and awful grandeur, and the fearful andirresistible plunge of its waters over the brow of the precipice.One feels helpless and overwhelmed in the presence of such a vastforce. I had the same feeling once before when I first stood bythe great ocean and felt its waves beating against the shore. Isuppose you feel so, too, when you gaze up to the stars in thestillness of the night, do you not?... We went down a hundred andtwenty feet in an elevator that we might see the violent eddiesand whirlpools in the deep gorge below the Falls. Within twomiles of the Falls is a wonderful suspension bridge. It is thrownacross the gorge at a height of two hundred and fifty-eight feetabove the water and is supported on each bank by towers of solidrock, which are eight hundred feet apart. When we crossed over tothe Canadian side, I cried, "God save the Queen!" Teacher said Iwas a little traitor. But I do not think so. I was only doing asthe Canadians do, while I was in their country, and besides Ihonor England's good queen.You will be pleased, dear Mother, to hear that a kind lady whosename is Miss Hooker is endeavoring to improve my speech. Oh, I doso hope and pray that I shall speak well some day!...Mr. Munsell spent last Sunday evening with us. How you would haveenjoyed hearing him tell about Venice! His beautifulword-pictures made us feel as if we were sitting in the shadow ofSan Marco, dreaming, or sailing upon the moonlit canal.... I hopewhen I visit Venice, as I surely shall some day, that Mr. Munsellwill go with me. That is my castle in the air. You see, none ofmy friends describe things to me so vividly and so beautifully ashe does....
Her visit to the World's Fair she described in a letter to Mr.John P. Spaulding, which was published in St. Nicholas, and ismuch like the following letter. In a prefatory note which MissSullivan wrote for St. Nicholas, she says that people frequentlysaid to her, "Helen sees more with her fingers than we do withour eyes." The President of the Exposition gave her this letter:TO THE CHIEFS OF THE DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICERS IN CHARGE OFBUILDINGS AND EXHIBITSGENTLEMEN—The bearer, Miss Helen Keller, accompanied by MissSullivan, is desirous of making a complete inspection of theExposition in all Departments. She is blind and deaf, but is ableto converse, and is introduced to me as one having a wonderfulability to understand the objects she visits, and as beingpossessed of a high order of intelligence and of culture beyondher years. Please favour her with every facility to examine theexhibits in the several Departments, and extend to her such othercourtesies as may be possible.Thanking you in advance for the same, I am, with respect,Very truly yours,(signed) H. N. HIGINBOTHAM,President.
TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYHulton, Penn., August 17, 1893....Every one at the Fair was very kind to me... Nearly all of theexhibitors seemed perfectly willing to let me touch the mostdelicate things, and they were very nice about explainingeverything to me. A French gentleman, whose name I cannotremember, showed me the great French bronzes. I believe they gaveme more pleasure than anything else at the Fair: they were solifelike and wonderful to my touch. Dr. Bell went with us himselfto the electrical building, and showed us some of the historicaltelephones. I saw the one through which Emperor Dom Pedrolistened to the words, "To be, or not to be," at the Centennial.Dr. Gillett of Illinois took us to the Liberal Arts and Woman'sbuildings. In the former I visited Tiffany's exhibit, and heldthe beautiful Tiffany diamond, which is valued at one hundredthousand dollars, and touched many other rare and costly things.I sat in King Ludwig's armchair and felt like a queen when Dr.Gillett remarked that I had many loyal subjects. At the Woman'sbuilding we met the Princess Maria Schaovskoy of Russia, and abeautiful Syrian lady. I liked them both very much. I went to theJapanese department with Prof. Morse who is a well-knownlecturer. I never realized what a wonderful people the Japaneseare until I saw their most interesting exhibit. Japan must indeedbe a paradise for children to judge from the great number ofplaythings which are manufactured there. The queer-lookingJapanese musical instruments, and their beautiful works of artwere interesting. The Japanese books are very odd. There areforty-seven letters in their alphabets. Prof. Morse knows a greatdeal about Japan, and is very kind and wise. He invited me tovisit his museum in Salem the next time I go to Boston. But Ithink I enjoyed the sails on the tranquil lagoon, and the lovelyscenes, as my friends described them to me, more than anythingelse at the Fair. Once, while we were out on the water, the sunwent down over the rim of the earth, and threw a soft, rosy lightover the White City, making it look more than ever likeDreamland....Of course, we visited the Midway Plaisance. It was a bewilderingand fascinating place. I went into the streets of Cairo, and rodeon the camel. That was fine fun. We also rode in the Ferriswheel, and on the ice-railway, and had a sail in theWhale-back....
