File:Erica (Thorp) de Berry to Anne Allegra (Longfellow) Thorp, 6 April 1917 (137055bd-2c15-4c42-979b-1e584b3e1e42).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1006/004.006.002-005#011

Friday
April 6th
Darlingest Mamma,
It is so long since I’ve really written you, and just think what has happened – war upon us, and perhaps universal service --!!
How impossible it is fully to realize it – yet.
It is hard to be away, and I hope won’t be too hard, for you, to leave. But we must have that week of oblivion together before you we all plunge back into the maelstrom.
[written cross on R margin]
I hope the mayflowers weren’t all faded!
(p.2) Tuk’s and Papa’s visit was perfect, and I’m praying for equally good weather next week.
Today it is snowing! ---- Papa will explain about how you can cross the mountain “all the way by mule”, and when you’re once safely over you don’t need to stir hand or foot from Pole House, unless you’ve a mind to – you see, it is a complete household in itself and we cook meals here whenever we feel like it – and are perfectly independent. Now about clothes. I’ll send you the regulation list, and you’ll (p.3) need awfully few things anyway, for I have extra rain capes, coats & hats, rubber-boots, mackinaw, towels sweaters, etc. Sitoo will need jumpers, good stout walking boots, (high ones for mud) a pair of rough low shoes, bloomers, khaki or her outing skirt, and possibly one linen or serge dress, if she wants to change at night (tho’ I never do.) If I ever “dress up”, I simply wear a nice smock & my corduroy skirt.
I have [crossed out: an extra] two thick wrappers, for you but you’ll need bed slippers.
Will you bring with you (p.4) two pairs of pajamas for me if Dard[?] can find any. I’ll make arrangements about mules and room at Pineville when I hear definitely what day you arrive. You couldn’t possibly get here on Sunday, could you? If you could it would be wonderful, for I could come to meet you without missing school. But probably, Sitoo can’t get off any earlier –
Oh, Mamma dear, it will be so perfect beyond words to have you here, too, to share my love for this place and the blessed children. I can’t realize that you’re really coming till I see you – yon side the mountain!
A heartful of love
From your Bun.

• Keywords: long archives; henry w. longfellow family papers (long 27930); erica (thorp) de berry; document; correspondence; henry wadsworth longfellow family papers (1006); Erica Thorp deBerry Papers (1006/004.006); (LONG-SeriesName); Outgoing (1006/004.006.002); (LONG-SubseriesName); 1917 (1006/004.006.002-005); (LONG-FileUnitName)