Frances (Appleton) Longfellow to Zilpah (Wadsworth) Longfellow, 28 February 1851 (c7f92bd5-e45f-4e58-98ce-ea399331f85d)

Manuscript letter
Archives Number: 1011/002.001-021#007
Cambridge Feb 28th 1851.
Dear mother,
I hope this milder weather finds you more comfortable than you have been & that the name of Spring is at least a cheering sound to you. Annie has not given us news of you for a long while, so I trust you are not feebler than usual but bear up under the weariness of the flesh with that cheerfulness you are wont to wear. Mrs M’Lellan spoke feelingly of you, &, describing the harsh winter in Portland, made me long to bear you away to a gentler one, even if no farther than this, which is a degree less severe.
It has been quite mild for some time but east winds are to come
[p. 2] On Saturday the 22d our little girl was christened, we thinking it a pleasant celebration of the good Washington's birth-day. She was named Alice Mary, - the former being a favorite name of ours, & occurring several times in my father's family in the olden days and at least once in yours – Alice Archer you may remember – the Mary was added for her two aunts' sake.
She behaved beautifully, & altho’ it was a very trying occasion to me, my spirits rallied after a while, &all went off pleasantly. There was no one present but my father's family – I should have asked Mrs Weir, but I did not feel equal to any more witnesses than I could help. A little ice & a beautiful christening cake crowned with a bouquet, from my Aunt Mrs Sam Appleton, enlivened the close. The [p. 3] children will, I hope, remember this occasion, for it made a good deal of impression on them. Dr. Francis officiated as usual very feelingly. Little Alice is a charming little baby, remarkably vigorous & active, laughing & smiling at & with everybody & perfectly good all day long. She has a very intelligent look for so young a baby, (she was five months on her christening day) & is very forward in all her ways. The children take great delight in her & like to amuse her. Charley is learning steadily at school, & is very well this winter, rosy & strong – Erny has had a cough & must be carefully watched, but has gained flesh since his illness & is always full of spirits & fun. He is as gentle & child-like as ever, & when by himself a most quiet companion, enjoying especially painting – the illustrated papers. They both send many kisses & much [p. 4] love to dear Grandmama & to Aunt Anne. Please thank the latter for the tidy which was very welcome. Willie Longfellow we sent for, & he came & passed a Sunday with us. He is much grown & reminded us much of his father.
I have not heard from Sam very lately nor from Mary.
My father’s throat still troubles him & he goes, on Monday, to N. York to sail for my sister’s island, Antigua, with Mr Jewett his nephew, to pay her a visit & then proceed to England for the great Fair – a very pleasant expedition for him as there are fine steamers all the way. Mrs Appleton does not like to leave the children for so long but may possibly join him in England. With our love to Alex Annie & Aunt Lucia ever affly yrs
Fanny E.L.
Keywords: correspondence; long archives; frances e. a. longfellow papers (long 20257); frances elizabeth (appleton) longfellow; people; document; family life; subject; Correspondence (1011/002); (LONG-SeriesName); Letters from Frances Longfellow (1011/002.001); (LONG-SubseriesName); 1851 (1011/002.001-021); (LONG-FileUnitName)