In the spring of 1893 a club was started in Tuscumbia, of whichMrs. Keller was president, to establish a public library. MissKeller says:"I wrote to my friends about the work and enlisted theirsympathy. Several hundred books, including many fine ones, weresent to me in a short time, as well as money and encouragement.This generous assistance encouraged the ladies, and they havegone on collecting and buying books ever since, until now theyhave a very respectable public library in the town."
TO MRS. CHARLES E. INCHESHulton, Penn., Oct. 21, 1893....We spent September at home in Tuscumbia... and were all veryhappy together.... Our quiet mountain home was especiallyattractive and restful after the excitement and fatigue of ourvisit to the World's Fair. We enjoyed the beauty and solitude ofthe hills more than ever.And now we are in Hulton, Penn. again where I am going to studythis winter with a tutor assisted by my dear teacher. I studyArithmetic, Latin and literature. I enjoy my lessons very much.It is so pleasant to learn about new things. Every day I find howlittle I know, but I do not feel discouraged since God has givenme an eternity in which to learn more. In literature I amstudying Longfellow's poetry. I know a great deal of it by heart,for I loved it long before I knew a metaphor from a synecdoche. Iused to say I did not like arithmetic very well, but now I havechanged my mind. I see what a good and useful study it is, thoughI must confess my mind wanders from it sometimes! for, nice anduseful as arithmetic is, it is not as interesting as a beautifulpoem or a lovely story. But bless me, how time does fly. I haveonly a few moments left in which to answer your questions aboutthe "Helen Keller" Public Library.1. I think there are about 3,000 people in Tuscumbia, Ala., andperhaps half of them are colored people. 2. At present there isno library of any sort in the town. That is why I thought aboutstarting one. My mother and several of my lady friends said theywould help me, and they formed a club, the object of which is towork for the establishment of a free public library in Tuscumbia.They have now about 100 books and about $55 in money, and a kindgentleman has given us land on which to erect a library building.But in the meantime the club has rented a little room in acentral part of the town, and the books which we already have arefree to all. 3. Only a few of my kind friends in Boston knowanything about the library. I did not like to trouble them whileI was trying to get money for poor little Tommy, for of course itwas more important that he should be educated than that my peopleshould have books to read. 4. I do not know what books we have,but I think it is a miscellaneous (I think that is the word)collection....P.S. My teacher thinks it would be more businesslike to say thata list of the contributors toward the building fund will be keptand published in my father's paper, the "North Alabamian."H. K.
TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYHulton, Penn., December 28, 1893....Please thank dear Miss Derby for me for the pretty shieldwhich she sent me. It is a very interesting souvenir of Columbus,and of the Fair White City; but I cannot imagine what discoveriesI have made,—I mean new discoveries. We are all discoverers inone sense, being born quite ignorant of all things; but I hardlythink that is what she meant. Tell her she must explain why I ama discoverer....
