[318] next day was Sunday, and I was perplexed whether or no to use Mr. Newton's horse, as I presumed the master never used him on Sunday. But my scruples gave way before my longing for the best of exercises. I left Pittsfield as the first bell was tolling to church, and arrived at Lenox some time before the second bell. I sat in Miss Sedgwick's room; time passed on. Mrs. Butler joined us; and time again passed on. Mrs. Butler proposed to accompany me back to Pittsfield on horseback. I stayed to the cold dinner, making it a lunch; time again passed on, from the delay in saddling the horses. We rode the longest way, and I enjoyed my companion very much. I did not reach home till four and a half o'clock. Meanwhile the whole house had been filled with anxiety on my account. I had never been on horseback more than two hours. It was supposed that I had fallen from my horse on some obscure byway; and my hosts had determined, if I did not appear at five o'clock, to send horsemen on all the roads from Pittsfield in search of me. My appearance was the signal of an earnest examination with regard to my spending the day. I did wrong to absent myself so long when I had not given notice beforehand.On Monday, Mr. Appleton, Edward Austin, and myself, in a carriage hired in the town, with two respectable horses and a good driver, went to Williamstown by a beautiful road through Lanesborough, then to North Adams, where we passed the night.
The Governor was run away with this morning in his wagon, and his life endangered. I called on him this afternoon, and had a long conversation about Cushing.1 I expressed my opinions at length and with warmth. Rockwell2 was present. This evening the Governor called at Mr. A.'s himself and renewed the subject. I feel confident that he will nominate Cushing. Tell him so.
My hosts, who remember your visit with evident pleasure, leave Pittsfield on Friday morning. I shall go to Lenox, where Mrs. Ward welcomes me, and Mrs. Butler promises to read to me and ride with me; then to Stockbridge, back to Lenox, then to Newport. Write me and send me letters to Lenox. Tell Felton to write me another of his clever letters; and I wish a line from Longfellow. Howe will write, I trust. Don't think of postages.
Ever thine,
C. S.
To Dr. Samuel G. Howe.
Pittsfield, Wednesday Evening, Sept. 11, 1844.my dear Howe,—The clock is now resounding eight in the evening; and I take a few moments to send you tidings of my progress. Since my last, until to-day, I have gone through too much exercise. . . . To-day I have contented myself with calling on some fair acquaintances, a short walk about town, and a drive of eight miles with my hosts. I feel increasing strength; my pulse to-night is eighty-eight!
