File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Reverend Samuel Longfellow, 24 August 1852 (541f4688-e6d8-445b-b15e-36f623c95f20).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-022#021

Newport. Aug 24th 1852.
Dear Sam,
The newspaper & Miss Goodwin inform us of your return but neither of your present wherabouts [sic] which we naturally conclude to be Portland. It is with mingled joy & regret we welcome you back, but you will understand me when I say the latter rather preponderates. I did so hope you would enjoy the best part of Europe before returning to our prosaic shores, that I cannot be quite reconciled to my dis [p. 2] appointment for you. But you doubtless had good reason for resigning so much, & perhaps another opportunity will come for you to weave those golden threads into your life. You cannot easily regret anything just now, encircled by loving hearts so happy in your safe return, & you will feel I trust that if you have not gained all that was promised you, your visit has not been unprofitable nor without lasting satisfaction.
We long to see you to talk it all over & when may we hope for it? We cannot alas promise you a room for our house is now overflowing but [p. 3] it is possible a bed may be vacant before we leave which is on the 9th of September. We are delightfully situated here, as I wrote you, on the Cliff with a house full of most agreeable people, & we are rather like one family than a boarding-house. We have been christened Hotel Rambouillet by some from the number of choice spirits our modest walls contain, but the mansion is known generally as Cliff House belonging to Charles Hazard. You have however I think been here & could easily find us.
Please thank Annie for her letter. In this lotus-eating life it is an immense effort [p. 4] to write or I should have also thanked Mary for hers -
My sister left us yesterday for Pittsfield but will join us again in Cambridge in September. Your old room will be ready for you there & I hope we shall be allowed to claim you for the present.
Henry’s love & mine to all.
Yr affte sister
Fanny L.
The children all send a kiss to Uncle Sam.

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