TO DR. EDWARD EVERETT HALEHulton, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1894My dear Cousin: I had thought to write to you long before this inanswer to your kind letter which I was so glad to receive, and tothank you for the beautiful little book which you sent me; but Ihave been very busy since the beginning of the New Year. Thepublication of my little story in the Youth's Companion hasbrought me a large number of letters,—last week I receivedsixty-one!—and besides replying to some of these letters, I havemany lessons to learn, among them Arithmetic and Latin; and, youknow, Caesar is Caesar still, imperious and tyrannical, and if alittle girl would understand so great a man, and the wars andconquests of which he tells in his beautiful Latin language, shemust study much and think much, and study and thought requiretime.I shall prize the little book always, not only for its own value;but because of its associations with you. It is a delight tothink of you as the giver of one of your books into which, I amsure, you have wrought your own thoughts and feelings, and Ithank you very much for remembering me in such a very beautifulway....
In February Helen and Miss Sullivan returned to Tuscumbia. Theyspent the rest of the spring reading and studying. In the summerthey attended the meeting at Chautauqua of the AmericanAssociation for the Promotion of the Teaching of Speech to theDeaf, where Miss Sullivan read a paper on Helen Keller'seducation.In the fall Helen and Miss Sullivan entered the Wright-HumasonSchool in New York, which makes a special of lip-reading andvoice-culture. The "singing lessons" were to strengthen hervoice. She had taken a few piano lessons at the PerkinsInstitution. The experiment was interesting, but of course cameto little.TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYThe Wright-Humason School.42 West 76th St.New York. Oct. 23, 1894....The school is very pleasant, and bless you! it is quitefashionable.... I study Arithmetic, English Literature and UnitedStates History as I did last winter. I also keep a diary. I enjoymy singing lessons with Dr. Humason more than I can say. I expectto take piano lessons sometime....Last Saturday our kind teachers planned a delightful trip toBedloe's Island to see Bartholdi's great statue of Libertyenlightening the world.... The ancient cannon, which lookseaward, wear a very menacing expression; but I doubt if there isany unkindness in their rusty old hearts.Liberty is a gigantic figure of a woman in Greek draperies,holding in her right hand a torch.... A spiral stairway leadsfrom the base of this pedestal to the torch. We climbed up to thehead which will hold forty persons, and viewed the scene on whichLiberty gazes day and night, and O, how wonderful it was! We didnot wonder that the great French artist thought the place worthyto be the home of his grand ideal. The glorious bay lay calm andbeautiful in the October sunshine, and the ships came and wentlike idle dreams; those seaward going slowly disappeared likeclouds that change from gold to gray; those homeward coming spedmore quickly like birds that seek their mother's nest....
TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYThe Wright-Humason School.New York, March 15, 1895....I think I have improved a little in lip-reading, though Istill find it very difficult to read rapid speech; but I am sureI shall succeed some day if I only persevere. Dr. Humason isstill trying to improve my speech. Oh, Carrie, how I should liketo speak like other people! I should be willing to work night andday if it could only be accomplished. Think what a joy it wouldbe to all of my friends to hear me speak naturally!! I wonder whyit is so difficult and perplexing for a deaf child to learn tospeak when it is so easy for other people; but I am sure I shallspeak perfectly some time if I am only patient....Although I have been so busy, I have found time to read a gooddeal.... I have lately read "Wilhelm Tell" by Schiller, and "TheLost Vestal."... Now I am reading "Nathan the Wise" by Lessingand "King Arthur" by Miss Mulock....You know our kind teachers take us to see everything whichthey think will interest us, and we learn a great deal in thatdelightful way. On George Washington's birthday we all went tothe Dog Show, and although there was a great crowd in the MadisonSquare Garden, and despite the bewilderment caused by the varietyof sounds made by the dog-orchestra, which was very confusing tothose who could hear them, we enjoyed the afternoon very much.Among the dogs which received the most attention were thebulldogs. They permitted themselves startling liberties when anyone caressed them, crowding themselves almost into one's arms andhelping themselves without ceremony to kisses, apparentlyunconscious of the impropriety of their conduct. Dear me, whatunbeautiful little beasts they are! But they are so good naturedand friendly, one cannot help liking them.Dr. Humason, Teacher, and I left the others at the Dog Show andwent to a reception given by the "Metropolitan Club."... It issometimes called the "Millionaires' Club." The building ismagnificent, being built of white marble; the rooms are large andsplendidly furnished; but I must confess, so much splendor israther oppressive to me; and I didn't envy the millionaires inthe least all the happiness their gorgeous surroundings aresupposed to bring them....
