Has not been improving from a foot injury that has kept him out of school for four weeks, while Louisa has recovered from her ailment and returned to school; asks after his uncle and Richard. #6249-a.

Received letter from mother as well as three periodicals (Analectic, Gazette, and Register). Expects ship to sail soon carrying one dog and describes another dog's health problems. #6249-a.

Observes that his uncle's recent letter from Raymond, Maine, did not mention if the dog arrived there and that it did describe the place so negatively that he fears selling his land there will go poorly. #6249-a.

Thanks Goodrich for reading his literary submissions, although still doubting prospects for their acceptance, and describes progress writing various additional tales, one based on local superstitions. #6249-a.

Requires her Hamilton submission and any other pieces for impending publication in "the May number." #6249-a.

About letters loaned for the published edition, about the significance to Hawthorne of their recipients, especially, Mrs. Fessenden, and of the implications of some of his comments.

Desires to visit her at home before she moves away from Boston. For himself has nearly abandoned the idea of going to Washington, but after an unproductive winter in Salem rather than Boston, which she had advised, plans spending the summer in the country somewhere. His mother and sister Louisa are not well. #6249-a.

Uses a teasing tone to complain that he would never write again were it not his profession and thanks her for ceasing her request that he write a story for her alone. Thinks "Miss Augusta" should return home from her travels. Has heard that he himself is engaged to two ladies, which is news to him, and hopes the rumors will not have him married unawares. Begs her wise indulgence of his banter. #6249-a.

Accepts with thanks Bancroft's offer of a position in the custom house inspector's department, about which he has sought advice from Gen. McNeel and Mr. Jameson, and would prefer the ordinary inspector's duties to one of greater responsibility. Expects to move to Boston within a few weeks and would like to begin work then. #6249-a.

After delaying, wishes to arrange a meeting to present a copy of his Tales and greet personally a fellow Bowdoin alumnus. #6249-a.

Responding to a letter just received, he expresses loving concern for her and reports his weariness after a long day's work for the customs house. #6249-a.

Regrets failing to write a promised story, now past deadline and not to be done; life and duties at Brook Farm both rest and work him too hard so that he cannot concentrate on writing stories, which "grow like vegetables, and are not manufactured, like a fine table." #6249-a.

Goodrich, who had published a number of Hawthorne's tales, forwards additional volumes of Parley's Cabinet Library to Sprague and requests an endorsement of the series for adoption by New York's state school library. #6249-a.

They report the absence due to injury of Permanent Inspector William R. Lee and the expense of temporary inspectors. #6249-a.

Asks the collector of customs whether to investigate the Schooner Stirling , claimed to be from Boston, bound for Bangor, but suspected to be from the West Indies with original cargo. #6249-a.

Informs the collector of customs that Capt. William Josser (?), a revenue boatman, has been long out due to injury, which has proven to be permanent, and suggests his removal from the payroll. #6249-a.

Arranging speakers for the lyceum, he advises that Prof. Agassiz will speak in December and that Whipple could be scheduled for 3 January if that would suit him. #6249-a.

Making a plea for retention of an experienced and valuable Salem Customs House clerk, Zachariah Burchmore, Jr., whose position there was reported to be threatened. #6249-a.

Briefly confirming January 24 for Mr. Sumner's visit (to give a lyceum lecture). #6249-a.

Expressing the lyceum managers' interest in having both Mr. Colman's lectures and explaining schedule possibilities for their delivery. #6249-a.

Reporting that a schedule conflict would prevent his visiting when proposed and claiming to be well despite the recent loss of his Customs House position, phrased as "my head has been chopt off." #6249-a.

Having heard that some further charges concerning the Salem Customs House might be made against him by those with political motives, NH requests that, Mr. Mann, who had offered to assist, enquire about them so that NH might answer them in hope of reinstatement to his former position. #6249-a.

Requesting that Mr. Webber [American Review, editor] explain to the Museum editor, to whom he had given NH's "Unpardonable Sin " for publication, that the piece should appear only as an excerpt from his forthcoming book and only when that book appeared and NH confirmed it; also reporting on his wife's ill health and treatment. #6249-a.

Reports on his new home and life in Lenox, Massachusetts; on missing brandy, which he pledged to forgo, as well as other amenities not locally available; on his views of Pike, their fellow Salem Customs House employee, and of events there; and encourages continued correspondence and Burchmore's visiting him in Lenox. #6249-a.

