File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Anne Longfellow Pierce, 11 February 1848 (50efbdc1-9bce-41c1-8989-5252c2620ad3).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-018#044

Craigie Hall
Friday –
Dear Annie,
I am extremely disappointed, as is Henry himself, that he has not recovered faster, but there is one little point which has not yet healed so that he cannot go out – but is still sitting in his dressing-gown, unshorn & unkempt, & has not tried a descent to the dining room. Therefore I much fear I cannot hold out any hope of his being able to go to [p. 2] Fall-River, for, if he is out by that time, the journey & excitement there, & return would make it such a fatiguing day. He feels perfectly well now, but has not been able to test his strength, for an operation is trying to both strength & nerves. He was obliged to put it off too a week, on account of the illness of the first surgeon he applied to, but supposed it would only be a matter of ten days or so, & felt sure of being well before the 10th – I grieve Sam should be dis- [p. 3] appointed of all his family, & do wish you could come on for his sake. My brother & Sumner promise to witness the ceremony, so I can ensure you their escort, & Henry will be able to restore you to Portland before many days. Do come if you can possibly [crossed out: can] muster courage to break from your precious anxieties. I hope the invalids may have a fresh tide of health flow over them if it can only last a week, for I really desire for Sam the cheering sympathy of loving eyes at this great crisis in his life. Especially as he has been disappointed in Dr Nichols & ever person he [p. 4] has applied to for the prayer He has last written to Mr Hall of Providence who I hope will not fail him. He goes tomorrow to Taunton, having engaged to preach there on Sunday, & will proceed to Fall-River thence to see after things.
I enclose you Henry’s hymn thinking the home-circle would like to see it. It is very simple, but I [crossed out: think] hope you will agree with me in thinking the “unseen Christ” is a striking association with such a ceremony. Henry wrote it one sleepless night in bed, where he carries his portfolio for bed-fellow (I sleeping in the next room with open doors) & writes down in the dark what comes to him.
I congratulate you & Portland upon the long-desired [p. 5 marked 2] minister-at-large & trust he will more than satisfy all your expectations. I condole with you upon Sunday-scholar’s strange conduct, which I should be apt to impute to serious mental derangement, remembering the wild looks her eyes had one day in “the Grove.” Whatever it proves to be it is very sad.
I forgot to mention in my note to Sam, thinking the news reached us before he left, that Mr Mackintosh promises us a visit from my sister & her children this summer. I hardly venture to put entire faith in it, I have been so often disappointed, but cannot help enjoying the delicious possibility, [p. 6] for it is now six years we have been separated, who before that were hardly separated an hour, & you can imagine the hunger of my heart to see her & her children, [crossed out: three] two of whom I have never beheld.
We are reading an interesting novel ‘Jane Eyre’ – Have you seen it? Thank Grandmama for the cakes which were most welcome. Charley is busy driving his sofa-omnibus, Erny as omnibus boy on a chair behind, & little Fan taken in as old-lady passenger. She is very pretty now, so rosy & fat & good-natured. Charley is pretty roguish still, but feels [p. 7] very remorseful at times when naughty, & pulls my arm round his waist & my face down for a kiss saying “I sorry; I your good boy now.” – at which little Erny echoes “I good too” – as he is, the darling, always. He can talk quite glibly now, but not very intelligibly & is still a thief of pocket-handkerchiefs for suction purposes - & as quiet & cheery as ever.
My friend Emmeline lost her father a few days since. He was an old man of 87, wearied with a long life & glad to be at rest. She was thank [p. 8] ful she was at home to comfort his last hours, & had given him the joy of a little grandson to cheer the end of his years, & was sufficiently recovered from her confinement to be able to nurse him, but he sank asleep as quietly as a child.
With kind love to all. ever yr affte
Fanny L.
Sam tells me he has anticipated me with the hymn.

• Keywords: correspondence; long archives; frances e. a. longfellow papers (long 20257); frances elizabeth (appleton) longfellow; people; document; health and illness; Correspondence (1011/002); (LONG-SeriesName); Letters from Frances Longfellow (1011/002.001); (LONG-SubseriesName); 1848 (1011/002.001-018); (LONG-FileUnitName)