File:Fanny Appleton to Robert East Apthorp, 16 March 1832 (13f8b199-6b9d-4917-bc82-ceaceef200ef).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-002#006

Boston – Mar 16th 1832.
 I can never sufficiently express to you, dear Robert, my thanks for your beautiful present, and the kind letter which accompanied it. – You would have been amused to have seen the excitement it produced in our small circle.  As for myself, I opened my eyes wide enough, at the sight of such an ominous-looking package addressed to me from a foreign land.  All the rest left their several occupations to behold what might be contained in this wonderful package, and reproved me for not being more expeditious in seperating [sic] its various covers, - which, on account of my great eagerness, resisted for some time my efforts to undo them: but when the object which had occasioned so many divers surmises and conjectures, was at last unfolded to the admiring eyes of all beholders, how can I paint [p. 2] the surprise, and admiration, which was depicted on every countenance!!  Even Charles left his beloved Hume to gaze upon the sweet books with their Parisian-looking covers! – We were very sorry you were so unhappy during that season – of festivity – and turkies! but some selfishness, was mingled with our sorrow, that your thoughts were directed home-ward, instead of regaling themselves on the everywhere-abounding pleasures of Paris.  It does indeed seem very strange to have day after day pass by, and still not see your familiar-face, and hear the sound of your voice, and my favourite “evening gear” is almost banished from my memory – not quite though. – But you hear enough of this from your other friends, and as you have kindly asked me to write you, I do not desire that you shall repent of it, by hearing the same monotonous speeches – any thing but consolatory.  Boston at present is sad enough, for this is one of the most disagreeable days that was ever known – cold – wet – and rainy – a tremendous day for the blues – which accordingly have taken utter possession of me, [p. 3] much to my satisfaction as you may suppose. – I suppose you will be surprised to hear that we have quite serious ideas of going to Charlestown – Carolina! – The fact is that at all events we shall go to Washington in April to meet Father, and as Mother’s health is not yet good, we thought it advisable to go to a warm climate for the benefit of all parties, and from thence proceed to W.  We have a fine ship and agreeable company and I sincerely hope we shall go. – You see I rattle, or rather scribble on to you, all the nonsense, which I should tell you if you were here, but as a Mr Ward was going to sail in a few days, I could not resist the temptation of writing to you knowing you would excuse it.  Tom has just received an enormous letter from you, which I believe he is going to immediately answer.  We are all very well, excepting Mother, and all send their kind wishes to you.
 Wishing you all health and happiness in the “beau monde” and that we may soon see you again.  I remain truly – 
 Your old friend. Fan-
 [illegible mark] Cinderella is acting here – got up in very fine style for Boston, and we are all as much fascinated with music, and all that sort of thing, as you could possibly desire - - -
 Addressed: Mr R. E. Apthorp.
 Endorsed: Boston Mch 16th 1832 / Fanny c&
 Endorsed, pencil: Mch / 32 / 14 yrs. old

• Keywords: correspondence; frances elizabeth (appleton) longfellow; long archives; frances e. a. longfellow papers (long 20257); Correspondence (1011/002); (LONG-SeriesName); Letters from Frances Longfellow (1011/002.001); (LONG-SubseriesName); 1832 (1011/002.001-002); (LONG-FileUnitName)