File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Anne Longfellow Pierce, 9 June 1848 (b6224f60-31c3-4a48-9a98-77c2c92de620).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-018#017

Friday 9th June
Charlie’s birthday
Dear Annie,
I am afraid ‘Grandmama’ will think me very neglectful of her wishes touching the cracked wheat, so I hasten to explain its non-appearance by Stevy. The boy had so many packages under his charge, with a slip in his hand to engross his main attention, that Henry thought it wiser, as his Papa ran off too hurriedly to carry it, to send it [p. 2] by express – with a box of strawberries, which I hope will be welcome & sweet enough for mother’s enjoying. I send but a small quantity that she may see if she likes it enough for a large supply. Mrs Greenleaf said it did not suit all persons, being almost too efficient in its effects, but I have found it the only thing which had any result with Erny, when he became very much troubled with costiveness after his attack last winter. [p. 3] It is simply boiled like hominy –
I hope poor Stephen did not lose his place by being out of the way of the summoning letter. It would be too hard to have that disappointment added to so many. I felt much for him about Stevy, who has so foolishly abandoned an excellent opportunity of entering a wedge into life. The boy is very headstrong, & must have vexed his father prodigiously. The discipline of a ship would have been just the thing for him. He is forming manly habits of smo- [p. 4] king, drinking wine &c quite too fast, & indulged fatally by his mother I fear, would have been much improved by the rough life of a sailor, or any other where he ws under some regular authority. After all the trouble of bringing a boy up, it must be very discouraging to have him suddenly slip from the noose & claim to be his own master, instead of leaning patiently on the judgement & affection of his father – tho’, to be sure, sometimes the boy sees his way better than the father can for him – Sam seems charmed with Fall River in its summer attire & has pleasanter lodgings. I am drinking in great delight from my sister’s presence here & her childrens. My little fête on Eva’s birthday, Sat [p. 1 cross] urday, went off charmimgly, the day was so warm & so many pretty children were present to enjoy the hay, dance Y sup in the big Library – But what a dreary storm this is –
Last night we were at the Opera & very sorry Stephen missed it – With love to all ever thy affte
Fanny E.L.

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