File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Anne Longfellow Pierce, 20 April 1849 (a1fae17f-9eb7-4de4-bab7-06f81867302d).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-019#006

Cambridge April 20th
Dear Annie,
Henry received yesterday a letter from Dr Wesselhoeft in which he speaks very favorably of Stephen. He says he has found it beneficial to give him a regular “packing” (in the wet sheet) every evening & “his night’s rest is become fuller & less agitated every day. Last night he slept through. This is a great step forward.” It is indeed, dear Annie, for since he has been with us he has not slept a single night, & rarely rose till 1’o’clock in the day, getting all his sleep after day break. These long, wakeful nights must have been very exhausting [p. 2] to mind & body, & the great excellence of the water-cure is that it breaks up any such morbid habit & restores the natural conditions of health, so that I think you have every reason to hope for the best since this change has been already produced. The Dr also says “he seems contented; he has made the acquaintance of his table neighbor & appears satisfied by one acquaintance.” The Dr had not been very well himself which was his excuse for not writing sooner. I hope you will all be more cheerful for this good news, & believe he could not be in better hands or in a more soothing position.
I should have congratulated Marianne before now upon the [p. 3] great blessing of a daughter. The responsibility of such a gift will be enough to occupy her time & thoughts, & enrich her home with priceless treasure. If, some day, I could be thought worthy to receive another daughter what would I not suffer to obtain her?
“Your nephew” appeared yesterday afternoon, - & found us both at home. He is a very pleasing youth. Henry has written him some letters which I shall send him today.
Miss Stenw was here some weeks ago – just in season to come to a little party I had. I hope one of these fine Spring mornings to see you hear, dear Annie, for you need the refreshment of a little change; & I am sure the smell of my freshly- [p. 4] turned flowerbeds will do you great good. I am not a little selfish besides in this wish, for I really want to see you & have your advice about the garden. Perhaps the May-meeting will tempt you, when I hope Sam will come too. Aunt Lucia, I am sure, can take your place & her own - & will – in the kindness of her heart.
I have heard lately from my sister. She is now on her way to England, for which I am truly thankful, as I feared those tropical heats would destroy her constitution utterly, & our extremes do not suit her as well as the moderate climate of Briton. My brother is now in Paris. The chicks are well & full of glee. Charley has mastered his letters & can spell a few words. Erny is getting through his two last teeth, & after that he says “he wont shuck his thumb any more.” Sarah has left us & we have a niece of Henry’s Margaret. Emmeline is now in Boston with her baby.
With Henry’s love & mine to all, & a kiss to the newcomer. Yr affte Fany E.L.

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