<p>In 1890, Rose Cleveland, sister of President Grover Cleveland, began writing to Evangeline Simpson, a wealthy widow who would become the second wife of Henry Whipple, Minnesota&#39;s Episcopal bishop. The women corresponded across states and continents, discussing their advocacy and humanitarian work&mdash;and demonstrating their sexual attraction, romance, and partnership. In 1910, after Evangeline Whipple was again widowed, the two women sailed to Italy and began a life together.<br />
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The letters, most written in Cleveland&#39;s dramatic, quirky style, guide readers through new love, heartbreak, and the rekindling of a committed relationship. Lillian Faderman&#39;s foreword provides the context for same-sex relationships at the time. An introduction and annotations by editors Lizzie Ehrenhalt and Tilly Laskey&nbsp;discuss the women&#39;s social and political circles, and explain references to friends, family, and historical events.<br />
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After Rose Cleveland&#39;s death, Evangeline Whipple described her as 'my precious and adored life-long friend.' This collection, rare in its portrayal of nineteenth-century&nbsp;LGBTQ history, brings their poignant story back to life.</p>