File:Caroline Frances Appleton to Fanny Appleton, 25 January 1835 (b8a3f72d-5113-4992-9dd0-942028fc66af).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1011/002.002-002#011

C.F.A. / Jan 1835. / 6
[addressed:] Miss F. E Appleton / Care of Hon. N. Appleton / Boston / Mass.
[postmarked:] LOWELL / JAN / 26 / Mas.
Lowell Jan. 25th 1835
With a silent snowstorm without, and a cheerfull [sic] fire within I commence this epistle, how I shall finish it, you will know best when you arrive at the “Finis.” What a time you must be having of it in you [sic] gay and dissapated [sic] world! Why we sober citizens here are quite electrified with what we hear, Marraiges [sic], balls, parties and sleighrides, (never bye the performed!) I should think by this time that quiet was to you good people “a sound unknown” The latest we heard was a Marriage in high life! quite a splendid affair_so much reached us, to you I must thirst for more particular information pray tell me in your next (if you can find the time) all about the bridal costumes, bride and bridesmaid, the various etcetera’s of the interesting ceremony, and all the rest [crossed out: nes] worthy of relation. I suppose this will bring on another succession of balls. [Nareissa?] I suppose reached Boston in safety, She came one day two [sic] late for a grand assembly we had and departed two [sic] soon for another, for tomorrow night, is to be quite gay, and it is supposed the last of our Lowell gayeties_I can imagine you smilling [sic] at the very thought of gaiety here room enough I assure you. I suppose Mary’s harp has arrived at [page 2] last, in all its splendour, can it match however with the unadorned charms of the other; and all the fashions! Pray enlighten us with some remarks on this all important point_Here the thread of my ideas was broke into by an Irish funeral, strange mixture of ideas! [21?] carriages and chaises, a string of foot passengers, when I looked extending halfway down the street, and increasing at every step
“Oh! friendship, strange, indissoluble tie
How art thou unto Irish souls allied!”
This is one of our daily varieties, can you appreciate it? When I was with you, you kindly offered to execute any commissions I might trouble you with, I am about to rely upon your offer and send you one. Could you call at the thread store in Court Street and get me 4 skeins of white German worsted, it is for the filling up of the momentous [guitar?] pattern I commenced at your house, if you would do this for me I shall be greatly indebted to you, when I see you I will settle with you, or if I have a chance before. How does your music stool come on, is it all ready for the harp? News there is none. The weather is dull, the town is dull, I am dull, and this epistle is worse than dull! Mother has been quite sick lately, but is now slowly mending I can find no more to say except to congratulate with you on the departure of so many of your friends, thank goodness their course does not lie this way_Daylight is fading, my pen is losing its virtue both of goodness and brightness, and therefore conclude hoping you are not troubled with many such correspondent, whose only merit you will allow is brevity! Love to Mary, and remember me to the rest of your family_Your affectionate Coz.
Caroline.
[page 3]
P.S. An arrival. And a strange one a note from Mrs. Paige to our hopeful son and brother, Directed to Mrs S. Appleton on the outside, rather ominus [sic]. I suppose this party is for Mrs Mason is it not? Samuel says he shall not accept the invitation, as he supposes Mary as bridesmaid will be obliged to give one and therefore he shall hold himself in readiness to accept her invite, as not being able to go to both he prefers hers!_____Cool I must confess_Oh the vanity of these men!____CF.A.

• Keywords: correspondence; document; manuscript; appleton family; frances elizabeth (appleton) longfellow; long archives; frances e. a. longfellow papers (long 20257); Correspondence (1011/002); (LONG-SeriesName); Letters to Frances Longfellow (1011/002.002); (LONG-SubseriesName); J.W. Andrews - C.F. Appleton (1011/002.002-002); (LONG-FileUnitName)