Upon one occasion, having just arrived at her Mandarin home, Mrs. Stowe writes:--
At last, after waiting a day and a half in Charleston, we arrived here about ten o'clock Saturday morning, just a week from the day we sailed. The house looked so pretty, and quiet, and restful, the day was so calm and lovely, it seemed as though I had passed away from all trouble, and was looking back upon you all from a secure resting-place. Mr. Stowe is very happy here, and is constantly saying how pleasant it is, and how glad he is that he is here. He is so much improved in health that already he is able to take a considerable walk every day.
We are all well, contented, and happy, and we have six birds, two dogs, and a pony. Do write more and oftener. Tell me all the little nothings and nowheres. You can't imagine how they are magnified by the time they have reached into this remote corner.
In 1872 she wrote a series of Florida sketches, which were published in book form, the following year, by J. R. Osgood & Co., under the title of “Palmetto leaves.” May 19, 1873, she writes to her brother Charles at Newport, Fla. :--
Although you have not answered my last letter, I cannot leave Florida without saying good-by. I send you the Palmetto leaves and my parting love. If I could either have brought or left my husband, I should have come to see you this winter. The account of your roses fills me with envy.
