By
Rose Hawthorne Lathrop
It will be seen that this volume is really written by SophiaHawthorne; whose letters from earliest girlhood are so expressed, andso profound in thought and loveliness, that some will of sternerquality than a daughter's must cast them aside. I have tried to weedout those written records of hers (even from 1820) reaching to herlast year in 1871, that could give no especial pleasure to anydescendant who might come upon them; and I have been astonished tofind that there was scarcely one such page. This is the explanation ofmy return, in the company of the friends of my father and mother, toan old garden, a familiar discourse, and a circle of life thatembraced so much beauty.
NEW YORK, February 20th, 1897.
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The Hawthornes summoned from their quietude by the Peabodys. SophiaPeabody's mother and grandmother, the latter wife of General Palmer,who was prominent in the Revolution. Characteristics of the MissesPeabody. Letters to the Hawthornes from the Peabodys, though so closeat hand, because of the difficulty of seeing the former at any time.The dignity of George Peabody's nature. Sophia's fondness for profoundbooks. The great affection of friends for her, who bring rare flowersto the little studio where she is often imprisoned. ElizabethHawthorne consents to walk with the Peabodys. Dr. Channing's regardfor Sophia's artistic talent and motive. Miss Burley's literary club,to which Hawthorne liked to go with Sophia. The wooing not a momentdelayed. Visits from Emerson and Very. Elizabeth goes forth among themost interesting people of Boston, and remains to teach theirdaughters.
Hawthorne and Sophia become engaged, but defer the announcement for ayear. Sophia visits friends in Boston, and Hawthorne visits Bostonalso. Washington Allston's deep approval of Sophia's talents.Elizabeth visits the Emersons in Concord, and writes as if fromheaven. Mr. Bancroft remarked to Emerson that Hawthorne wasexceptionally thorough in business. Sophia draws and paints vigorouslyin her happy security of the highest love. Letters from Hawthorne toher. Fragment of a Scrap-Book kept by Hawthorne at the Boston CustomHouse. Friends rejoice in the engagement when it is made known.
The beautiful marriage is appreciated by all. Letters to Mrs. CalebFoote and to Sophia's mother describe life at the Old Manse inConcord. The birth of Una. Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne skate uponthe river near the Manse, with differing aspects. The radiance andsublimity of a Massachusetts winter enrich the landscape. Eveningreadings by Hawthorne to his wife from the classics begun and alwayscontinued. Friends call somewhat frequently, at last, from the outsideworld; Visits to relatives in Boston and Salem. Mary Peabody becomesthe wife of Horace Mann. Sophia describes Una's favorable impressionupon the circle of friends in Salem and Boston. Returning to the OldManse renews the enjoyment of nature and peace.
Salem becomes their home for the second time. Letter from George W.Curtis while in Europe. Sophia expresses in a letter to Hawthorne herentire sat