File:Fanny Appleton to Susan Benjamin, 11 June 1832 (e5b78108-689f-487d-82ea-740374742a69).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-002#012

Boston June 11th 1832. –
 Being at last fairly ensconced at home, dear Sue, and having become somewhat accustomed to the sober routine of this quakerlike place, after the bristle and constant occupation I have of late been subjected to, I sit down with delight to write to you, with the hope of again receiving such a sweet letter as I seized with such eagerness at Washington, when I was afraid I was almost forgotten by my friends, so “fort and few between” were their communications.  Yes – this journey is indeed over, and here am I returned at last to Boston and Beacon St.  Never did I enjoy travelling more, or appreciate the beauties of the Common and its muddy frog pond so well as now!  But when we first arrived, it seemed here like some town in the midst of the country, or a deserted city so quiet and orderly did every thing appear.  No carts, no dandies, and, (last not least) no pigs which had so continually greeted our vision in every place we had visited, not excepting the neat Philadelphia, which I prefer above all places, but Boston.
 As you well know, the commencement of our travels was [p. 2] not quite so propicious [sic] as it might have been, but nothing in the line of adventure occurred afterward, worthy of note, except one misfortune which grieved me especially.  I had a sketch-book, in which I had drawn several views, besides divers caricatures, and likenesses of the party, and as I was seated on a wood box, on board the Steamboat to New York, just having finished a very flattering likeness of Mr Brigham, who was humming at my elbow (who by the way had just declared that he thought he must go through Connecticut, on his way home, since Miss Benjamin was in Norwich) well – as I was thus gazing about me, I felt [crossed out: a] something lightly touch my feet, and on looking down, lo! my book was in the water, floating off in grand style.  I was in despair, and told Mr B. he should have jumped overboard after it, which he did not seem much inclined to do I must say. – Alas! poor book! do doubt in some future day, some romantic fisherman, will find it in his nett [sic], whence will follow a long tale, full of mysteries and romance!  You must know that in Washington I met at a dinner party Judge Wayne, with whom I had a long, and very agreeable conversation, partly about  you, and endeavoured to get a chance to speak to Mrs Wayne, but hardly knowing her, could not succeed.  She is a very pretty lady-like woman I think, and certainly he is a very pleasant man.
 Oh!  I do so wish you were here (not at all selfish considering these piercing east winds) for I do not go to school at present, and we could see each other so often, though to be sure we [p. 3] hardly ever can get a chance to stir out, except “between the drops,” for not a single sunny day has there been since we arrived. (small contrast to the balmy airs of the south). –
 Yesterday I met M.AS. who informed me that tomorrow afternoon was to be the last meeting of the Sewing Circle, but I dont [sic] think I can make up my mind to go without dearest Substance, for fear that I should not be noticed at all in my ethereal caracter [sic]. – The other day as I was crossing Common St, hardly [illegible]ing a stage which was about to intercept my path, perceived somebody bowing and kissing their hand to me, and on looking up, who should I behold, but Stew. Newton – just arrived from N.Y. and [crossed out: was] rejoiced to get home, and declared with the rest of us, there is nothing like Boston, - it may be excelled in elegance, but certainly not in comfort and beauty.  Also Robert Apthorp has arrived, whom only Tom has yet seen. – You say in your letter, that you have not had the felicity of beholding my waesome visage in the Athenaeum – fortunately for it looks vilely, being in a very bad light and position, Indeed Tom was so provoked that he endeavored to take it away, but could not succeed. – The only redeeming grace is, that it is not at all conspicuous.  Those famous Bavarians are here à present – and have had two very fashionable and crowded concerts.  They sing exquisitely – the perfection of music – I would fain write more, but Mary is calling to me to go to walk, for the sun has appeared for a mensel, so adieu! dearest – write me soon and believe me your ever faithful Shadow. – [p. 4] Tues. Oh! what a splendid day!  I have really been gazing at the sun as a wonder, and who can realise that this refreshing breeze could so soon succeed such weather as we have had.  Mary and I are frantic to get into the country, and have fortunately found an exquisite place at Newton, where we can ruralise to our heart’s content but pray write me, dearest, and direct your letter to J. W. Paige & CO, and I shall get it wherever I may be.  Give my best love to dear Mary, and tell her all the beaux are expiring in her absence – Fan.
 Addressed: Miss Susan Benjamin. - / Care of J. Lanman Esq / Norwich. - / Conn. –
 Postmark: BOSTON / JUN 12 MS

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