Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.001-003#001

Boston Jan 7th 1833. –
 It is my turn to write, dearest Papa, and accordingly I take pen in hand, though I must say, nothing of sufficient importance has occurred since Mary’s last letter to send you an account of – We go along very soberly and sedately in the old style.  No more balls or parties at present, at which we can flourish, and poor Cinderella sits at her own fire-side, quite as quietly as she wishes.-  Capt Morgan the grand agent in all frolics has departed, and no one will undertake, in his stead, the responsibility of that office.  The weather that has been so charming has changed from June to January, and snow has even had the presumption to make its appearance, and upon the strength of that I have bought myself a pair of india-rubbers. –
 Some chance for a sleigh-ride at all events, [p. 2] if it continues, and then for the fun! –
 Now for the invalids. – Mother is not quite so well today, having been affected by the warm weather we have had, - debilitating her much. – Master Charley gets along slowly, with the help of water-gruel and such delicacies, but hopes to be well in a day or so. – He looks rather “long, and lank, and brown” &c. –
 Mary as you well know is the envy of all her acquaintance, for her prodigious enormity of size, and approximation to a milkmaid, round & rosy – and Miss Minz, as you are pleased to call her, is well enough, considering her years, her occupations, and the staidness of her deportment.  Mr Mason came to see us last night, - and with Aunt Sam’s assistance, made up a rubber, which I could not participate in, to my sorrow, having on hand that most borish of all bores – a composition, which haunts me like a dun, whenever anything agreeable is going on.  But have I not yet returned any acknowledgements for my last most entertaining letter from you?  I shall take care how I commit myself in any more exenses to you – [p. 3] you guess pretty shrewdly “the reason why” –
 Tom thinks the nation cannot be in very imminent peril, when you write in so merry a mood, but I tell him to me you are always [crossed out: Hyposeters] – Democritus
 We see by the papers you are having fine proceedings at W. some say poor Mr Duff G. is dying and Gen Blair gone frantic. – Why do you not tell us more about politics? you know deaths and murders are very interesting to school-girls- and “misses in their teens.”: - We have had lately a visit from David son of Isaac, who opens and shuts his eyes like the owl in Der Freyschutz. but never a word says he. –  He came down with a [??] of butter, and “such notions,” sold nearly all to Uncle Sam, & has returned.  Sam from Lowell also made his appearance to day – brought me a fine basket of his own manufacture, surpassing infinitely all others of the sort. – He says Uncle Eben is not very well – shewed us a letter from William whom they expect home quite soon.  Miss Anna Sears is going to be married soon, I suppose you know, and also that Mr T G. Appleton is to officiate as groomsman on the happy occasion – Divers coqutations [p. 4] about dress, &c. -  Tomorrow we dine at Aunt Sam’s, and expect to have a fine time.  On such occasions we are always careful to drink for absent friends, a bumper.  Technology lies on the table, and casts a look at me, as much to say that it was time to pore over its pages.  We are now on Ventilation and Flues, ect [sic] so that I shall be quite an adept in such matters ere long. – Aunt Sam enters, hints for whist, & says she writes you son.  Adieu dearest Papa
 Yr aff Fan. –
 Endorsed: Fanny / Jany 7

• Keywords: correspondence; nathan appleton; frances elizabeth (appleton) longfellow; Correspondence (1011/002); (LONG-SeriesName); Letters from Frances Longfellow (1011/002.001); (LONG-SubseriesName); 1833 (1011/002.001-003); (LONG-FileUnitName)