Sophia Hawthorne correspondence with James and Annie Fields, 1851-1904 | Boston Public Library Archival and Manuscript Finding Aid Database

Collection Overview

Title: Sophia Hawthorne correspondence with James and Annie Fields, 1851-1904

Collection Identifier: MS C.1.11

Primary Creator: Hawthorne, Sophia Peabody, 1809-1871

Extent: 251.0 Items

Arrangement: Arranged chronologically.

Subjects: Authors' Spouses — United States, Editors — United States — Correspondence, England — Description and Travel, Hawthorne, Nathaniel, 1804-1864, Hawthorne, Sophia Peabody, 1809-1871 -- Marriage, Hawthorne, Sophia Peabody, 1809-1871 — Correspondence, New England — Description and Travel, Women -- Social Life and Customs -- 19th Century, Women artists -- 19th century., Women Authors, American — 19th Century — Correspondence

Languages: English

Abstract

Scope and Contents of the Materials

This collection contains approximately 251 letters written to James Thomas Fields (1817-1881), the publisher and friend of Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864), and his wife Annie Adams Fields (1834-1915), between the years 1851-1904 by members of the Hawthorne family and they document both the personal and professional nature of their relationship. The majority of the letters were written by Sophia Hawthorne (1809-1871), wife of Nathaniel Hawthorne, to Annie Adams Fields between the years 1851 and 1871. In many of the approximately 120 letters to Annie Adams Fields, Sophia discusses the health and daily life of her children, and Hawthorne’s failing health and eventual death. She also includes her opinion of the books she was reading. Mutual friends such as Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894), Mary Porter Hemenway (1820-1897), and George Stillman Hillard (1809-1894) are mentioned. After Hawthorne’s death, Sophia’s focus shifts to financial concerns such as the household budget and the loan made to her by James Fields. The letters to Mr. Fields reflect her new role as editor of Hawthorne’s journals later published as Passages from the American Note-Books and Passages from the English Note-Books, portions of which were first published in the " Atlantic Monthly"in 1866. Of note are five letters about a journal written by Hawthorne at Brook Farm. In addition, she discusses the possible publication of Hawthorne’s children’s book, 20 Days with Julian and Bunny (privately printed in 1904 as Twenty Days with Julian and Little Bunny: A Diary). Also, there are seven letters that contain Sophia’s pen and ink sketches.

Collection Historical Note

Sophia Hawthorne (1809-1871) was one of the Peabody sisters of Salem who were reformers and supporters of the arts. She was a painter, writer, and editor of her husband Nathaniel Hawthorne’s journals.

Subject/Index Terms

Authors' Spouses — United States
Editors — United States — Correspondence
England — Description and Travel
Hawthorne, Nathaniel, 1804-1864
Hawthorne, Sophia Peabody, 1809-1871 -- Marriage
Hawthorne, Sophia Peabody, 1809-1871 — Correspondence
New England — Description and Travel
Women -- Social Life and Customs -- 19th Century
Women artists -- 19th century.
Women Authors, American — 19th Century — Correspondence

Administrative Information

Repository: Boston Public Library Archival and Manuscript Finding Aid Database

Access Restrictions: Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions:

Items in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. The Boston Public Library does not hold copyright on the material in this collection. Researchers are responsible for identifying and contacting the persons or organizations that hold copyright.

When reproducing material from this collection please include the credit line "Courtesy of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library/Rare Books."

Acquisition Source: Unknown

Preferred Citation: Sophia Hawthorne correspondence with James and Annie Fields. MS C.1.11. Rare Books and Manuscripts Department, Boston Public Library. Courtesy of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library/Rare Books.

Processing Information: Finding aid written by Rare Books and Manuscripts Department staff.

Finding Aid Revision History: Updated by Jill Rycerz, 2014.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[Box 2],
[Box 3],
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Box 1

Folder 1: Fields, Annie Adams, 1834-1915. A.L.S. to Julian Hawthorne; [Boston], c. June 1904

Wishes he would eliminate the passage stating that Mr. Fields destroyed the Ms. of The Scarlet Letter. Mr. Hawthorne himself "put it up the chimney." 3 p.