Thanking him for complements on his writings and responding as requested. #6249-a.

Declines her request that he write for her an "'exhaustive criticism' of Grace Greenwood's works", which he doesn't think warrant it, suggesting that she herself undertake whatever she has in mind, and noting that his wife disapproves Greenwood's writing on moral grounds. #6249-a.

Sends partial payment on a debt, with thanks for help and patience. Notes general good health of the family, the blessings of his current situation, made possible by dismissal from the Salem Customs House position, and his intention to send the doctor a copy of his new book ( House of the Seven Gables ), soon to be published. #6249-a.

Sends money and asks that it be taken for payment of his outstanding Salem water bill. Sadly acknowledges death of Burchmore's father, asks that Z.B. distribute copies of his forthcoming book to Salem friends, describes the remoteness of his Berkshire home with its many confining tasks, and asks about the Burchmores' activities and political views. #6249-a.

Fulfilling a request for his autograph, sent late as he was loath to write. #6249-a.

Forwards a letter about "young ladies' compositions," which will be sent for G.P.R.J. to read. Welcomes him to the Berkshires and encourages an exchange of visits. #6249-a.

Requests that when it is published soon, a copy of his A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys be sent to each friend specified, including Longfellow, O.W. Holmes, W. Irving, and others, and seven copies to Z. Burchmore, Jr., for distribution. Enquires about proofs and the preface for Tales ( The Snow-Image ). #6249-a.

Sends his preface for the tales ( The Snow-Image ) and enquires about the manuscript of "Major Molineaux, " instructing that the "imperfect copy" be returned to him for rewriting if the complete one is not found. Requests $100 dollars for upcoming travel. #6249-a.

Discusses length of and price for a story under consideration for his correspondent's magazine. Declines to contribute stories regularly, due to the time and work they take, and notes that this one he wrote while waiting to leave Lenox. #6249-d.

Discusses Putnam's interest in a drawing of his "home," that he has lived in seven since his marriage ten years before and will soon move into the eighth, in Concord, and of that Sophia may be able to do an appropriate drawing. #6249-b.

Emphasizes how much he misses Fields, personally and for his work, such as the novel he has just finished ( The Blithedale Romance ), which Whipple is reading. Discusses the difficulty of getting fair payment from English publishers and asks that Fields approach several. Encourages his seeing Grace Greenwood while in London and his visiting Concord to see the new Hawthorne home. Mentions corresponding with Barry Cornwall and Miss [Mary Russell] Mitford. #6249-a.

Explains that she has begun work for him on a sketch of their house, the Wayside (later than intended due to caring for the baby, teaching the older children, and other work), that Emerson's house is too overgrown with shrubbery to sketch, and that she can not sketch the Old Manse as he asked. #6249-b.

Later the same day sends a drawing she had hoped to redo but despairs of finding the time and suggests that his staff artist make adjustments, mentions the hope of getting an "end view" of Emerson's house and possibly something of the Old Manse. #6249-b.

Uncertain whether the requested leaf of manuscript should be from one of his existing works or something new, he sends both a leaf of The Blithedale Romance and something written "for the purpose," also comments on Sophia's drawing of the house and describes its color. #6249-b.

Declines an invitation to give a lecture before the Rochester Athenaeum on the grounds that he does no public speaking. #6249-e.

Declines to provide a note or letter written him by "General Pierce," for which he has had many requests. #6249-a.

Describes to this friend how he likes his house and grounds in Concord and his proximity to Mr. Emerson and other friends, but has not gotten out on the river or fished it. Asks after Farley's son and wife and reports his own children are well. #6249-d.

Has just finished work for a new book [ Tanglewood Tales ]; considers the effect of including actual friends as characters in his writings as well as developing a Bacchanalian character. #6249-a.

Sends thanks for loan of a note, which gave him some insight about its writer; discusses plans for his 6 July steamer crossing to England where he would take up his duties as Pierce's appointed consul at Liverpool. #6249-a.

Forwards a letter written to Bennoch by Mr. [James T.] Fields and sent through N.H., who speculates that it may concern a matter unknown to Fields's partner [William D.] Ticknor. #6249-a.

Pleads the case of an older Irishman, referred to him by Sanders, who is seeking work in Liverpool, something N.H. cannot offer, but presses Sanders himself to find something for him in London. #6249-d.

