File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Thomas Gold Appleton, 15 October 1844 (8e2752a8-6028-4c4b-9560-dcf135c67c3e).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-014#025

Cambridge. Oct. 15th 1844.
Where this will find you, dearest, I am puzzled to conjecture – from your last, speeding to the Holy City with Mary, in most enviable ease, but from her last you are, I fear, alone wherever you may be. But perhaps her mind changed back again, or what I think best for all your expedition is postponed until Robert and the children can join forces. I do not fancy that Butlerian style of straggling across Channel. Most heartily do I congratulate you upon your English hospitalities. I always hoped you would see more of that country luxury & happiness as a pendant to Folambray. Mrs Brooks, in terms as glowing as her countenance, echoes your praises of Lady Sitwell & Mrs Bracebridge. I am especially delighted that you find such friends just now – Your lines upon Allston’s picture gave me an increased longing to behold it. I took leave [p. 2] sorrowfully of the Belshazzar the other day. The blasted look of the king is certainly worth betraying its imperfection. I have not seen it before since the white veil was removed from his figure.
If Mary does not go with you to Italy pray extend your travels to Greece & Spain. I shall never forgive you to be again abroad & quietly leave unseen those countries. Mrs Bracebridge’s sketches must have inspired your extinct enthusiasm. If you have no mortal companion you have always a good angel in your clear perceptions & keen power of enjoyment. I would give much to look at the Alhambra & the Escurial with you for the first time, but as I am no longer a roving character I cannot selfishly ask you to bide my time, but to make the most of your own. Robe it in purple & fine linen every day while you have the opportunity since it is petted by homespun.
Macready sails on this steamer. I had much enjoyment of his Hamlet & Shylock in the comfortable atmosphere of the Melodeon, & we go tonight to a party he gives at Papan- [p. 3] ti’s at which he is to read.
Last week the young Hyperion became a Christian. Mr Gannett baptised [sic] him, & he bore the ceremony with truly Christian resignation. Instead of crying he laughed – at times chuckled most indecorously. We gave a sit-down déjeuner afterwards, & drank his health in the crimson & gold goblet. Aunt Sam presented him a beautiful cup of old silver & Aunt Sally another with a spoon. His name is simply Charles. it being long enough with that.
On Sunday afternoon we went to Mary Sumner’s funeral – a very sad one, the deep silence broken by her brother Henry’s hollow cough. He is fast following her, - & Charles, though looking heartier than he ever did, from country air, is easily brought into his feverish state. Now that he no longer witnesses his sister suffering I hope he will become calmer & stronger. I have just been to the Autumn Exhibition to hear Charley Norton – and as I looked at his Mother’s pale face thought how soon my Charley would be brought to that ordeal. He has grown prodigiously – a very jolly, rosy old monk. Fanny Wright is still among us. Abraham Fuller of Brattle Manor called upon [p. 4 bottom] us the other evening to offer us a wooden Venus once belonging to his summer-house! Know you ought of her? She has been ignominiously hidden in the barn of late years. He recalled your pauses & Motley’s. That place is sold – but I trust the trees will be spared. The Polka is raging over the country like a fever – The Inglises danced all Newport into it this summer, & Boston has just taken the idea vehemently. How strangely a fashion is hur- [p. 4 top] led about the world – once put in motion by a potent arm or leg. Emmeline leaves us this week alas! & with her goes the summer. She goes with little hope of a happy winter. Good bye dearest – all joy be with you. With Henry’s love
Ever yr affte
Fanny.
[p. 1 cross] Poor Preble Motley is dying of consumption & you rold playmate Anna is very ill with a strange malady. I feel deeply for Mrs. M. They take Frank Gray’s old house. His new one looks well with a projecting, 3 sided window of stone. We have got the promise of some of the autographs you asked for –
ADDRESSED: T. G. APPLETON ESQ. / CARE OF BARING BROTHERS & CO. / LONDON.

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