Folder 2: Hawthorne, Elizabeth Manning, 1802-1883. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [Salem], 12 December 1870

Believes the articles on Nathaniel Hawthorne in the Portland, ME newspapers have some truth. Recalls his boyhood in Raymond, ME, his early laments, the charm he had for strangers. Date and place are given in a note by J.T. Fields. The biographical material was used in "The Whispering Galley" in The Atlantic Monthly Feb. & Mar. 1871. For newspaper articles see 21 May, 25 June, and 9 July 1870. 11 p.

Folder 3: [Hawthorne, Elizabeth Manning, 1802-1883]. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; Salem, 13-16 December 1870

Discussing N. Hawthorne and relating some of his experiences. (10 p. incomplete)

Folder 4: Hawthorne, Elizabeth Manning, 1802-1883. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [Salem], 26 December 1870

Describes N.H.'s reading tastes, his daily habits, and his early love affairs. Believes he was all his life misplaced. Mentions his contributions to the American Magazine of Useful Knowledge and The Token. Signed E.M.H. 20 p.

Folder 5: Hawthorne, Elizabeth Manning, 1802-1883. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [Beverly], 28 January 1871

Is pleased with "The Whispering Galley" in the Atlantic Monthly (Feb. 1871). Gives the correct date for Fanshawe, mentions N.H.'s affection for Elinor (Barstow) Condit, his interest in old newspapers & cookery books. Has no material that could be inserted in a new edition of his works. Signed E.M.H. 8 p.

Folder 6: Hawthorne, Julian, 1846-1934. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; Concord, 3 May 1862

Thanking him for bananas and describing his case of mumps. 1 p.

Folder 7: Hawthorne, Julian, 1846-1934. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [Concord], 25 July 1862

Regrets that he and his father will not be able to dine with the Fields on their way to Maine. 1 p.

Folder 8: Hawthorne, Julian, 1846-1934. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [Concord], 22 November 1863

Has time to do Mrs. Fields's initials since his holidays have begun. 1 p.

Folder 9: Hawthorne, Julian, 1846-1934. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [Concord], November 1863

Regrets he will not see [Fields] this vacation. Will send up Mrs. Baker's initials. 1 p.

Folder 10: Hawthorne, Julian, 1846-1934. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [Concord], 22 May 1864

His mother is willing that the service for Nathaniel Hawthorne should take place in the church. Does not want her to know that the body was embalmed. 2 p.

Folder 11: Hawthorne, Julian, 1846-1934. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [Yonkers, N.Y.], 22 June 1904

Still thinks Mr. Fields neglected to save the Ms. to The Scarlet Letter from the printer. Did not say he burned it. 2 p.

Folder 12: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 12A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to [James Thomas Fields]; [(Lenox?)], 6 March 1851: Thinks the engraving lacks the light usual in Hawthorne's expression. Would like a daguerreotype of the painting. Refers to the engraving from Cephas Giovanni Thompson's painting printed in the edition of Twice-Told Tales published by Ticknor & Fields in 1851. 4 p.
Item 12B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.N.S. to James Thomas Fields; [6 Golden Square (London)], 26 June [1859?]: Has not the strength to make any visits by Mr. Hawthorne and Julian will take breakfast with him. Dated "Sunday." 2 p.

Folder 13: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 13A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [The Wayside (Concord)], 21 January [1861]: Describes the finished library and Mr. Hawthorne's schemes for filling the empty shelves. Found the cold had frozen her watch. Cannot believe the republic is "going to wreck." 8 p.
Item 13B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.N.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 15 April [1861?]: Thinks she and Rose can venture out by Saturday. Dated "Tuesday." 2 p.

Folder 14: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 14A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [Concord.], 12 May [1861]: Thanks her for a delightful visit at the "Paradise of the Peri." Longs for a Homer to sing of the heroism of the Concord Volunteers. Quotes Rose's tribute to her enchantments. 4 p.
Item 14B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 4 August 1861: Hopes she is not in Boston; is slowly being consumed "beneath our lovely hill." Asks about the manner of Mrs. [Frances Elizabeth (Appleton)] Longfellow's death. Fragment, incomplete. 2 p.

