File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Anne Longfellow Pierce, 11 May 1852 (7273d9fa-0da4-461a-a613-44ce2ab5758d).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-022#014

Cambridge May 11th 1852
Dearest Annie,
I am glad of a quiet rainy day that I may at last accomplish my long intended letter to you. As Lizzie had a peep at us I felt it rather superfluous to write just then, & the last fortnight we have been so taken up with our Hungarian friends that I could not find the time. We have dined with them, supped & breakfasted with them, & find them most interesting and agreeable. Tuesday last was Exhibition day here, & Kossuth, being invited by the President to be present, appeared with the Governor & suite in the middle of the last oration, had a most hearty welcome from [p. 2] the students & said a few words to them. He then came to our house for half an hour, but would not stay to dine, as he had other calls to make, one of which, to Dr Lowell (the father of Mrs Putnam who gave the best exposition of their revolution that has been done) was very touching, the paralytic old man rising up like another Jacob, & praying over the poor exile most fervently. The Pulszkys, - both remarkably intelligent & delightful people, went with us to Exhibition & passed the day - & in the evening we took them to a party at Mrs Charles Lowells. We dined with the whole party at Dr Howe’s one day, quite by ourselves, & as I sat next to Kossuth I saw him to the best advantage, tho’ he is a man of such dignity of manner, such a grave & earnest aspect one does not venture to speak very freely with him. He [p. 3] cannot fail to inspire the truest respect & sympathy, when known, & his graceful figure, noble countenance & deep, rich voice move an audience like magic. Some one has aptly compared him in his sable velvet dress & plumed beaver to Hamlet, ever lamenting over the body of his murdered Fatherland, & there is something most poetical & inspiring in his position & the breadth of his devotion to humanity. When we were first introduced to him he took Henry very warmly by both hands & said, “Tho’ I am not a man of genius, I know how to appreciate one” - & when here he took much notice of the children & asked them to recite one of their papa’s poems but alas! it was not forthcoming! The Pulszkys have a natural flow of spirits & conversation, but often one sees the tears in their eyes, & you remember all they have lost. They had a large fortune & great estates & the highest position (he was under Sec of State in Vienna) [p. 4] but all went but his splendid library which he fortunately saved. His knowledge of art & literature, as well as political life, is astonishing, & she is very fascinating & most highly cultivated. Both have the most frank, easy manners. They dined here again yesterday with only Julia Howe, & rejoiced in a quiet day. They bring many letters to Boston from England & have received much attention but poor Kossuth has no time for private hospitalities. His wife’s health is broken down by her sufferings, & her face tells a tale of anxiety & sorrow, but they are all ready to brave every thing again for their beloved Hungary.
I wrote Sam yesterday. Have you heard lately from him? My cousin Charley has been ill & I fear given him some anxiety, but by last accounts was better. His father will be here this week to help remove Mrs Greene on board a ship to sail anywhere for a change (she has been on a bed ever since you were here but is still patient & cheerful) & I shall then hear their plans. If “Thorpe” has reached Portland pray borrow it for it is a book rich in wise thoughts & a true piety. We are now crying over “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” I wish you were here to enlighten me about the garden which is just getting in order. In three days [p. 1 cross] the bare boughs were covered & crowned with verdure & blossoms. I hope the heat penetrated your cold region. Did your uncle Wadsworth from Hiram, visit you after his sad mission here? He passed a night with us just before Sophia came, but I forgot to mention it having left his son at Charlestown. Henry has since enquired there of him & found him no worse.
Tell Lizzie I was much ashamed to be caught in such deshabile the day she & her sister called; my love to her [p. 2 cross] and Alex & Aunt Lucia. What do you hear from Mary & how is Dr Nichols. Baby is so cunning & says so many words. I wish you could see her. When can you come? Yrs affly Fanny E.L.

• Keywords: correspondence; long archives; frances e. a. longfellow papers (long 20257); frances elizabeth (appleton) longfellow; people; document; social life; Correspondence (1011/002); (LONG-SeriesName); Letters from Frances Longfellow (1011/002.001); (LONG-SubseriesName); 1852 (1011/002.001-022); (LONG-FileUnitName)