_Lenox_, July 30th, 1851

_Dearest Phoebe_,

We are getting along perfectly well, and without a single event that could make a figure in a letter. I keep a regular chronicle of all our doings; and you may read it on your return. Julian seems perfectly happy, but sometimes talks in rather a sentimental style about his mother. I do hope thou camest safely to West Newton, and meetest with no great incommodities there. Julian is now out in the garden; this being the first time since thou wentest away, almost, (except when he was in bed) that he has left me for five minutes together. I find him really quite a tolerable little man!

Kiss Una for me, and believe me,

Thy affectionate husband,

N. H.

Mrs. Sophia A. Hawthorne, West Newton.

TO MRS. HAWTHORNE

_Lenox_, August 1st, Friday [1851]

_Dearest Phoebe_,

I send the tools, which I found in one of the cupboards. Thy two letters arrived together, this morning. I was at the P. O. on Wednesday, and greatly disappointed to find nothing.

Julian and I get along together in great harmony, & as happy as we can be severed from thee. It grieves me that thou findest n.o.body to help thee there. If this state of things is to continue, thou must abridge thy stay, and return before thou art quite worn out.

I wrote a few lines on Tuesday (I think) which I suppose thou hast received. I more than ever abhor letter-writing; but thou partly knowest that I am

Thy lovingest

HUSBAND.

Mrs. Sophia A. Hawthorne, West Newton.

TO MRS. HAWTHORNE

_Lenox_, August 7th, 1851.--Thursday

_Ownest Phoebe_,

I rec'd thy letter yesterday. I will be in Pittsfield on _Thursday_ next (a week from to-day) and will escort thee home.

I have written quite a small volume of Julian's daily life and mine; so that, on thy return, thou wilt know everything that we have done and suffered;--as to enjoyment, I don't remember to have had any, during thy absence. It has been all doing and suffering.

Thou sayest nothing whatever of Una.

Unless I receive further notice from thee I shall consider Thursday the day. I shall go at any rate, I think, rain or shine; but of course, thou wilt not start in a settled rain. In that case, I shall come again to Pittsfield, the next day. But, if fair weather, I hope nothing will detain thee; or if it necessarily must, and thou has[t]

previous knowledge of it, thou canst write me.

Julian is perfectly well. We both, according to our respective capacities, long for thee.

Thinest,

N. H.

TO MRS. HAWTHORNE

_Lenox_, August 8th, 1851

_Ownest Phoebe_,

I wrote thee a note yesterday, and sent it to the village by Cornelius; but as he may have neglected to put it in, I write again.

If thou wilt start from West Newton on _Thursday_ next, I will meet thee at Pittsfield, which will answer the same purpose as if I came all the way.

Mrs. Tappan requests that thou wilt bring ten pounds of ground rice for her; or a less quant.i.ty, if thou hast not room for so much.

Julian is very well, and keeps himself happy from morning till night.

I hope Una does the same. Give my love to her.

I shall be most gladdest to see thee.

Thine,

N. H.

August 9th.--Sat.u.r.day.--I recd. yesterday thy note, in which thou speakest of deferring thy return some days longer. Stay by all means as long as may be needful. Julian gets along perfectly well; and I am eager for thy coming only because it is unpleasant to remain torn asunder. Thou wilt write to tell me finally what day thou decidest upon;--but unless I hear from thee, I shall go to Pittsfield on _Sat.u.r.day_, a week from to-day. But if thou seest reason for staying longer do so, that nothing may be left at loose ends.

Julian and I had a fine ride yesterday with Herman Melville and two other gentlemen.

Mrs. Peters is perfectly angelic.

Thinest,

N. H.

TO MRS. HAWTHORNE