File:Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Anne Longfellow Pierce, 24 December 1848 (4f15a0e9-f020-4027-94d7-73fe9577f40a).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-018#052

Xmas eve
Dear Annie,
I send you a few branches of genuine holly, which Sam discovered in the woods near Fall River, & with which he decorated his church for Xmas, having a great cross of evergreen over the pulpit with a wreath of the thorny holly upon it. It seems quite to console him for the want of poetry in the town to find such a poem in the woods. Mrs Patten [p. 2] came sailing out of her kitchen to see it, the moment she heard I had such a treasure, with doubtless many memories of green Erin tugging at her heart strings.
Sumner dined with us today & told us of his pleasant visit to P. He seem to have been delighted with the sympathy of his audience, & especially with Dr Nicholls. Those are two hearts & minds that should become well acquainted.
We deeply felt poor Pitt’s – great sorrow. Pray [p. 3] convey to him & his wife, in your sweetest way, our most heartfelt sympathy. May peace descend like a dove upon their desolate spirits - & bear them far above their grief into its native heaven. But such a grave in the heart can never be wholly filled. It becomes most visible alas at the happiest seasons, & tonight I can but remember my darling’s glee last Xmas, upon finding the mysterious gift in her stocking.
I send mother [crossed out: some] boxes of guava jelly, Tom having brought me quite [p. 4] a supply from the West Indies & hope she likes its delicate flavor.
Henry decided not to send the butter tub as its freight would cost more than it was worth. I am very glad my last box was so successful. This weather will reconcile you to your beaver, if the previous mild December made you fear its warmth. They are much worn this winter. Please tell Marianne Henry says the Italian novels cannot be got for love nor money.
Private. I should like to send some useful present to dear little Ellen. Cant you give me some hint? Would a bonnet be welcome or is she supplied. If not, a white or blue beaver is very pretty If Stephen comes, & this is needed, you [p. 1 cross] can get for me slyly her measure. Tell me frankly what you would like her to have. With love to all & a Xmas of the merriest –
affly yr Fanny,
As Mrs Lowell has published poems with her name she can have no objection to having her verses seen. Let all enjoy them who can

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