File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Nathan Appleton, 31 August 1848 (77981951-ae8d-45c5-8cf2-3a748644a705).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-018#027

Thursday –
Cambridge. Aug 31st 1848
Dear papa,
Before receiving your note we had a flying account of Dr Reynolds’ summons, which was first reported to be for your benefit, but knowing Harriet’s illness, we conjectured the sad truth. I am sincerely grieved her fears were confirmed, & that she is again depressed by this trial. It is fortunate, indeed, her mother is with her to cheer her through it. We trust it will not be prolonged, & that she will soon be able to return to the comforts of Beacon St. – tho’ while this weather lasts there is no great temptation so to do. My poor little baby is very ill with her [p. 2] teeth. Night before last she had a very high fever, & the Dr wrapped her in wet bandages even to one on her head, which quickly soothed her, & drove out the fever before morning. She has had no return of it, but her bowels continue affected, so that she is losing strength & the good flesh she brought with her from Berkshire. This hot weather returning after the cool we had at first, makes us all wish ourselves away again. Dysentery is very prevalent here & in Boston, & I do not venture to let the children look at any fruit. We have back again our man John, (whose child is very ill with [p. 3] it) & also Sarah, the chamber maid, tell Mary, so that I shall be able to receive her whenever she inclines to return. I will ask Tom to look for rooms at Nahant, at the Bulfinchs, if she wishes it. Thank her for her note. I am glad she enjoyed her visit to Lenox, & hope the excitement of it was not too much for her.
Tom passed Sunday with us, & has adorned our Library with his beautiful Buhl clock & carved furniture. He is about erecting his bed at home (which he says is a single one not prophetic of the future as I hoped.) & it seems a pity his pretty things should not set off the front room instead [p. 4] of wasting their beauty behind. I dare say he would be more contented at home if he had a sunshiny apartment. Jewett has flashed in & out here, but that is all. I have been so ill with a cold, & now so taken up with baby that I have not been into town since our return. Henry dined once at Aunt S. with the Mayor & Mayoress of Auburn. Erny has not drooped yet with the heat - & keeps well. Tell Mary I am ashamed to have done nothing about her governess, but have not been really able to leave the house.
Commencement went off well, as I wrote her, & Mr Bushnells discourse is much admired. Pringle was present, looking as blooming as ever. Em writes me that all are well with her. I have been over to Charlestown to see Margaret in her new abode which she is now putting in order for the young [p. 1 cross] ladies. We often talk over our pleasant vacation & wish we could hear a book.
Love to H. & Mrs Sumner & Mary & her chicks –
Thy affte
Fanny.

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