Sends payment for a telegraph bill and a note from Mrs. Hawthorne to Mrs. Sanders; explains that, given his demanding consular responsibilities, they cannot yet accept an invitation to visit. #6249-a.

Adds to, corrects, and expands upon his accompanying consular accounts for the fiscal quarter ended 30 June 1854; designated "No. 14 " at the head of the letter. #6249-a.

Introduces the letter's bearer, Mr. Geo. P. Bradford, an American friend, who also brings [James T.] Fields's gift of a silver fruit shovel for Mrs. Bennoch; hopes to see him soon. #6249-a.

Invites him and his wife and children to stay with the Hawthornes at Rock Park, Rock Park Ferry, for as long as needed while awaiting a steamer to New York. #6249-a.

Promises a fellow American his utmost support and protection following unnamed problems recently encountered; wishes him well on his Pacific voyage and return to friends. #6249-d.

A rambling, youthful account of the winter, books and apples sent by Mr. Fields, music and other studies, amusement at the account of Tom Thumb in Mr. Barnum's autobiography, and asks all about her young cousin Horace and his family in Ohio. #6249-a.

Encloses a note (not present) to Brown Shipley & Co. of Liverpool providing his return passage to the United States and requests that N.H. present it for him and reserve suitable accommodations for him and his son, "Col. Van Buren, " on the packet scheduled for June 30 (page 1 annotated in another hand with "Room no 9 . . . appropriated- best room in the vessel. . . ") #6249-d

Observes that the English are so enamored of Longfellow and his work that he (Hawthorne) has benefited from revealing their friendship and is sorry the poet is not coming soon to visit his devotees. Outlines his own plans to continue consular duties another year and then to spend a year or two on the Continent, made possible by supplementing his earnings in England with those from his writing. Then considers the later phases of a literary career, "Don't you think that the autumn may be the golden age both of the intellect and imagination?" As Longfellow's work grew steadily "richer and deeper," he hopes his own will. Also finds beneficial for Americans a residence in England, exposed to more "simple and natural people" and to ale and mutton, which may all perhaps be discernable in his next novel. #6249-a.

Refers to sending two letters of introduction for Mr. Stokes (?), not a personal acquaintance, to two American literary editors, Mr. [Evert] Duyckinck and Mr. [George] Curtis. #6249-a.

Responds to recent letters, insisting on the general strength of her physical constitution, despite persistent and disruptive coughing, and the good care her husband gives. Comments on other family and friends: of Uncle George and Aunt Alice, recently deceased, and concern for their children, of her son Julian's whooping cough as well as his intellect and sensitivity, of the elderly Anna Parsons living on and on, and of Sarah Clarke's visit. Discusses Elizabeth's fine essay under revision and approves of her ceasing to teach school. #6249-a.

Briefly reports that consular business has kept him from writing the preface promised to Miss [Delia] Bacon for her book on Shakespeare but will try to send it soon. #6249-a.

Reports morning-after discomforts due to over-indulging in whiskey toddies served by Bennoch's friend Albert Smith during a visit with him in London. #6249-a.

Describes his experience with Albert Smith and others in Evans's Supper Rooms in London where the hospitable proprietor welcomed N.H. as a guest and hoped also to have Longfellow, Emerson, and Channing. This being but one instance of many he witnessed in which Longfellow was spoken of "with the highest interest and admiration," convincing him that his friend's literary reputation in London was at a peak, that it fairly demanded his visiting there, and that Hawthorne himself longed to see him. #6249-a.

Forwards by Benoch cigars for the hospitable Lt. Col. Howell of the North Cork Rifles, the officer having once enjoyed smoking some with N.H. #6249-a.

Fulfilling Bennoch's request that he supply a piece for Miss [Marguerite] Powers's annual [ The Keepsake ] had become a struggle following a period of writing inactivity, but he was sending a sketch revised from his journal, about a "pilgrimage" to a place he long fancied. Rejoices that Mrs. Hawthorne is soon arriving at Southampton and asks for Bennoch's recommendation of a temporary residence in Devonshire for her. #6249-a.

Thanking her for a note he just received after he greeted Mrs. Hawthorne in Southampton upon her return from a sojourn in Lisbon and Madeira. #6249-a.