TO MRS. KATE ADAMS KELLERNew York, March 31, 1895....Teacher and I spent the afternoon at Mr. Hutton's, and had amost delightful time!... We met Mr. Clemens and Mr. Howellsthere! I had known about them for a long time; but I had neverthought that I should see them, and talk to them; and I canscarcely realize now that this great pleasure has been mine! But,much as I wonder that I, only a little girl of fourteen, shouldcome in contact with so many distinguished people, I do realizethat I am a very happy child, and very grateful for the manybeautiful privileges I have enjoyed. The two distinguishedauthors were very gentle and kind, and I could not tell which ofthem I loved best. Mr. Clemens told us many entertaining stories,and made us laugh till we cried. I only wish you could have seenand heard him! He told us that he would go to Europe in a fewdays to bring his wife and his daughter, Jeanne, back to America,because Jeanne, who is studying in Paris, has learned so much inthree years and a half that if he did not bring her home, shewould soon know more than he did. I think Mark Twain is a veryappropriate nom de plume for Mr. Clemens because it has a funnyand quaint sound, and goes well with his amusing writings, andits nautical significance suggests the deep and beautiful thingsthat he has written. I think he is very handsome indeed....Teacher said she thought he looked something like Paradeuski. (Ifthat is the way to spell the name.) Mr. Howells told me a littleabout Venice, which is one of his favorite cities, and spoke verytenderly of his dear little girl, Winnifred, who is now with God.He has another daughter, named Mildred, who knows Carrie. I mighthave seen Mrs. Wiggin, the sweet author of "Birds' ChristmasCarol," but she had a dangerous cough and could not come. I wasmuch disappointed not to see her, but I hope I shall have thatpleasure some other time. Mr. Hutton gave me a lovely littleglass, shaped like a thistle, which belonged to his dear mother,as a souvenir of my delightful visit. We also met Mr. Rogers...who kindly left his carriage to bring us home.
When the Wright-Humason School closed for the summer, MissSullivan and Helen went South.TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTONTuscumbia, Alabama, July 29, 1895....I am spending my vacation very quietly and pleasantly at mybeautiful, sunny home, with my loving parents, my darling littlesister and my small brother, Phillips My precious teacher iswith me too, and so of course I am happy I read a little, walk alittle, write a little and play with the children a great deal,and the days slip by delightfully!...My friends are so pleased with the improvement which I made inspeech and lip-reading last year, that it has been decided bestfor me to continue my studies in New York another year I amdelighted at the prospect, of spending another year in your greatcity I used to think that I should never feel "at home" in NewYork, but since I have made the acquaintance of so many people,and can look back to such a bright and successful winter there, Ifind myself looking forward to next year, and anticipating stillbrighter and better times in the MetropolisPlease give my kindest love to Mr Hutton, and Mrs Riggs and MrWarner too, although I have never had the pleasure of knowing himpersonally As I listen Venicewards, I hear Mr Hutton's pendancing over the pages of his new book It is a pleasant soundbecause it is full of promise How much I shall enjoy reading it!Please pardon me, my dear Mrs Hutton, for sending you atypewritten letter across the ocean I have tried several timesto write with a pencil on my little writing machine since I camehome; but I have found it very difficult to do so on account ofthe heat The moisture of my hand soils and blurs the paper sodreadfully, that I am compelled to use my typewriter altogetherAnd it is not my "Remington" either, but a naughty little thingthat gets out of order on the slightest provocation, and cannotbe induced to make a period...
