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[123] can my letters do to anyone? What interesting information can I impart to anyone? Not that I am not happy, very happy, but then I have quite lost the power of contributing to the amusement of others....


To her sister Annie

1845 or 1846.
.. I visited my Mother Otis 1 on Thursday evening, and had a pleasant time. I went alone, Chev being philanthropically engaged-party being over, I called for him at Mr. Mann's, but they were so happy over their report that they concluded to make a night of it, and I came home alone. Chev returned at one, quite intoxicated with benevolence....


Finding that the isolation of South Boston was telling seriously upon her health and spirits, the Doctor decided on a change, and the winter of 1846 was spent at the Winthrop House in Boston.

To the same

Monday morning, 1846.
My dearest, sweetest Annie,
.. I have neglected you sadly this winter, and my heart reproaches me for it. ... It has been strange to me, to return to life and to feel that I have any sympathy with living beings.... I have been singing and writing poetry, so you may know that I have been happy. Alas! am I not a selfish creature to prize these enjoyments as I do, above almost everything else in the


1 Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis.

Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston and New York. 1916.

Tufts University provided support for entering this text.

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