Reporting on Mrs. Hawthorne's return to England, improved health, temporary residence near Southampton, and plan for a stay in London. #6249-a.

Accepting Bennoch's invitation, announces his plan to leave the next day from Southampton with his whole family for a visit to Bennoch's home in London and requests directions. #6249-a.

Endorsing Fredk. W. Brown as master of the ship Isaac H. Broadman . #6249-d.

Introducing Mr. J.P. Jones, from "your own State," made known to him by a letter of introduction from the Hon'ble. Jefferson Davis. #6249-d.

Introducing Mr. Martin, "son of the late celebrated artist" [Charles Martin?], and regretting having been away, in London, when Evert Duyckinck's brother George was in Liverpool. #6249-d.

Imploring Bennoch's help in dealing with Miss [Delia] Bacon by acquiring for and sending to her a pamphlet on Shakespeare and by getting her book published somehow before she kills herself over it and worries him to death in the process. Also requesting clarification of the date of Bennoch's impending visit. #6249-a.

Remaining uncertain about Bennoch's date of arrival but, should it be soon, directing him from Liverpool to their residence in Southport. #6249-a.

Responding to Bennoch's intervening note, explaining that he and Mrs. Hawthorne were planning a three-months sojourn at Southport and that establishing the family there would preclude his accepting an invitation to Hereford, instead giving Bennoch instructions for visiting Southport. During that residence, Mrs. Hawthorne wishes to "try Miss Browne as governess," who, should she prove suitable, would be retained for service when they depart England, a prospect not yet to be discussed elsewhere. #6249-a.

Pointing out the surprising length of Miss [Delia] Bacon's manuscript, which he forwards to Bennoch, and which he hopes to persuade her to shorten but, regardless, intends to see published; finally, noting improvements in the health of both their wives. #6249-a.

Replying briefly to Ticknor's recent letter, reporting on the benefits to Mrs. Hawthorne's health of Southport air and the governess's aid, Bennoch's continued travel in Germany, and uncertainty about where Ticknor might reach Miss Peabody. #6249-a.

Lamenting Miss [Delia] Bacon's erratic emotional reactions, her self-inflicted alienation, personally and financially, from her family in America as well as from himself, making a necessity of Bennoch's service as intermediary with her; his feeling more strongly about the importance of assisting her financially and editorially to get her Shakespeare book speedily published (by Messrs. Parker in England and Ticknor in America, the edition numbering one thousand copies of five hundred each, as he was hoping American sales might help him recoup English losses). #6249-a.

Returning Miss [Delia] Bacon's note and fully concurring with her that Hawthorne's name not appear on her book's title page, but thinking it appropriate to give it at the close of his introduction, his the composition of which would be aided if her text were forwarded to him as the pages were printed, since he had never had time to read her entire and "perplexing" manuscript. Additionally, encouraging Bennoch to see to his friend George Duyckinck in hospital after a railway accident. #6249-a.

Accepting reluctantly the inclusion of his name on Miss [Delia] Bacon's title page, but insisting that it indicate that he contributed prefatory remarks only and that the title not absolutely deny Shakespeare's authorship [she argued for Bacon, Raleigh, and Spenser]. Otherwise, discussing household matters, such as the governess's limitations. #6249-a.

Finding the assertiveness of Miss [Delia] Bacon's own introduction to her book certain to alienate readers; proposing a compromise- her allowing his introductory remarks to stand alone for his acceding to her title; finally, deciding in retrospect that involving Bennoch with so troubled an author was not justified, after all, by the substance of her theories. #6249-a.

Insisting again that Miss [Delia] Bacon's introduction not appear in her book, that his alone suffice, and foretelling the blame she would heap upon them for it. #6249-a.

Returning Miss [Delia] Bacon's letters to Bennoch, explaining that Ticknor expected little American response to his promotion of her book, and admitting that reading the printed text revealed her theory to seem more absurd than it had in manuscript, which challenged his skill to introduce it fairly without prejudicing readers. Closes with a report that his own family is well and wishes a happy Christmas to the Bennochs. #6249-a.

Sending the manuscript of his preface ("painfully screwed out of a pre-occupied and unwilling mind") for Miss [Delia] Bacon's book, which is nearly done but for his paying the printer, and discussing use of his preface versus any introduction of hers. #6249-a.

