File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Anne (Longfellow) Pierce, 5 November 1846 (8aca9e72-cd0b-4a01-9b59-5a1786006afc).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-016#012

Cragie [sic] Castle –
Nov 5th 1846-
Dearest Annie,
We were rejoiced to hear you reached home safely, & that neither of you caught additional colds under that dismal sky, - I am very glad you feel satisfied with your determination to remain, notwithstanding Alex’ [sic] provoking letter, because it is a most uncomfortable feeling to be undecided or regretful of what cannot be easily amended. I do not doubt your absence would have been borne with all cheerfulness, & that you would have been most welcome in Washington, but, as you felt bound to limit your visit to so short a space, it would perhaps have hardly been enough of a good to unsettle two homes, - for, as I know by the loss of you, [p. 2] how soon one gets to claim a friend’s presence as a right, & their departure leaves a gap which was not before perceived. We have missed you two very much, but I am thankful for this most pleasant visit, & shall insist there shall not be again such a long interval between them.
Emmeline passed Sunday & Monday with me, & I did what I could to cheer her sadly depressed spirit. I recalled to her several persons of our acquaintance whose minds have been deranged, but have finally become healed, & now we forget they ever were clouded, - but she says after paralysis there is much less hope of it, & has tormented herself by reading many medical books this summer which have discouraged her much. Her last news is the most favorable she has had, but she dares not trust to it, & prefers being prepared for the worst.
[p. 3] On Tuesday I took her in, & the children to pass the day, delivering myself up to Miss Chaplin, who succeeded in fitting me very nicely. Henry went to Sivori’s concert on Wednesday evening, while I arrayed myself at Emmeline’s for the ball. I was fortunate in finding a bunch of artificial fuchsias for my hair, so that the dress was quite complete, & was much admired. I enjoyed the many familiar faces at the ball, so many of which I only see on such occasions.
One of the prettiest damsels was my cousin Hatty Appleton (whose portrait, as a child, Caroline Doane has) & her Mother told me she has promised her a ball for her début. I have been to no Cambridge parties & shall repose upon my laurels for some time.
I was quite amused with Seth’s devotion to the last, & write Sun that it really seems to have made an impression, & I shall not venture to joke her upon it any longer. I have [p. 4] also given her the grievous intelligence of a visit from Hurlbert last evening.
I did not understand Sam that Sophia was to remain in town so many days, or should certainly have been to see her. Sumner has declined his nomination, & is now abused by some for doing so. I grieve to see him in the lists, to be insulted & abused by the rabble; & long to enshrine him again in the sanctity of private life. Dr Howe is willing to bear his cross for him, like a true friend, but of course cannot gain much more just now.
How I should have enjoyed Dr Nichols’ sermon! We had a very good one from Dr Francis the same Sunday, - suggested by the same great event – For text: “Seek & ye shall find,” & the patient faith & investigation of the astronomer used as illustration of the spiritual world hidden in each, & beyond this life, - a star seen only by faith & constant seeking.
Baby’s swing is up, & he in joyful possession of it, Mrs Peabody kindly insisting I should keep her’s. He is very droll in it, & dances about like a monkey in a jacket & trousers. Charlie is greatly amused, & runs round him laughing & leaping most merrily. It is rather or- [p. 1 cross] namental & not at all in the way. I am rather straitened for room so I must say good bye with much love from all to all.
ever yr loving
Fanny L.

• Keywords: frances e. a. longfellow papers (long 20257); document; correspondence; Correspondence (1011/002); (LONG-SeriesName); Letters from Frances Longfellow (1011/002.001); (LONG-SubseriesName); 1846 (1011/002.001-016); (LONG-FileUnitName)