Folder 15: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 15A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], October [1861?]: Asks her to purchase some chintz; will send the money by Mr. Hawthorne on Saturday. Dated "Thursday, P.M." 4 p.
Item 15B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L. to Annie Adams Fields; [The Wayside (Concord)], 8 December 1861: Plans to be in town this week "with every one of the Hawthorne flowers." Is having them photographed for an old lady on her death bed. Full length photograph taken by Silsbee & Case; cf. The Hawthorne Centenary at Salem, p. 96. 2 p. Fragment, incomplete.

Folder 16: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 16A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [(Concord)], 1 January 1862: Sends him the photograph of Mr. Hawthorne made by Silsbee & Case. The ones of the children were not successful. Thanks him for a book. For the photograph cf. The Hawthorne Centenary at Salem, p. 84; Fields, Annie Adams, Memories of a Hostess, p. 54. 4 p.
Item 16B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [(Concord)], [January c.1862]: Asks the price of the Microscope and its Revelations by [William Benjamin] Carpenter. Mr. Hawthorne has a severe cold. 3 p.

Folder 17: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. and Hawthorne, Nathaniel, 1804-1864.

Item 17A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [(Concord)], 20 February [1862]

Tells him of Mr. Hawthorne's invitation to visit in Washington and his suggestion that [William Davis] Ticknor accompany him. Asks Fields to inquire about a masquerade costume for Julian. Appended is a postscript in Nathaniel Hawthorne's hand.

Postscript. Is not at all determined to go to Washinton. May send him an article. Thinks he will come to Boston. Sined "N.H." 4 p.

Item 17B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.N.S. to James Thomas Fields; [(Concord)], 24 February [1862]

Thanks him for being willing to speak about the costume; the masquerade is deferred until the 14th. 2 p.

Folder 18: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 18A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.N.S. to James Thomas Fields; [(Concord)], 26 [February 1862]: Accepts the costume with gratitude. Dated "Wednesday, 26." 1 p.
Item 18B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], [18 March c.1862]: Feels she must delay her visit; hopes it will not cause any inconvenience. Thinks [George Brinton] McClellan's address to the soldiers [Mar. 14, 1862] "like the sound of the silver trumpets of Judah." Signed "S.H." Dated "Tuesday evening." 4 p.

Folder 19: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 19A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 26 March [1862]: Sends "the Lady Una." Knows Mrs. Fields will be frank about her engagements. Asks Mr. Fields to supply what money is needed. 3 p.
Item 19B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 11 April 1862: Hopes to see her by Tuesday; will remain hidden if her wardrobe is not fit for court. They are all in a "full state of paean" at Mr. Hawthorne's return. 4 p.

Folder 20: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 20A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], [April c.1862]: The will o' the wisp visit is at an end. Julian is now in bed with the mumps. Supposes Una will have them soon. Thanks Mrs. Fields for purchasing the cloth; asks the price. Dated "Tuesday." 4 p.
Item 20B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 7 May [1862]: Foresaw there would be no leisure for visiting. Fears Una will come down with the mumps. Feels she ought to attend [Henry David] Thoreau's funeral. 4 p.

Folder 21: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L. to [Annie Adams Fields]; [(Concord)], [May c.1862]

Writes of [Henry David] Thoreau. Objects to her speaking of pain as "eternal." May refer to the poem beginning, "Afar, afar, the rosy sails are far" printed in The Singing Shepherd and Other Poems, p. 79. 2 p. Fragment, incomplete.

Folder 22: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 29 [May 1862]

Was cut to the heart by the false rumors of [Nathaniel Prentiss] Banks's retreat. Did not expect the brocatelle to be genuine but wishes it anyways. 4 p. Signed "S.H."

Folder 23: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 23A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.N.S. to James Thomas Fields; [(Concord)], 17 June [1862]: Took the photographs [of Henry David Thoreau] to Miss [Sophia] Thoreau, who wants to know where more can be bought. Dated "Tuesday noon, Bunker's day." 3 p.
Item 23B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], [19 June c.1862]: Returns several borrowed books. Speaks of the descendants of Simon Forrester. Thinks she may have left behind a brooch. Dated "Thursday morning." Pen and ink sketch by Sophia Hawthorne. 4 p.