Acknowledging Miss [Delia] Bacon's disapproval of his preface for her book and his own preference for burning it rather than providing the full endorsement of her theories that she demanded. In a postscript, describing the recent nocturnal break-in and theft at their house, the second one during their residence in England. #6249-a.

Insisting that his necessarily skeptical preface would prove too disadvantageous for Miss [Delia] Bacon's book and advocating that both his preface and his name be purged (" I would just as willingly be in the pillory as [on that title page]"). #6249-a.

Encouraging Bennoch to welcome completion of Miss [Delia] Bacon's book and to ignore her anger, but pointing out that her letters, far more interesting than her Shakespeare theories, would make a better book if they could but publish them. #6249-a.

Considering a good title for Miss [Delia] Bacon's book but considering it hers to choose. #6249-a.

Praising Bennoch for working out a book title with Miss [Delia] Bacon and discussing publishers. For a trip to Lincoln and environs, requesting advice on what and whom to see. For a trip to Scotland, urging Bennoch to join them, especially as he would resign his post in August. #6249-a.

Discussing a modest English advertising budget for Miss [Delia] Bacon's book, payment for its printing, his expectation of losing money on the English edition, and Ticknor's hopes for some success in America. #6249-a.

Sending a bank bill and promising a printer's draft for Miss [Delia] Bacon's book. #6249-a.

Sending the promised printer's draft for Miss [Delia] Bacon's book. #6249-a.

Asking what London "Chemist or Druggist " might want to handle a new medicine he has received with credible endorsements from America and suggesting Bennoch and his wife try it. In a postscript, regretting the Athenaeum's negative notice of Miss [Delia] Bacon's book, the only one he has seen. #6249-a.

Reporting news that Miss [Delia] Bacon shows signs of insanity, wondering what might save her, and considering that the "ill success of her book" has accomplished "what little remained to do, towards driving her mad." Renewing a plea that the Bennochs' join them on a tour of Scotland, and commenting on their pleasant trip to Lincoln and environs, during which he much extended his English journals but prepared nothing to publish. #6249-a.

Endorsing John Cole as master of the ship Holyhead . #6249-d.

After his consular resignation, reporting that he awaits payment for his services before leaving England and urging that the Bennochs visit, whereupon they would introduce their American governess for comparison to the good English one who preceded her. #6249-a.

Tiring of Leamington and soliciting lodging recommendations in London and Sydenham. Praising Bennoch for his kind assistance, upon which he has so often called. #6249-a.

Explaining their lodging needs should last another two to four weeks. Wishing to depart for the Continent but stymied by financial uncertainty. #6249-a.

To comfort his friend, sending his belief that Bennoch's fortunes surely will be restored. Reporting on their life in Rome, where his family enjoy visiting temples and churches, while he is ill, hates the place, and cannot write, which he must do to make expenses there. Planning to summer in Florence and return to Rome for the winter. #6249-a.

Enjoying seaside Redcar in Yorkshire, with the children happy and his writing prospects good; requesting Bennoch give James Fields his address. #6249-a.

In Leamington again, finishing his book [ The Marble Faun ] and hoping to see Bennoch there or in London. #6249-a.

Reporting that his book at Smith & Elder is supposedly in press but doubts publication till spring, which is acceptable if they soon provide partial payment. Reporting also that J. Fields's has invited Mrs. Hawthorne to contribute to the Atlantic Monthly and teasing that she will be a rival "at bed and board," but truthfully that she prefers her normal role, "the best wife and mother in the world." #6249-a.

Disappointed that the Bennochs had not visited as planned and encouraging they do so after Christmas. Reporting on the printer's progress with his "Romance" [ The Marble Faun ], requiring his intervention in order to time English publication when it will not risk his American copyright. #6249-a.

Reporting that Mrs. Hawthorne has been confined with a bronchial illness from which she is now improving and that he looks forward to returning to America's drier air. Finding his book [ The Marble Faun ], in the printing phase, contains some "very nice writing" but pondering whether English readers will find it clever or absurd. Reiterating concern about protecting his American copyright if there is simultaneous publication in England and American. #6249-c.

Reminding Bennoch, on behalf of Mrs. Hawthorne, that he promised to write and sending an ode or other verse for Una's birthday in March. Asking Bennoch to reserve a London hotel room for his imminent visit to Smith & Elder about transferring copyright [for The Marble Faun ] to them. Promising that a copy of the finished book will be sent to him, although he hopes his friends will not read it. #6249-a.

