Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1002/9.3-055#014

148 Charles Street.
Boston Dec. 15th 1883.
Dear friends:
I cannot let the next mail go out to England without carrying a Christmas greeting. I enclose a small photograph, which I think you may not have in order to remind you of the writer. You will see it was taken some years ago but it is all I have.
Miss Jewett is already with me for the winter and she joins me in every good wish, not only for this season but for [p. 2] seasons to come when we shall hope to have you in the old house once more, ^now so dear and so deserted!
We have been hoping in vain for a word from you to tell us of your new life and surroundings, but naturally you have been busy and absorbed in your [??] occupations. [words crossed out] Who should come in to surprise us with a call a night or two since, but your brother Ernest. He gave me your address and described the Professors’ parties with much amusement. He was [p. 3] going to the play in the evening, for the coming of Miss Terry and Mr. Irving has brought out great houses and unbounded enthusiasm. I hope you saw them before they left England, otherwise you will [??] a night to feel defrauded.
The placid condition of Boston and Cambridge has been somewhat stirred of late, not only by the beauty of Miss Terry & the genius of Mr. Irving, but also by Mr. Matthew Arnold’s Essay on Emerson wherein the worshipers of “The Concord [p. 4] Seer” thought they discovered some lack of appreciation but on a second hearing I think rather changed their minds. There was quite a tempest for a few days I assure you.
Mr. Cable, the author of my Madame Delphine has also been here reading his stories to delighted audiences. He is a [word crossed out] quaint little man with a strong accent and a weak voice, but so simple and with so much character as to interest every body who saw him. I wish he might have seen you both in the dear house but perhaps it will be by and by for everybody liked to hear him read and sing the strange songs of the Creole people and if he lives he will return.
Good night – Miss Jewett sends her love with mine to you both.
[p. 1 cross] Affectionately yours
Annie Fields.
I hope the Xmas bells will be ringing as you open this!

• Keywords: document; correspondence; henry w.l. dana papers (long 17314); long archives; annie adams fields; literature; ellen terry; henry irving; matthew arnold; george washington cable; sarah orne jewett; theater; alice mary longfellow; anne allegra (longfellow) thorp; newnham college; Collected Materials (1002/009); (LONG-SeriesName); Miscellaneous Famous People (1002/009.003); (LONG-SubseriesName); Fields; Annie (1834-1915) Papers; 1867-1914 (1002/009.003-055); (LONG-FileUnitName)