File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Anne Longfellow Pierce, 28 August 1845 (ba27b65e-8950-4e7e-a6a7-58a7fe1908fd).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-014#037

Cambridge
Thursday.
Dear Annie,
I am delighted to hear that mother purposes me a visit, & shall hope to welcome her next week with Sam, unless she inclines to coming this with Henry. You must suggest to me any little hints you can think of essential to her comfort because you know sometimes persons of her age, especially invalids, will not acknowledge all they require, for instance whether she prefers cotton sheets to linen, &c, &c, &c. I hope she will not fall upon cold weather, but shall [p. 2] put her in a room with a woollen [sic] carpet in case it might become so, for today is quite autumnal.
I am not at all reconciled to losing my Portland visit, but this from her will console me in a measure, although I still regret Grandpapa cannot see little Charley. He has looked like a fright since his return, he has been so swollen up with mosquito bites, but they begin to go off, though he is rather cross with coming teeth, & has only just recovered from a bowel complaint which would have made him appear to very little advantage at P. This cooler weather is most reviving to us [p. 3] all, & I think I should be tempted to accompany Henry if my Aunt Martha were not my guest. Yesterday was a pretty comfortable day for Commencement, in spite of heavy showers, being cooler than usual. I kept quietly at home & paid my respects in the evening to the Quincys, who leave immediately –
My brother did not have the pleasure of knowing Mrs Southgate during his short stay in Constantinople, which is a pity as he could then give you some account of her. He knew however some of the American missionary families.
I have not seen Mary yet, it was so stormy yesterday – but hope to this morning. Excuse this vile pen – with much love to [p. 4] all, yours in great haste
but ever most affly
Fanny L.
Tell Sam I found the garden in a very brilliant condition, the petunia bed especially, & was able to decorate my dinner table yesterday with a large bouquet, entirely home manufacture! – I send you a little shaker basket I picked up for you in Berkshire.

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