Thanking Bennoch for his fine poem celebrating Una's birthday and for praise of his book [ The Marble Faun ], noting that he would add explanatory text, should a second edition be published. Appealing for an assessment of Richmond's suitability for Mrs. Hawthorne's health as they choose a residence for their final months in England. #6249-a.

Reporting that Bath accommodates Mrs. Hawthorne well. Sharing Ticknor's report of his book's success in America, where is was published properly as The Marble Faun , and adding that he has written an explanatory "Postscript" for Smith & Elder's second edition, perhaps compromising "its essential excellencies." #6249-a.

Acknowledging her request for his autograph. #6249-d.

Hoping warmer weather will strengthen Mrs. Hawthorne and that Bennoch will visit. Is himself soon visiting [John Lothrop] Motley, who invited him to London, but, where he prefers staying no more than a week, and with an invitation could go on to visit Bennoch. Also requesting a message be sent on to Fields. #6249-a.

Outlining plans for a trip to Cambridge, rather than the Derby, despite hearing he shouldn't miss the latter, and possibly on to see Bennoch. #6249-a.

Praising his son's recent good behavior at home, then exclaiming about Americans' prowess against English contenders, both in boxing with American [John] Heenan vs. [Tom] Sayers, and in horse racing with the good American Derby entrant to run at Epsom. Summarizing his current travel schedule for London, Cambridge, and Canterbury, which will delay their eventual departure together for Liverpool. #6249-a

On the eve of departing for America, thanking Bennett for "the beautiful sonnets with which you have honored me and my book" and that this note is the "very last use that I make of my pen in England." #6249-a.

Praises and thanks the Scottish author John Brown for his fine story "Rab and his Friends. " #6249-a.

Declines the Concord Lyceum curator's invitation to speak, despite his sense of duty as a "townsman," but doesn't speak before the public. #6249-a.

Expresses grief and sympathy to her friends on the loss of their only daughter, Helen, her feelings deepened by having nursed Una through serious illness [malaria], but also reassurance through faith in God's wisdom and consolation. #6249-a.

Responds to a request for his signature. #6249-a.

Comments on missing Bennoch since returning from England, on settling slowly into the Wayside where a room has been designated "Bennoch's Room" for his visits and another where N.H. plans to write his next novel, on how the family members are, and on the future of his country now at war. #6249-a.

Complying with Shelton's request, for an autograph. #6249-a.

Acknowledges that the American Civil War, an inevitability about whose outcome he is pessimistic, pervades his thoughts and outlook for the future; welcomes news of Bennoch's "returning prosperity," a blessing for him and the many beneficiaries of his generous nature, and assesses his own circumstances as fully sufficient, given God's tendency to balance good fortune with bad; believes a product of the war experience will be better writers than those of his own generation; considers his own literary reputation to be negligible; sends a recent photograph of himself and sees in the Bennochs' likenesses little change. #6249-a.

Owing George P. Bradford money, N.H. asks that Ticknor pay the debt on his behalf. #6249-a.

Some three months after seeing him last, S.H. reaffirms her vast admiration for him and his superlative religious insight, describes the unique rapport she feels with him, acknowledges receiving his books on Christianity and alchemy, expands upon their benefits for her spirituality. #6249-a .

Having learned of his being in Washington, she begs him to retrieve her recent letter, sent to his New York address, so as to keep it from exposure to anyone but himself. #6249-a.

Confirms his enthusiasm for Wheeler's dictionary [of fictional characters] project, noting a similar idea he had once entertained, encourages him to include name pronunciations, advises him about British copyright considerations, and agrees to review "specimens." #6249-a .

Thanks them for sending a copy of Jean Ingelow's poems, praising both the poems and the publishers for putting her work before the public. #6249-a.

Forwards a letter assessing Julian's work. #6249-a.

A long monologue, in lieu of the personal conversation with General Hitchcock that she would prefer to have, reaffirming her faith in and admiration for him as philosopher, author, and source of ideas that, together with God's laws and if fully applied, would avert much of the human injury and pain inflicted by errors such as slavery and civil war; notes her husband to be uncommonly fair and open-minded and she herself to be uncommonly fortunate and happy. #6249-a.

