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Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Thomas Gold Appleton, 5 November 1860
Manuscript letter
Cambridge
Nov 5th
Dear Tom,
I hoped to be able to send you word by this time that I had made a settled arrangement about your house, but I have not yet got Mrs Plaisted’s final answer. Her taking it depended upon her son’s coming to do business in Boston, who then would be with her at night, tho’ not at all in the day-time, & her only other child is a daughter of 17 – She objected to the rent, but I [p. 2] took the liberty to allow it to her for 500, as that was as much as she would give, & I though as she was a relation & so good a tenant you would have no objection. It would be better than having to pay some one for keeping it.
I have packed up, in a chest, all your linen, & in another all the clothes you left - *the few moth-eaten ones separately) also your boots, & every thing loose about, & put them all into your store room, for which I must get a key made as I cannot find one.
I shall not disturb the painting room unless she comes & [p. 3] desires it, - but there is room for every thing in the attic.
Your cook is still there. I spoke to Mrs P. about the china. She said she preferred not touching it, & would send for her own. I hope she will decide to take the house, for she would take such good care - & she is not pleased with boarding – She is now with your old neighbor Mrs Welles. –
The weather is colder today which is refreshing, for it has been so very warm with Indian summer mists that we have all felt languid, papa particularly – He will be much better for some bracing.
[p. 4] Tomorrow is the eventful day of the Election, & of awful import when we consider the vast size of the Territories, & the blight or blessing that may come to them – even to get the pro-slavery influence out of every department of the government will be a great deal.
We feel very sure of success, but in N. York the capitalists are making immense efforts for a fusion – to make up for losing Pennsylvania. How poor Sumner was once abused for a coalition, & Uncle Wm is now accepting the lowest & vilest democratical aid – Dana made a good speech here which I send Mary.
Harriot had a very pretty party [p. 1 cross] last week for Mrs Sidney Webster who was here for a few days. We took Messs Robinson & Bache who seemed highly pleased. Edgar would not accept a party so we are to dine quietly with them this week I took Miss Sedgwick to drive I have now sent the horses to their winter quarters – James has decided to remain with us. I send you my measure in case you should incline to get me a dress - & want it. With Henrys love ever yr affte Fanny E.L.
[p. 3 cross] 6th Last night Harriot illuminated for Uncle Wm & the torch light procession was very pretty, cheering much the ladies on the right meaning Hatty & her friends on the balcony.
Nov 5th
Dear Tom,
I hoped to be able to send you word by this time that I had made a settled arrangement about your house, but I have not yet got Mrs Plaisted’s final answer. Her taking it depended upon her son’s coming to do business in Boston, who then would be with her at night, tho’ not at all in the day-time, & her only other child is a daughter of 17 – She objected to the rent, but I [p. 2] took the liberty to allow it to her for 500, as that was as much as she would give, & I though as she was a relation & so good a tenant you would have no objection. It would be better than having to pay some one for keeping it.
I have packed up, in a chest, all your linen, & in another all the clothes you left - *the few moth-eaten ones separately) also your boots, & every thing loose about, & put them all into your store room, for which I must get a key made as I cannot find one.
I shall not disturb the painting room unless she comes & [p. 3] desires it, - but there is room for every thing in the attic.
Your cook is still there. I spoke to Mrs P. about the china. She said she preferred not touching it, & would send for her own. I hope she will decide to take the house, for she would take such good care - & she is not pleased with boarding – She is now with your old neighbor Mrs Welles. –
The weather is colder today which is refreshing, for it has been so very warm with Indian summer mists that we have all felt languid, papa particularly – He will be much better for some bracing.
[p. 4] Tomorrow is the eventful day of the Election, & of awful import when we consider the vast size of the Territories, & the blight or blessing that may come to them – even to get the pro-slavery influence out of every department of the government will be a great deal.
We feel very sure of success, but in N. York the capitalists are making immense efforts for a fusion – to make up for losing Pennsylvania. How poor Sumner was once abused for a coalition, & Uncle Wm is now accepting the lowest & vilest democratical aid – Dana made a good speech here which I send Mary.
Harriot had a very pretty party [p. 1 cross] last week for Mrs Sidney Webster who was here for a few days. We took Messs Robinson & Bache who seemed highly pleased. Edgar would not accept a party so we are to dine quietly with them this week I took Miss Sedgwick to drive I have now sent the horses to their winter quarters – James has decided to remain with us. I send you my measure in case you should incline to get me a dress - & want it. With Henrys love ever yr affte Fanny E.L.
[p. 3 cross] 6th Last night Harriot illuminated for Uncle Wm & the torch light procession was very pretty, cheering much the ladies on the right meaning Hatty & her friends on the balcony.
Archives Number: 1011/002.001-030#023
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Correspondence (1011/002), (LONG-SeriesName)
, Letters from Frances Longfellow (1011/002.001), (LONG-SubseriesName)
, 1860 (1011/002.001-030), (LONG-FileUnitName)
, Letters from Frances Longfellow (1011/002.001), (LONG-SubseriesName)
, 1860 (1011/002.001-030), (LONG-FileUnitName)
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Longfellow House - Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site, Code: LONG
Longfellow House - Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Latitude: 42.3769989013672, Longitude: -71.1264038085938
Latitude: 42.3769989013672, Longitude: -71.1264038085938
NPS Museum Number Catalog : LONG 20257
Title: Finding Aid to the Frances Elizabeth Appleton Longfellow (1817-1861) Papers, 1825-1961 (bulk dated: 1832-1861)
URL: https://www.nps.gov/long/learn/historyculture/archives.htm#FEAL
URL: https://www.nps.gov/long/learn/historyculture/archives.htm#FEAL
2016-01-30
11/05/1860
Manuscript letter in Frances Appleton Longfellow Papers, Series II. Correspondence, A. Outgoing, 1860. (1011/002.001-030#023)
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Organization: Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site
Address: 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Email: LONG_archives@nps.gov
Address: 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Email: LONG_archives@nps.gov
Wednesday, November 9, 2022 5:13:43 PM
Wednesday, November 9, 2022 5:13:43 PM
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