Folder 24: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 24A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [(Concord)], 13 [July 1862]: Thanks him for the "rich package." Fears she and Annie will never have time enough till they "sit down by the brooks of Siloam." Dated "Sunday, P.M. June 13." Signed also "N.H." by Nathaniel Hawthorne. 4 p.
Item 24B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L. to [Annie Adams Fields]; [(Concord)], [July c.1862]: Julian has poisoned himself in the woods but will be well enough to go to the seashore with his father. 4 p. Fragment, incomplete.

Folder 25: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 25A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [(Concord)], 3 November 1862: Wants to know who wrote the Eleusinia papers in the Atlantic. Gail Hamilton's book is liked by all the family. Refers to: Dodge, Mary Abigail. Country Living and Country Thinking. Boston, Ticknor & Fields, 1862. 3 p.
Item 25B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [The Wayside (Concord)], 28 November 1862: Accepts her invitation for Julian. Has had a long illness but is better. Una intends to visit Ada (Shepard) Badger, a former governess. 4 p.

Folder 26: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [The Wayside (Concord)], 14 December 1862

Describes Julian's return clad in Mr. Fields's gifts; thinks the visit did him a world of good. Mr. Hawthorne is not well; hopes [William Davis] Ticknor will go again to Washington. 8 p. Mutilated.

Folder 27: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 27A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 17 December 1862: Asks whether it would be convenient for Una to visit her. She is at present in East Cambridge. 3 p.
Item 27B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 17 [December 1862]: Explains a blurred word. Thinks Una had better visit some other time; will write her. 2 p.

Folder 28A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 31 December 1862

Thanks her for two engravings. Sends Una as a New Year's gift. Mr. Hawthorne is better both is spirit and in heath. Describes their Christmas Tree. 4 p.

Folder 28B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], [20] February 1863

Writes at length of Louisa Alcott's return from Georgetown and the severity of her illness. Mrs. Bliss, housekeeper for Mrs. Horace Greeley, discovered her ailment by "a magnetic power." Una enjoyed her visit "eminently" and Julian is reveling in his skates. Feels Mr. Hawthorne is decidedly better. 16 p. Dated "Saturday."

Folder 29: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 29A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], [5 March 1863]: Intends to return two books by Julian. Asks when she will go west. Dated "Thursday." 3 p.
Item 29B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], [6 March 1863]: Must delay her visit because of "a domestic revolution." Has rebound No Name; comments on it, Les Miserables and the Cloister and the Hearth. Dated "Friday." 4 p.

Folder 30: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 30A: Hawthorne, Sophia. 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 17 March 1863: Finds she must defer her visit as Rose has a feverish cold. A "superior maid" has just dropped into her hands. 4 p.
Item 30B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 23 March 1863: Tells how she cured Rose's fever with her homeopathic remedies. Thanks Mr. Fields for the set of Hawthorne's works. Has been studying [Francis] Bacon and finds it idle to judge except from the "loftiest pinnacles of Imagination." 8 p.

Folder 31: Hawthorne, Sophia. 1809-1871.

Item 31A: Hawthorne, Sophia. 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; N.p., [March 1863]

Requests Mrs. Fields to purchase yards of blue cord and black velvet ribbon. Comments on Moby Dick.

Dated “Tuesday.”

Item 31B: Hawthorne, Sophia. 1809-1871. A.N.S. to Annie Adams Fields; N.p., 14 April [c.1863]

Does not know when they will be able to meet next due to Una’s illness. Praises Julian’s illumination that he only just completed. Tells her that she will always write to her no matter where she is. Signed “S.H.”

Folder 32: Hawthorne, Sophia. 1809-1871. A.L.S to Annie Adams Fields; [The Wayside, 3 May 1863]

Asks if she is still able to be received on Friday the 8^th of May. Mentions that the 12^th is Rose’s birthday and “she is to have a festa.” Quotes a passage from “Wilton’s divine hymns.” Comments on a Miss Harding’s writing and how Mr. Hawthorne did not read her work. Also comments on a Miss Prescott’s writing as well.

