Letter: To P.T. Barnum from M. Lavinia Warren, June 5, 1878

Letter to P.T. Barnum fro M. Lavinia Warren, dated June 5, 1878. It regards the health of Lavinia's sister, Minnie, who at the time was experiencing complications from pregnancy. P.T. offered to send a doctor, but Lavinia replies that this goes against Minnie's own request and tells him to not do this. The letter reads as follows: Mr. Barnum, Dear sir, Major Newell recieved a letter from you saying that a Doctor will come to see Minnie. She says she will not see any doctor, only the one she has engaged to attend her during her confinement and that she will not come or go to Boston for anything.  We are doing everything we can for her and she will have every care that can be given. She is well and tries to enjoy herself at home. You had better say to that Doctor not to come for she will not see him.  It only worries her and I will not allow that because she is everything to me.  I was quite sick yesterday but I am better today.  Give my kind love to your wife.  Hoping this will find you all well. I remain yours truly Lavinia P.S. Don't send any doctor. From Mrs. General Tom Thumb ​​​​​​​ P.T. Barnum wrote a large number of letters in his time, and as a public figure, recieved many in return. These manuscripts offer insight into his personal life via correspondence with friends and family, his business interests including the American Museum and the circus, and his personality. The various correspondents demonstrate how vast his social circle was, and the space he occupied as a public figure during his own lifetime.