File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Nathan Appleton, 5 September 1846 (97a2ff60-82a6-41c0-96bc-af5a9070f143).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-015#021

Craigie House.
Saturday.
Dear papa,
I am very sorry Mary’s letter should have been so delayed, but we had not both read it in time to send it into town yesterday, it only reaching us in the morning. Tom has not written a line. No wonder Mary is amazed at his galvanized flesh. I wish he would try the water cure I am sure it would do him great good, for I cannot help thinking his recklessness & discomfort come [p. 2] partly from the driving in of the humour formerly on his skin, which the water would bring out & carry off.
We have been melting here ever since Commencement, but, fortunately, our house furnishes air always on some side of it. But the hot southerly winds of the last few days are very wilting, & I sigh for the sea-shore. We have not the fresh mornings & nights which I suppose you have.
The children I have kept, [p. 3] with care, perfectly well however, & they are both gaining flesh.
Henry dines with Sumner today at Uncle Wms to meet Mr Packenham. At 3 o’clock alas! what an hour for such a day.
Sumner is crowned with golden opinions. A very interesting letter from John Quincy Adams, speaking very warmly of his Christian eloquence from his 4th of July Oration when he “set all the serpents of Alecton hissing” to his last effort, is the most precious tribute, written with his trem [p. 4] ulous hand. He says “you have a mission to fulfil” which is admitting much for such a warlike character. Did you read in the Advertiser Hillard’s good rebuke of Wendell Phillips & his foul-mouthed set. Emmeline has gone to New York to meet Mrs James Wadsworth. My nurse Ann wishes to leave me which I much regret. Does Harriet know of any one to take her place. I have no idea where to apply. I hope the chicks keep well, & Harriet cheerful. She must try Elliott, so says her friend Sam of the same name. Dr Reynolds will dawdle over her for months to [p. 1 cross] no purpose while one of Elliotts pungent doses would soon clear her vision.
Shall we not see you by the end of next week?
ever yr affte
F.L.
ENDORSED: F. E. A. [Note: Dated in pencil: “[1845]”. Reference to multiple children casts doubt on 1845 date. Probably 9/5/1846 based on HWL dinner at William Appleton’s & Anne Ritetue leaving.]

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