Folder 33: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 33A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.N.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], [9 June c.1862]: Promises to appear with Rose on Wednesday. Dated "Monday." 2 p.
Item 33B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to [Annie Adams Fields]; [(Concord)], [14 June 1862]: Una sustained the housekeeping well except for Mr. [Edward James Stephen] Dicey's lateness. The visit was a delightful one. Signed "S.H." Date "Saturday 13." 4 p.

Folder 34: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 34A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 14 June [1863]: Tells of [Amos Bronson] Alcott's poem [Thoreau's Flute] and hopes Mr. Fields will let it go into the Atlantic. Pen and ink sketch by Sophia Hawthorne. For "Thoreau's Flute" see the Atlantic Monthly, September, 1863. 8 p.
Item 34B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.N.S. to James Thomas Fields; [(Concord)], 15 June [1863]: Corrects a line in Louisa Alcott's poem, which was wrongly copied. Refers to "Thoreau's Flute" printed in the Atlantic Monthly, September, 1863. 3 p.

Folder 35: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 35A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 29 June 1862: Was disappointed that she did not come. Describes the fête. Mr. Hawthorne descended from the Tower for the occasion. Refers to Una's coming-out party. 8 p.
Item 35B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [Concord.], 5 July [1862]: Hopes she can come on Wednesday if the weather is fair. Has heard better news about [George Brinton] McClellan [at Malvern Hill]. Fears she enclosed Miss Harding's [Rebecca Blaine (Harding) Davis] note unstamped. 7 p.

Folder 36: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], [July c.1863]

Is downstairs again; expects her for the promised day and night. Is anxious about Julian's algebra; his tastes are all poetic, aesthetic, philosophic. Signed "S.H." Dated "Friday." 4 p.

Folder 37: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 37A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 7 July [1863]: Invites her to visit while the lilies are in bloom. Has the little stove ready. Dares not speak to Louisa [Alcott] about her rhymes; thinks she is "too petardy." 4 p.
Item 37B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.N.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 8 July 1863: The water fountain is broken and Mr. Hawthorne thinks her visit should be deferred. Dated "Wednesday, A.M." 2 p.

Folder 38: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to [Annie Adams Fields]; [(Concord)], 2 August 1863

Muses upon Mrs. Fields at the sea-side. Thinks it absurd not to praise her beauty. Apologizes for her indifferent housekeeping but thinks the walk with Mr. Hawthorne something gained. 10 p.

Folder 39: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 39A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [(Concord)], 13 September 1863: Thanks him for the copy of [Our Old Homes]; has been reading "Consular Experiences" for the first time. Asks him to buy a watch for Julian. 4 p.
Item 39B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [Concord.], 20 September 1863: Thanks him for his last kindness to Julian. Explains the peculiar distinction of the inscription in Mrs. Fields's copy of Our Old Home. 4 p.

Folder 40: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L. to [Annie Adams Fields]; [(Concord)], 11 October [18]63

Could not be consoled for their silences if all Eternity were not ahead. Mr. Hawthorne is not well; he is of too fine porcelain "to become acclimated among these rude shocks and airs." Is grieved that anyone found malice in [Our Old Home]; Speaks of the dedication to Franklin Pierce. 4 p. Fragment, incomplete.

Folder 41: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 41A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], [October 1863]: Has been occupied with the watch of Elizabeth Weir, who is verging on insanity because of her sister's suicide [Mary Adelaide Weir]. Appreciates her efforts for Mary [Cranch] Peabody; her life is "palest possible" since her baby nephew died [Wellington Peabody How]. Dated "Thursday." 5 p.
Item 41B: Hathorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to [Annie Adams Fields]; [(Concord)], 8 November [1863]: Thanks her for helping Una choose a hat; would like to engage her dressmaker. Finds that Mary [Cranch Peabody] must have something she can do at home. 8 p.

Folder 42: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 42A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 29 November [18]63: Has found a woman to make Una's dress. Mr. Hawthorne has been very ill; but was helped by the homeopathic remedies. He wishes to write but fears some sort of "bedevilment." Printed in part in Annie Adams Fields, Nathaniel Hawthorne, p.128. 8 p.
Item 42B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 2 January 1864: Thanks her for a photograph of herself. Does not expect to go to Boston this winter; does not like to leave Mr. Hawthorne alone. 3 p.

