File:Fanny Appleton to Susan Benjamin, 5 May 1832 (7a4f9883-843a-467e-9976-0040db3cff0e).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-002#010

Washington. May 5th 1832.
Naughty girl that I am not to have written you before, dear Sue, if you could conceive the constant succession of occupations which I have been subjected to since I left home, you would forgive me for my unintentional neglect.  Not a moment has been wasted.  It seems like a panorama, in retrospection, for objects and persons have succeeded each other so quickly that I almost forget having seen them.  Since we have been here, riding, making calls, and going to the Capitol have fully employed our time.  This latter somniferous place Father has wished us to visit often, and we have got well tired listening to these stupid debates, which we took no manner of interest in.  But lately this Houston trial has been somewhat more attractive than the Tariff and the Appropriation bill, and such like agreeable subjects.  I expect to become quite a politician before I leave Washington, for the people here seem to think it improper to converse on any other subject than politics.  The ladies (as a great favor) are allowed to sit on the floor of the House, instead of the dirty Galleries, and consequently many make a regular business of going there.  We have had no opportunity of hearing the eloquence of the place yet, but I hope we shall hear Mr Clay or at least Mr Webster before we leave.  The first day we arrived here it was raining furiously – dismal enough, and I thought it was the most dreary place I was ever in, but since the first of May the weather has been perfectly enchanting: - pleasantly warm, with a fine breeze, and I begin to like W… exceedingly.  It is the most curious place in the [p. 2] world.  Meant to be an immense city, therefore the houses are scattered at great distances apart, and such [illegible, words written over each other] of houses too!  The Capitol and the President’s both look like palaces, and near them perfect hovels.  I like it because it appears so much like the country, and is so different from the other cities we have seen, in that respect.
 What stuff am I writing? what does you; substance as you are, care for such substantial nonsense as a description of the city of Washington, but travelers, you know, are always fond of dilating upon every thing they see.  I will only add upon that subject, that I have enjoyed myself very much thus far, and hope to more before I return.  We have not been to a single party yet, for the wise reason that there has been none.  Oh! I forgot – on the first of May there was a grand May ball for all the children that could be found, when they elected a beautiful child (named Miss May) as queen, and it as (as we heard for we were too timid & lazy to go) a most beautiful sight – a perfect weaving room of flowers – very crowded & hot I doubt not – sour grapes.  Ahem!
 Tell Mary that we see Stewert Newton constantly, and that yesterday he went with us to Mount Vernon, where, after tumbling over the most tremendously horrid road in the world, at imminent danger of our necks, we were fully recompensed for our fears, by having a delightful time – fear rendered lighter by his agreeable conversation.  As I was walking with him through the grounds, I told him I was writing to Miss Susan Benjamin and should be very happy to transmit any message from him, &c he sent his compliments – cold wretch – and then followed divers remarks such as. – “Shi is a very nice girl – amiable, agreeable – but I wont [sic] pretend to say half the complimentary speeches, for fear of flattering [p. 3] too much Miss Sue.  Oh! such a time as there is now in Washington for poor forlorn maidens, and those who are anxiously looking out for a person (in their despair) whom they may catch in their nett.  The town is perfectly over flowing with young men, delegates to the convention, from all parts of America – No lack for beaux.  Hallowell Gardiner (one of them) fortunately told me that you were not in Boston, for I should have certainly sent this letter there, but, nevertheless, I fear you will never get it for I am not sure to whom it shall be directed.  I suppose our Sewing Circle was abdicated before you left B, but I expect of course you will write me and tell me all that has happened since I left.  Oh! you Sweet little owl. – I should like to eat you up. – You must write me instantly, and show yourself as unwilling to part with my company in imagination, as you did that doleful-parting-afternoon in reality.  Kiss sweet Mary for me, and utterly devour her &c  Poor child!  I fear she will not be vastly fat long, if all my commands are obeyed.  Only think! that wretch of an Osgood reported that Goe was shipwrecked. – It is hinted he did so because he wanted something to say. – I hear the Hubbards are at New York, & that Elizabeth’s wildness is entirely softened down.  I do not expect to remain here near as long as we first intended & shall probably return with Uncle William, for the session is too long for us to wait for Father.  Mary and Tom send their love to you both.  Addio dearest, and believe me as ever
 Your affectionate shadow and friend
 Fan. –
 You can have no idea how exquisitely green the country is.  Flowers in abundance.  I send you this sweet wild violet gathered in the woods by my own hand.  You may perhaps be pleased to see some signs of spring.  I am sure I am … F.E.A. –
 Addressed: Miss Susan Benjamin. - / Care of J. Lanman Esq / Norwich. - / Connecticut. –

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