Jane Pierce thanks Hawthorne for expressing his appreciation of Franklin Pierce as a life-long friend and a leader in the dedicatiaon and preface to "Our old home. " She notes that her husband is unwell and sends regards to Hawthorne's family. In a postscript she comments on what parts of the book she most enjoyed. Docket on verso reads "Mrs. Pierce to Hawthorne. Handed to me by Mrs. Hawthorne June 1864" indicating the return of the letter to Pierce as a souvenir of Jane after her death. #6249-j.

Expresses concern for General Pierce's health, reports on Julian's residence and schedule in Cambridge, and questions whether his recent letter might have included postage stamps by accident or for Hawthorne's use for their correspondence, given the discontinuation of Pierce's franking privilege by "our shabby legislators." #6249-a.

Like her husband, rejects retaliating against the South for its treatment of prisoners and argues against vengeful punishment of those held in the North's prisons, a policy that would defy God's law, demean the perpetrator, belie America's identity as "an ideal nation, fighting for justice, liberty, civilization, and Christian manners," and surely provoke worse southern vengeance. Believing the general to share these views, she reports that her sister Mrs. Mann and friend Mr. Emerson feel otherwise. #6249-a.

Correcting her November 13 comment that Mr. Emerson favors retaliating against the South for vengeful prisoner treatment, as Mr. Hawthorne's subsequent discussion with their friend revealed otherwise. #6249-a.

Discusses real estate matters and closes with a recommendation of N. Hawthorne's recent book Our Old Home. #6249-a.

Regrets his belated response to her request for "my autograph, accompanied with a patriotic sentiment, for the benefit of the Sanitary Fair" and laments that, while full of feeling for his country's crisis, he finds no words for them. #6249-a.

Needs to get stronger before visiting Boston, but now "expect[s] to go on improving to a reasonable extent- which at one time, in my secret mind, I hardly hoped for." #6249-a.

Thanks him for his letter of concern for her, noting what peace his words bring her, even when her mind is not equal to the demands of his philosophical writings; reports that she has found a dear friend with whom to share her thoughts and feelings during stressful times and with N.H. away; thinks travel to Europe likely to benefit her and her children as it would the hard-working general himself. #6249-a.

To fulfill Webster's request on his wife's behalf, sends one fragment of manuscript and notes that he usually burns work he has finished and is sorry to find nothing better for her album. #6249-a.

Despite persisting poor health, expects in a few days to begin their planned trip. Sophia notes with pleasure that N.H. is strong enough to write his note despite persistent ill-health and adds that she will accompany him to meet Pierce, then proceed alone to Boston. #6249-a.

Expresses his sympathies on learning of N.H.'s death from her recent letter, asks that she convey them also to Mrs. Hawthorne, and rejoices that the latter has found strength to accept the loss. #6249-d.

Requests that he, in Mr. Fields's absence, remit funds by check. #6249-a.

Praises General Hitchcock and, in effusive and symbolic language, describes how his books have given her peace and the sense of being one with her beloved husband, despite his death. Puzzles over the general's roles as religious teacher versus his war work in Washington, or, "why the Interpreter of the Prince of Peace should be Counselor of War. But I feel safer that you are . . ." #6249-a.

Acknowledges General Hitchcock's gift of one of his books, his works revealing of the "Holy of holies" for her and kept in her "mystic, magic library". #6249-a.

Thanking him for one of his books and pouring forth her Christian spiritual beliefs including the importance of his writings in spiritual matters. #6249-a.

Having received no letter from her cousin for some time, fears that Lydia is unwell and writes, though ill herself, to plead for some word. #6249-a.

Reports her safe return from a short visit with her cousin and other relatives. #6249-a.

Enquires about relatives and reports that her own children are away and she is alone. #6249-a.

Enquires about his return home to Amherst after visiting her and about other relatives; reports on problems getting the stove she ordered and on her own children, especially on Rose, who is beginning school in Lexington. #6249-a.

Discusses her reading during an illness, including an Atlantic article on the authorship of Shakespeare's works, then Delia Bacon on the subject, then Sir Francis Bacon's writings, and then the general's analysis of the sonnets and other literary works. #6249-a.

Explains how ill she has been, how welcome his letter was, and what reading it suggested to her to undertake. Reports her sister Elizabeth plans a deserved trip to Europe and Julian wishes to study in Heidelberg for several years, taking her and his sisters along; as she lives "only for her children" and thinks this a good plan she is considering how she might finance it if her recovery allows. #6249-a.