Folder 43: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 43A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 25 January [1864]: Thanks her for the better photograph; has been too ill to write. Sees no hope of any "satisfactory interchange" except in the better land. Mentions their plans for a fair for AfricanAmerican children. Signed "S.H." 4 p.
Item 43B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to [Annie Adams Fields]; [(Concord)], [January c.1864]: Neither she nor Mr. Hawthorne can come to Boston. Hopes to get her illustrated Gaffer Grey for Mrs. Fields. Describes Julian's illumination for "Ring, out, wild bells" [intended for the fair for African American children]. Dated "Saturday." Pen and ink sketch by Sophia Hawthorne. 4 p.

Folder 44: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 44A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.N.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 2 February [1864?]: Wants Mr. Fields to purchase two pieces of vellum for Julian. Dated "Dawn -- 2d Feb." 3 p.
Item 44B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields. [(Concord)], [25 February c.1864]: Was forced to give the vases to Mrs. [Mary Porter (Tileston) Hemenway. Feels very tired with the disappointment. 4 p.

Folder 45: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to [Annie Adams Fields]; [(Concord)], 28 February [1864]

Was equally disappointed about the vases but Ellen [Russell] Emerson considered it a failure of obligation. Describes Una's appearance at the fair and the successful sales. 4 p.

Folder 46: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 46A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.N.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 5 March [1864]: Mr. Hawthorne is very indisposed; hopes [William Davis] Ticknor's plan [of taking a trip] will soon get under way. 2 p.
Item 46B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 31 March [1864]: Is not rested from her anxious watch. After leaving Mr. Hawthorne in Mr. Fields’ care was ready to lie "down upon the sidewalks." Has heard from [William Davis] Ticknor from N.Y. Probably refers to the letter from Ticknor, dated March 30, 1864, printed in Caroline Ticknor, Hawthorne and his Publisher, p.313; Julian Hawthorne, Hawthorne and his Wife, vol.2, p.339. 4 p.

Folder 47: Hawthrone, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 47A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [(Concord)], 5 April 1864: Writes for money to pay the quarterly bills. Has had six letters from New York. Mr. Hawthorne is improving though "very weak." 2 p.
Item 47B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 11 April [1864]: Cannot say a word [about the death of William Davis Ticknor]. Thinks of his bereaved family. Does not know what effect the shock will have on Mr. Hawthorne. 4 p.

Folder 48: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871

Item 48A: Hathorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 13 [April 1864]: Thanks her for the note about Mr. Hawthorne's return journey. Thinks often of Mrs. [Emeline Staniford (Holt)] Ticknor. Will not come to Boston unless she is needed. Dated "Wednesday." 4 p.
Item 48B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], [18 April 1864]: Tells her of Mr. Hawthorne's return. He looked more ill than ever before. Does nothing but sit with him; the wheels of the small ménage are all stopped. Dare not leave him for [William Davis] Ticknor's funeral. Dated "Monday eve." Printed in J.T. Fields, Yesterday with Authors, p.118-20; Caroline Ticknor, Hawthorne and his Publisher, p.324-5. 8 p.

Folder 49: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 49A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], [22 April 1864]: Mr. Hawthorne makes every day a small advance; he is thinking of going to the Isles of Shoals. Thanks Mr. Fields for the ale and oysters. Wrongly dated "Friday night, 21." 8 p.
Item 49B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], [29 April 1864]: Thinks General [Franklin] Perce's plan admirable; the serene jog trot in a private carriage will be very restorative. Dated "Friday eve." Printed in part in J. T. Fields, Yesterdays with Authors, p.120. 4 p.

Folder 50: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871.

Item 50A: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to Annie Adams Fields; [(Concord)], 5 May 1864: Asks when Rose may make her a visit. Mr. Hawthorne is very little better; wonders why [Franklin] Pierce does not start. Signed "S.H." 4 p.
Item 50B: Hawthorne, Sophia, 1809-1871. A.L.S. to James Thomas Fields; [(Concord)], 5 May 1864: Asks about the amount of Mr. Hawthorne's taxable income; a tax gatherer has been inquiring. 4 p.

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