File:Erica (Thorp) de Berry to Thorp family, 1 September 1917 (76398bbc-7713-4277-a682-8af9d0f955d5).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1006/004.006.002-005#019

[Hotel logo]
Hotel Manhattan/ New York
Madison Ave. & 42nd St.
Sept. 1st 1917
Sat A.M.
Dearest People –
We’re just back from the consular office and many jobs[?], trying to get hold of the McIntoshes by their telephone which apparently doesn’t exist. Isn’t it queer! Everything vital is settled now, and I feel as if we were going today – Would that we were – but of course the steamer was delayed by lack of coal. However, that gaveus time to do things calmly – and I hate to think what
[written cross up L margin and across top]
Mamma, when you send those books back to Aunt A. the little “En Croupe de Bellone” goes too. I wish you could see my life suit! Papa will describe it to you – and the little dinky Jew who tried it on for me!
(p.2) the rush might have been, had she sailed today –
The ^french^ consul’s office where I had to have my passport vise-ed was a-burble with French – about half a dozen blue-coated poilus, gesticulating civilians and passportees. It made me feel as if I’d already arrived. I must admit that the passportees weren’t particularly thrilling-looking, but Mr Smith says that 50 ambulance drivers and a Quaker unit are going to be on the boat! Also, we met Tuk’s nice Prof. Saunders in the subway, and the man with whom he’s been (p.3) working on an apparatus to detect hidden batteries will be on board – so I can’t think it’ll be dull –
We proceeded next to the S.S. office, got my ticket, found that I was to room with a Miss Draper of Boston, and that the boat was plumb full, got baggage labels, etc. and then dashed on to odd jobs.
N.Y. is running over with officers in every kind of uniform – you never saw so many! It was thrilling at the theatre last night to see them all salute
[added across top}
Mr & Mrs Smith are so nice & so indefatigable about everything. I’m going on board with them on Tuesday A.M.
(p.4) with such grave, rigid faces when the “Star-Spangled Banner” was played, and to hear “Over There” dashed off at top speed by the orchestra!
We had a good old spree at “The Tailor-made man” with a stroll [crossed out: along] ^under^ the Wrigley gymnastic sextet beforehand. The gayety of color in the surging crowds ^ & khaki and muslin a [crossed out: snapping] wireless ^snapping viciously^ at the recruiting station high up on some scaffolding, the rush of automobiles and brilliant flash of lights everywhere and behind the great ghost-like office buildings with their peaks [crossed out: almost] in the [crossed out: clouds and the bright] ^deep^ blue of a summer night sky (p.5) made a most wonderful, pre-war picture to take away in one’s memory. New York is more tremendous than ever – at this time!
I loved the play, and thought of Edward so keenly where Peter lurched in with the tray – It too, was a fine old bit of Americanism to have for one’s last impression –
The orchestra is playing a Strauss waltz and officers are strolling up & down. They are all so brown and fit-looking – and so dashing! (p.6) It’s great fun to watch them buying elaborate kits in the stores.
Mamma, I’ve managed to get some plates which ought to do very well for a long while, so don’t worry if the others don’t get here. I guess there’ll be time for everything to arrive now, though –
I’m going to send this back by Papa tonight. We’ve had such a lovely time together, & he’s done [crossed out: such] innumerable jobs – If only I could just cut & run when he leaves, & not think that I might be at the island all this time – But I know I’ll have great fun at the Macs or Kitts[?], -- a note from K. Kay[?] now invites me out to L.I.
Bless you all – I’ll write more decently later
Your Bun –
P.S. Mamma, I think it would be awfully nice if you’d drop a note to Lucy Phinney telling her that you want her to come, as I think shed feel more comfortable about it.
Have just seen the Macs, Rusty & Marjorie—and learn that Kenneth has gone to Kansas instead of France! –

• Keywords: long archives; henry w. longfellow family papers (long 27930); erica (thorp) de berry; document; correspondence; henry wadsworth longfellow family papers (1006); subject; social life; travel; united states; new york city; new york; Erica Thorp deBerry Papers (1006/004.006); (LONG-SeriesName); Outgoing (1006/004.006.002); (LONG-SubseriesName); 1917 (1006/004.006.002-005); (LONG-FileUnitName)