File:Fanny and Mary Appleton to Nathan Appleton, 22 April 1832 (b57ad939-daed-4da1-8ca9-70ac1f5bff71).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-002#009

New York April 22nd 1832.
 Dear Father,
 New York is once more in smiles for never was a more delightful day beheld – mild, warm, & sunny.  It is Sunday, but you would think it was some holy day, by the crowds of people that are promenading in all directions, & the divers groups of children amusing themselves by a variety of sports.  We were rejoiced enough as you may suppose, to see the sun again, after such a long eclipse, and have testified it plainly by nearly walking our feet of.  Being altogether too tired to go to church this afternoon, I resolved to improve my time by writing to you, while Aunt S. at my elbow does the same kind office for Uncle Sam.  It is a great while since my last epistle was indited, but the bustle of departure and the expectation of soon seeing you, may perhaps furnish an excuse.  We received a letter from Charles to day; and he says that all are well barring something the matter of mother’s eyes – very unaccountable – that he has grand times dining with Uncle Sam, (which we came to the conclusion results more from the pleasure derived from the dinner, than the company for him) & that Uncle William has had the same delightful storm [p. 2] as us.  You would have been amused to see the different resources for amusement we were obliged to refer to at that time. – After mately gazing out of the window to see if the vane from a neighbouring steeple had moved, again, which we feared had rusted north and by playing whist which I became quite a proficient in, & writing letters to enable others to participate in the misery, which we endured.
 But when the vane turned round, the clouds vanished, and the sun broke forth, “what a change came in the spirit of the scene” – Carefully wrapped in our Buccleughs, we plodded the streets and the shops, to discover how fast money could be spent, and to see the fair inhabitants of this yovely city.  Tuesday we have resolved upon for our day of departure, for we have staid long enough in this residence of folly.  We have had one or two very devoted beaux who have galanted [sic] us about, and this morning we took an immense walk through a great deal of the city. – Mr Parker, who has taken very good care of us returned yesterday afternoon to the bosom of his happy family, leaving with us a letter from his promising son, for us to give to you, which we are very curious to inspect.
 Last night we passed a very pleasant evening at the Hardys, where we were refreshed with some enchanting music.  Aunt S. desires me to tell you that she may be able to reside longer at Washington, since Uncle William has such disagreeable weather that will be prob [p. 3] ably delayed.  We are going to walk in the Battery & Mary will write at post script – Addio –
 Ever your devoted
 Fan. –
  Sunday P.M.
 Dear Father,
 I have been to church all day, & am nearly tired to death, after parading through Broadway, St John’s Square, Canal St, &c.  I have just come from seeing Mrs Peck, who lamented much not seeing you when you were here, but she heard that you were afraid of getting the Influenza by visiting. – We have had lovely weather to-day; the r[torn off] has come round east to-night, & I much fear it will [torn off] tomorrow.  If we should have such another week!  I am having a dress or two made here, which must be sent on to me at Philadelphia, for we think we must go on Tuesday Morning, if the weather is fair, we have been kept here so long. – We have had an agreeable enough time here but shall have no objection to go. – We certainly shall not set off we a storm. – I hope we shall find a letter from you in Phil.  I am writing on top of plates, on the tea-table, the Handy’s are gabbling as fast as possible, & the Payne’s have just come in, so I must stop.
 Addio, good night
 Marie
 Addressed: Hon Nathan Appleton. - / M. C. - / City of Washington
 Postmark: FREE / NEW-YORK / APR 23
 Endorsed: F. E. Appleton / 22 Apr [illegible]

• 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)