Reports family news: Julian's slow progress on arranging to study in Europe and taking his mother and sisters along; Una's happiness about her recent engagement to Storrow Higginson, whom Sophia will welcome to the family; Rose's changing schools and her having a tutor in Europe; her sister Elizabeth's impending European journey; and the ill health of both her sister Mary her hard-working husband Horace Mann. #6249-a.

Thanks him for sending "the Preface " and praises all his work; reports Mrs. Mann is very ill; expects that "a sudden failure of means" will prevent her and the children from going to Europe as they had hoped and that for now they will vacation at Rye beach. #6249-a.

Is delighted with and benefiting from his book he sent her; reports feeling better in general, especially since Julian's plan to study in Europe was abandoned for want of means, a disappointment he took gracefully, substituting for it the study of civil engineering; is blessed to find such character in all her children. Is pleased that his tenure as commissioner general of prisons has ended. #6249-a.

Expresses her deep concern about his recent serious illness, wishing never to be without him and his wisdom; comments on several of his books, especially his Bible commentary, so instructive to her. Reports how faithful, good, intelligent, and sensitive Julian is as son and brother, as the quote she excerpts from his recent letter shows. #6249-a.

Writes for his ailing mother, who is worried about General Hitchcock's illness, and requests that he have a friend write her about his progress. #6249-a.

Sends her as promised the last letter Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote, addressed to himself before their then-impending trip together to New Hampshire; recalls painfully their long, close friendship, N.H.'s support during the final illness and death of Mrs. Pierce, and details of their long-planned journey: choosing the route and itinerary, N.H.'s refusing Pierce's suggestions for making their trip less taxing, N.H.'s terming it a "boon" to experience death without a struggle, and, at the Pemigewasset House in Plymouth, New Hampshire, during the early morning hours of 18 May 1864, finding him to be not asleep but lifeless. #6249-a.

Feeling better, she congratulates him on his marriage, delights in the prospect of reading his further writings, and reveals that she is soon to sell her home, the Wayside. #6249-a.

Discusses literary matters, primarily incidents and conflicts involving Julian Hawthorne and his father's unpublished manuscript fragments [especially, the story fragment "Dr. Grimshawe's Secret, " 1883], his inaccurate claims about them, copyright ownership, and publication efforts. #6249-a.

Sends a scrap [filed in the Hawthorne Papers with his manuscripts], a sentence she thinks N.H. clipped from one of his old manuscripts [i.e., "Time's Portraiture, " 1838], "that he had lain away as an autograph," offering it in response to her friend's request for one. #6249-a.

Responds to an enquiry about the basis for N.H.'s story "The Minister's Black Veil, " saying that there was no "original" for what was purely the author's own creation, as was the case with The House of the Seven Gables . #6249-a.

Recounts meeting Nathaniel Hawthorne and touring an exhibition with him during which Alfred Tennyson entered the same gallery but, much to Ireland's dismay, the two did not meet, as N.H., thinking it would be improper to speak when they had never been formally and properly introduced, firmly declined Ireland's pleas to seize the opportunity (but notes that the description of Tennyson in English Notebooks shows in what detail Hawthorne observed him in those few moments). Also, Ireland supplied a holograph copy of N.H.'s 1853 letter to him declining an invitation to a dinner in honor of poet Charles Swain. #6249-d.

Declining an invitation on behalf of her husband. #6249-a.

A self-deprecating letter requesting advice about poems she had written and where to submit them for publication ( Sunday Magazine likely, in her own view), her only motive being that of earning money "to help in the Home where I am working." Any further compositions of hers would be in prose with her name never to appear on them. #6249-a.

Encourages her "coming over" to be with her sister Sophia, noted briefly on the verso of a leaf bearing 10 lines of a letter in his wife's hand, in which she discusses matters relating to children and mentions an incident at the consulate. #6249-a.

Deferring execution of an unidentified plan. #6249-a.

Declines an invitation for them to live with her [probably at the time of her mother Sophia Hawthorne's death in London, 26 February 1871] as she and her sister Rose plan to maintain themselves in the house where they lived with their mother; will send some of her mother's hair, as requested, and soon prepare the room where her mother lies for friends' visitation the next day. #6249-f.