File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Thomas Gold Appleton, 1 December 1856 (3a1b3bba-5f14-4d1e-adac-cba4c938918b).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-026#016

Cambridge Dec 1st 1856.
Dearest Tom,
This steamer brings you the sad news of the death of Mr Peabody for which you will not be unprepared, as he has been failing all summer, but still will regret, with us, the departure of so good a man. Frank Gray is still alive, but must soon follow him, & fortunately thus far does not suffer much pain tho’ it has been feared he might. No further news of the unfortunate Lyonnais, & there is left only the feeble chance that some outward-bound vessel picked up the survivors. The mate, who reached land, says Albert Sumner had the command of one boat in which were his wife & daughter & other ladies, with plenty of provisions, [p. 2] but, unless soon discovered, they could not have borne the exposure which was terribly severe. Charles I have not seen since he left us so sadly, but he is still at home, & will not be able to begin the Session, which opens today. Burlingame, tho’ still weak from a fever, has gone on, with the pleasant expectation of being shot by Brooks as soon as he arrives, but I fancy this latter’s threats are not worth much for it is said a lady asked him “Mr Brooks you talk a great deal of the people you have shot – Where do you bury them?”
Already the dismal campaign begins by the S. Carolina Governor openly recommending the Slave-trade to the Legislature, & Heaven knows what further atrocities will be attempted, the next four years, to chiche the North as one man. [p. 3] It is hard to forgive the Fillmoreites, & when Hillard came here to announce the sad news of the week to Sumner (congenial office) & kissed him on the forehead, as he lay upon the sofa, I could not help thinking of Judas - & was barely civil to him.
To turn to less gloomy themes. A generous box of wedding-cake announced Curtis wedding, which took place the day before Thanksgiving. Young Lyman’s to Miss Ruessell, the cousin of the bride, the day after. I sent Curtis a bronze ink stand with an ibis on it to remind him of his Howadji days, while the sober metal recalls the graver duties of the present. He is thought much of by his Fremont club who know him only as orator & patriot, not as author.
We passed Thanksgiving with papa with the whole five children, baby resplendent in a new hat & fea- [p. 4] ther, & creeping round the dinner table like a little dog. They visited Aunt Sam, who is still busy beautifying her house for the Bangs,’ & where one encounters old familiar objects in such strange corners.
While there, Henry caught & brought in Miss Sedgwick, who is looking as cheerful as can be expected. Then we took Emmeline, on our upward way, who has lost much flesh, being quite ill all summer but looks even better for it. She has had endless troubles – her Herbert [crossed out: getting] breaking out with scarlet fever in the cars going up, & her man & women all down with it in consequence. The Nortons are at Pine Hill as natural as ever. The Motleys, not finding a house here, have bought one in Boylston Place & Anna Rodman (the widow) the house I always wanted you to get – the Benzons. We have read Storys poems with much admiration. They are full of vigor & freshness, with much deep feeling. Give our kindedst remembrances to them if they are still near you. ever lovingly yrs
Fanny E.L. [p. 1 cross] I have been reading to the boys & Henry who were intensely interested “It is never too late to mend”

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