TO MRS. WILLIAM THAWNew York, October 16, 1895.Here we are once more in the great metropolis! We left HultonFriday night and arrived here Saturday morning. Our friends weregreatly surprised to see us, as they had not expected us beforethe last of this month. I rested Saturday afternoon, for I wasvery tired, and Sunday I visited with my schoolmates, and nowthat I feel quite rested, I am going to write to you; for I knowyou will want to hear that we reached New York safely. We had tochange cars at Philadelphia; but we did not mind it much. Afterwe had had our breakfast, Teacher asked one of the train-men inthe station if the New York train was made up. He said no, itwould not be called for about fifteen minutes; so we sat down towait; but in a moment the man came back and asked Teacher if wewould like to go to the train at once. She said we would, and hetook us way out on the track and put us on board our train. Thuswe avoided the rush and had a nice quiet visit before the trainstarted. Was that not very kind? So it always is. Some one isever ready to scatter little acts of kindness along our pathway,making it smooth and pleasant...We had a quiet but very pleasant time in Hulton. Mr. Wade is justas dear and good as ever! He has lately had several books printedin England for me, "Old Mortality," "The Castle of Otranto" and"King of No-land."...
TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYNew York, December 29, 1895....Teacher and I have been very gay of late. We have seen ourkind friends, Mrs. Dodge, Mr. and Mrs. Hutton, Mrs. Riggs and herhusband, and met many distinguished people, among whom were MissEllen Terry, Sir Henry Irving and Mr. Stockton! Weren't we veryfortunate? Miss Terry was lovely. She kissed Teacher and said, "Ido not know whether I am glad to see you or not; for I feel soashamed of myself when I think of how much you have done for thelittle girl." We also met Mr. and Mrs. Terry, Miss Terry'sbrother and his wife. I thought her beauty angellic, and oh, whata clear, beautiful voice she had! We saw Miss Terry again withSir Henry in "King Charles the First," a week ago last Friday,and after the play they kindly let me feel of them and get anidea of how they looked. How noble and kingly the King was,especially in his misfortunes! And how pretty and faithful thepoor Queen was! The play seemed so real, we almost forgot wherewe were, and believed we were watching the genuine scenes as theywere acted so long ago. The last act affected us most deeply, andwe all wept, wondering how the executioner could have the heartto tear the King from his loving wife's arms.I have just finished reading "Ivanhoe." It was very exciting; butI must say I did not enjoy it very much. Sweet Rebecca, with herstrong, brave spirit, and her pure, generous nature, was the onlycharacter which thoroughly won my admiration. Now I am reading"Stories from Scottish History," and they are very thrilling andabsorbing!...
The next two letters were written just after the death of Mr.John P. Spaulding.TO MRS. GEORGE H. BRADFORDNew York, February 4, 1896.What can I say which will make you understand how much Teacherand I appreciate your thoughtful kindness in sending us thoselittle souvenirs of the dear room where we first met the best andkindest of friends? Indeed, you can never know all the comfortyou have given us. We have put the dear picture on themantel-piece in our room where we can see it every day, and Ioften go and touch it, and somehow I cannot help feeling that ourbeloved friend is very near to me.... It was very hard to take upour school work again, as if nothing had happened; but I am sureit is well that we have duties which must be done, and which takeour minds away for a time at least from our sorrow....
TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYNew York, March 2nd, 1896....We miss dear King John sadly. It was so hard to lose him, hewas the best and kindest of friends, and I do not know what weshall do without him....We went to a poultry-show... and the man there kindly permittedus to feel of the birds. They were so tame, they stood perfectlystill when I handled them. I saw great big turkeys, geese,guineas, ducks and many others.Almost two weeks ago we called at Mr. Hutton's and had adelightful time. We always do! We met Mr. Warner, the writer, Mr.Mabie, the editor of the Outlook and other pleasant people. I amsure you would like to know Mr. and Mrs. Hutton, they are so kindand interesting. I can never tell you how much pleasure they havegiven us.Mr. Warner and Mr. Burroughs, the great lover of nature, came tosee us a few days after, and we had a delightful talk with them.They were both very, very dear! Mr. Burroughs told me about hishome near the Hudson, and what a happy place it must be! I hopewe shall visit it some day. Teacher has read me his livelystories about his boyhood, and I enjoyed them greatly. Have youread the beautiful poem, "Waiting"? I know it, and it makes mefeel so happy, it has such sweet thoughts. Mr. Warner showed me ascarf-pin with a beetle on it which was made in Egypt fifteenhundred years before Christ, and told me that the beetle meantimmortality to the Egyptians because it wrapped itself up andwent to sleep and came out again in a new form, thus renewingitself.
