[277] that I wrote on the subject, and which you read while in the country. Mr. Adams is wonderfully well,—never weary in his labors, and hating Slavery more with every new day.We have been anxious for a few days on account of old Judge Prescott, now eighty-two. He was recently struck with paralysis, but is regaining his strength.
Judge Story is in rude health, dealing with various labors. He was gratified by your kind recollection of him. His only son was married this evening. I have just come from the wedding-party.
Good-night!–or, rather, good-morning; for we have passed ‘the dead waste and middle of the night.’ Think of a review for Prescott.
Ever, my dear Morpeth, affectionately yours,
P. S. I remember your brother Charles's beautiful wife with admiration. She was so gentle and kind to me that I cannot forget her among the pleasant pictures of English life. Say to your brother, if you will, how truly I grieve for him.
To Dr. Samuel G. Howe, Rome.
Boston, Dec. 31, 1843.‘A happy New Year I’ dearest Howe, to you and yours. But what need you of any such salutation? Is not happiness your own? An eventful year has closed,--a year which has witnessed your engagement, marriage, and happy travels; which has witnessed Longfellow's engagement, marriage, and establishment in a happy home. When I think of these things, I am penetrated with the thought of what changes may take place in that short span of time. Changes of character may also be wrought. I know that in no lapse of time can you lose your love for truth, virtue, and right. I see before you a beautiful career, which fills me with envy,—a fireside sacred to domestic love, constant and increasing usefulness, the recognition of your name and services by the world, and the blessings of all good men upon your head. But you deserve it all, dear Howe, and more,—if Heaven has any thing more for its most deserving children.I saw Mann to-day. He boards in Bowdoin Square, in the house called the ‘Coolidge House.’ He has been preparing what I think will be a very elaborate report on his foreign travels, from which I anticipate great good. I have not seen his wife; but I understand she is very well. Longfellow's eyes are no better; but his wife's are bright for him. Felton is as happy as the morn: life with him is a march of exultation. I saw Fisher the other day. He sat with me some time. I wish him a happy New Year.
I know not what to write you. You will be glad to see that the old sentinel, Mr. Adams at Washington, has at last produced such an impression upon the House of Representatives that the obnoxious ‘twenty-first’ rule will probably be repealed; and the petitions of the country on Slavery will not be stifled. The present Congress has shown a different mood
