File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Nathan Appleton, 19 July 1849 (871b1fe3-d901-430a-8bbe-7008d3402803).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-019#016

Portland. Thursday –
Dearest papa,
I received your note in due time, & was sorry you had been suffering with the intense heat we had here but I suppose it must have extended far & wide, for Emmeline writes that it was equally severe with her. I think the climate tis very much the same wherever you go, the sea-side & mountains only giving a little freshness to the air. I hope Mrs Sumner has revived during the cool weather which succeeded so suddenly the hot, & will grow stronger with you. Henry’s father continues as feeble as ever, but no more so than when I wrote; if anything a little brighter. He looks very ill [p. 2] & lies in the same motionless state, speaking a few words even with difficulty – almost in a stupor. Today they [crossed out: coubfied] managed to get his bed made by an ingenious contrivance, & he seemed refreshed by it. His eye brightened when I first spoke to him, but instantly he was apparently unconscious of everything. He utters no complaint – hardly a sigh, but one feels that life is retreating to the great sea, as surely as the tide upon these shores, - It is very solemn & yet soothing to watch such a gentle departure – so painless & tranquil. There seems no struggle as between hostile powers, but a natural surrender to the stronger.
Our rooms here face the west, & as the wind blows much here from the south, & is a cool wind, coming from the sea, we lose it all, & were nearly stifled during those hot days, not having a breath, while out of doors [p. 3] there was plenty of air such as it was. At the house it is always cool & pleasant, & I am there every day – You would think it a roomy mansion, for it holds at present, besides the usual family, Stephen, Alex & Sam, Mary & her husband & Anne Sophia a cousin of Henrys – the room is in the hearts of the hosts which makes space appear when desired. I take long walks with Henry which I never can in dusty Cambridge, but here the sidewalks are tempting; the dust however beats ours, & today, blown by a strong south wind, covers the table on which I am writing like meal. There are magnificent situations for country or sea villas here, facing the beautiful bay – I wonder no one is inclined to build. The cars run already part way to Canada.
Few persons have called. Mrs Mac of course, Mrs Daveis & daughter & the Nichols’ – Sam preached at the latter’s church Sunday afternoon & Mary [p. 4] took Erny for the first time. He behaved perfectly well, but came to his thumb before the end. We met Mr Motley the other day in the street, - much interested in some sunken acres near here, & Mr Peter Parker we got a glimpse of out of the window today. There is much rushing tho’ here to the White Mts, but we keep to our private parlor & see no one. I am sorry the Phillips trial has been decided as it has. What disagreeable publicity such a thing brings. I wonder people have the courage to undergo one.
We have just heard of Mr Lyman’s death. What a blow to poor Cora & all his friends! I heard what a shock it was to her to meet him on arrival, but did not know he was so hear his end. I remember how lovely she looked a few weeks ago at the beautiful villa, & how cheerfully she spoke of his expected return. I was very glad to hear Mary had fairly sailed. I did not think Mac’s letter implied any ill health I wrote Tom by the last steamer, but forgot to enclose Aunt Dorothy’s to M. It shall go next time. Much love to her & Lizzie Allen to H & Mrs Sumner. Mr Vose very civilly [p. 1 cross] refuses to charge us any thing for disappointing him. I wish he could let the rooms or we must, in decency, make him some equivalent.
Henry’s love & many kisses from the chicks.
Yr affte
Fanny –

• Keywords: correspondence; long archives; frances e. a. longfellow papers (long 20257); frances elizabeth (appleton) longfellow; people; document; family life; subject; health and illness; social life; Correspondence (1011/002); (LONG-SeriesName); Letters from Frances Longfellow (1011/002.001); (LONG-SubseriesName); 1849 (1011/002.001-019); (LONG-FileUnitName)