TO MISS CAROLINE DERBYNew York, April 25, 1896....My studies are the same as they were when I saw you, exceptthat I have taken up French with a French teacher who comes threetimes a week. I read her lips almost exclusively, (she does notknow the manual alphabet) and we get on quite well. I have read"Le Medecin Malgre Lui," a very good French comedy by Moliere,with pleasure; and they say I speak French pretty well now, andGerman also. Anyway, French and German people understand what Iam trying to say, and that is very encouraging. In voice-trainingI have still the same old difficulties to contend against; andthe fulfilment of my wish to speak well seems O, so far away!Sometimes I feel sure that I catch a faint glimpse of the goal Iam striving for, but in another minute a bend in the road hidesit from my view, and I am again left wandering in the dark! But Itry hard not to be discouraged. Surely we shall all find at lastthe ideals we are seeking....
TO MR. JOHN HITZBrewster, Mass. July 15, 1896....As to the book, I am sure I shall enjoy it very much when I amadmitted, by the magic of Teacher's dear fingers, into thecompanionship of the two sisters who went to the ImmortalFountain.As I sit by the window writing to you, it is so lovely to havethe soft, cool breezes fan my cheek and to feel that the hardwork of last year is over! Teacher seems to feel benefitted bythe change too; for she is already beginning to look like herdear old self. We only need you, dear Mr. Hitz, to complete ourhappiness. Teacher and Mrs. Hopkins both say you must come assoon as you can! We will try to make you comfortable.Teacher and I spent nine days at Philadelphia. Have you ever beenat Dr. Crouter's Institution? Mr. Howes has probably given you afull account of our doings. We were busy all the time; weattended the meetings and talked with hundreds of people, amongwhom were dear Dr. Bell, Mr. Banerji of Calcutta, Monsieur Magnatof Paris with whom I conversed in French exclusively, and manyother distinguished persons. We had looked forward to seeing youthere, and so we were greatly disappointed that you did not come.We think of you so, so often! and our hearts go out to you intenderest sympathy; and you know better than this poor letter cantell you how happy we always are to have you with us! I made a"speech" on July eighth, telling the members of the Associationwhat an unspeakable blessing speech has been to me, and urgingthem to give every little deaf child an opportunity to learn tospeak. Every one said I spoke very well and intelligibly. Aftermy little "speech," we attended a reception at which over sixhundred people were present. I must confess I do not like suchlarge receptions; the people crowd so, and we have to do so muchtalking; and yet it is at receptions like the one in Philadelphiathat we often meet friends whom we learn to love afterwards. Weleft the city last Thursday night, and arrived in Brewster Fridayafternoon. We missed the Cape Cod train Friday morning, and so wecame down to Provincetown in the steamer Longfellow. I am glad wedid so; for it was lovely and cool on the water, and BostonHarbor is always interesting.We spent about three weeks in Boston, after leaving New York, andI need not tell you we had a most delightful time. We visited ourgood friends, Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin, at Wrentham, out in thecountry, where they have a lovely home. Their house stands near acharming lake where we went boating and canoeing, which was greatfun. We also went in bathing several times. Mr. and Mrs.Chamberlin celebrated the 17th of June by giving a picnic totheir literary friends. There were about forty persons present,all of whom were writers and publishers. Our friend, Mr. Alden,the editor of Harper's was there, and of course we enjoyed hissociety very much....