File:Fanny Appleton to Nathan Appleton, 31 March 1832 (9dcd3584-a777-4097-b076-2cbe68b6e988).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-002#005

March 1st 1832.
 Dearest Papa,
 The bearer of this letter is a young Cherokee chief, who, together with Mr. Bodnot [sic] (Mothers cousin) has been sent as deputies by their nation to plead their rights. – He is an extremely interesting youth, very well instructed in every thing, and a perfect wonder as to exhilaration.  He dined with us the other day, and was mostly agreeable & sung us several real Indian songs &c.  We were all very much pleased with him.  Last night we went to our Church to hear them speak, where we were surrounded by an enormous audience – the very aisles were filled – Mr A. Everett began, and spoke very well on the rights of the Indians &c and was succeeded by the Mr Bodenot – who received a great deal of applause.  He spoke extremely well and brought out several curious facts which I have neither time nor memory to produce.  Then arose our friend, who (by the way is very good looking) and he was truly fine – the true eloquence of the heart – Almost every sentence [p. 2] he uttered was interrupted by clapping I will give you a slight specimen – very poor indeed – for I do not remember it well, but as you are concerned in it you may be pleased. – He said – “I do not wish by showing these inconsistencies to tarnish the fame of this nation – far from it – We are confident we have many friends – friends in New England – and some of the greatest statesmen of these United States are ready pleading our cause in the sacred halls of justice at Washington.  We know we have there An Everett! a Webster! and an Appleton!!  This speech was followed by three tremendous rounds of applesauce – I am really sorry I am obliged to give you no better idea of his eloquence – He made several beautiful metaphors &c &c &c In fact, the audience were delighted and when the contribution came round, were extremely bountiful. – I am afraid you cannot read this scrawl for I am sure I hardly know [crossed out: not] what I am writing [crossed out: hardly] but am in a furious hurry, for break-fast is proclaimed loudly, but as nobody else has even this time to write, and the youth is young at one, I know you will excuse all bad writing &c.  I will end (as all letters of introduction do) in placing my confidence in your benevolence and courtesy that he will have much attention paid to him &c &c &c – Mr Bodonot will follow him – Some preparations going on here for Washington – Mary and I have some gowns buying – Mother is yet undecided [p. 3] I believe – Adieu
 Votre carisomer Filia
 Fan –
 I forgot to tell you his name – Mr Ridge – He told us a most poetical one (his Indian name) which translated means “He that walks on the mountain tops” and therefore he has been called Ridge for shortness. - - 
 Addressed: Hon Nathan Appleton - / M.C. - / Politeness of Mr Ridge - / City of Washington.
  – Endorsed: Fanny / March 1.

• Keywords: correspondence; frances elizabeth (appleton) longfellow; long archives; frances e. a. longfellow papers (long 20257); nathan appleton; Correspondence (1011/002); (LONG-SeriesName); Letters from Frances Longfellow (1011/002.001); (LONG-SubseriesName); 1832 (1011/002.001-002); (LONG-FileUnitName)