SD2231. Sophia Hawthorne to Elizabeth Palmer Peabody
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 351 (in part).
Rome
January 8th 1859
My dear Elizabeth, I am really too tired to write a letter, but cannot bear to let a chance slip– Una has written a sad letter which I fear will make your heart ache. I am glad to say that the Roman fever seems to have been arrested in her—for she has had no chills for two days. She is a lily now, her lifelong roses snatched away, but during these two days I have thought to see a dawn of roses in her cheeks and lips, though she is now suffering from influenza.
Ada’s fever is past. She is well of that today, but has a very painful shoulder and lies in bed still. I have had no moment to write to you in all these weeks—having been ill myself in the interval of nursing others. No Rome this winter for us so far. My journal is left in the middle of a sentence, which can never be recalled now, though, and I am sorry, because I had an idea of the Faun at that moment.
Perhaps we shall have February and March for a little enjoyment of Rome, and half of April. Then we leave it for aye and go to Venice and thence to the cities in the north of Italy & to Geneva and Paris.
Mrs. Ward is here and I have not had a moment to go and see her. But I had a long note from her. She is very happy and content in her sunny sky-parlor in the Hotel d’Angliterre—“with no cares, no anxieties, only hopes” she says. She suffered terribly from the severe treatment of Dr. Simpson but expects to feel benefit next summer from it. Neither have I been able to see once Mrs. Browning, and only once Mr. Browning who has been three times to see us. Mrs. Browning does not make visits. Mary Motley I see here sometimes. I have read the Dutch Republic during my watches, and the book is superb, I think. Miss Cushman has been here, but I could not see her. Mr. Hawthorne saw her. No society for me this winter. Rosebud is exquisitely good generous and considerate in these times—but I can give you no Attar of Roses now. Mr. Hawthorne is quite well—there is cause for great joy—for last winter he had the grippe three months. Julian also is well with only slight nose cold. Rose has today gone to the Valazzio Galeto to see the Westons, who delight in her. She draws with a wonderful expression. Julian copies Flaxman a merveille.
I long to answer all your letters one by one—and I long to tell you much– I have sent some letters of Una to you and Mary lately. I never got yours and Mary’s letters directed to Florence– Though Mr. Browning has written about them to the Post Office they do not come. I have lost all your account of dear Dr. Wesselhoeft. I endure astonishingly through all things. Goodbye with thousand blessings–
Yours ever
Sophia
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Ohio State University.
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