File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Mary (Appleton) Mackintosh, 23 July 1849 (ff7833bf-9dfe-41db-9832-31c342f5cae4).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-019#014

Portland July 23d 1849.
Dear Mary,
We were quite rejoiced to hear from Robert that you had actually sailed for England, where I trust you have safely arrived long before this. I thought I would not write, on the uncertainty, or I should have sent you a line by the last steamer. But I suppose you are with Tom, of course, & have heard from him all the news about us.
We have given up Newport, as I wrote him, & are likely to remain here for the vacation, or the greater part of it. Henry’s father continues still very ill, but has changed in no perceptible degree, for better or worse, during the fortnight we have been here He lies without pain, perfectly tran [p. 2] pire, & silent & motionless, apparently drifty slowly to the great Sea of Life which encircles all lives, - but at times we think he may rally, yet what more can we ask than that he should depart in this peaceful manner, full of years & humor, & a life of unspoken goodness, surrounded by all his children, with nothing to regret or to desire upon earth? There is no gloom even now upon his house – all are cheerful & occupied for him – Stephen, Alex, Sam, James & Henry watch in turn at night, & Mary, Annie & Anne Sophia H’s cousin & myself perform what little offices he needs by day – very slight they are, for he sleeps nearly all the time & never speaks. For three weeks he has been lying in this silent manner, & there is something holy & beautiful in the quiet 7 serenity of his sick room. Mary & James only arrived from [p. 3] the South the day before we came, & Alex but a few weeks before. We are very near, in a very good hotel, with airy & pleasant rooms, & there is so much sea-breeze here from the south & east we have not felt the heat, except two or three intolerable days. There is no Cholera here, & very little in Boston. Tell Tom we have had no thunder-storms till the other day since Spring -, & somewhere it was noticed the telegraph battery would not work, which coincides with his theory. However, at St Louis, where the Cholera has been the worst they assert there were frequent storms. How nobly Bennett Forbes has behaved. He has admirable presence of mind, & genuine Christian manliness. What a dreadful scene for the passengers of the Europa to witness! I suppose you have seen some of them. I hope, darling, you were strengthened by your voyage, & arrive in good spirits & health You will hardly feel as much separated from Robert now as when [p. 4] upon the dreary, melancholy Sea. I wish the Earl of Carlisle could find something that would just suit him in England, that he might soon rejoin you. Perhaps you will be able to facilitate it, being there. I am anxious to hear your plans, where you will go & what you will do with Ronny &c. Much love from me to Mary Rich & the Wedgwoods. Mrs Follen sails on the first of August, & will go directly to Miss Martineau. You can help her to know yr friends. I did not give her any letters, as you can introduce her to them on the spot. Hurlburt I hope Tom will hear of.
My chicks are very well & merry, highly excited just now by witnessing the entrée of Van Ambergh & his caravan to exhibit on the hill. I have heart within a few days from Emmeline. All were well with her. Father writes Berkshire is charming as ever. I forgot to send this letter of Aunt D’s by the last steamer.
Henry’s love & mine to Tom. Yr aff Fanny –

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