Very respectfully

HENRY W. LONGFELLOW.{32}

PORTLAND, February 3, 1835.

His first book, in a strict sense, published before his departure, was
his translation of the "Coplas of Jorge Manrique" (1833), in which were
added to the main poem a few translations of sonnets, the whole being
prefaced with an article from "The North American Review" on the "Moral
and Devotional Poetry of Spain." It was these works which had attracted
the attention of Professor Ticknor, and had led to results so important.
The young professor sailed at the time mentioned, accompanied by his
wife and two young ladies, her friends.

His first aim was Sweden, but he spent a few weeks in London, where he
met, among others, Carlyle. So little has hitherto been recorded of this
part of Longfellow's life or of his early married life in any way, that
I am glad to be able to describe it from the original letters of the
young wife, which are now in my possession, and are addressed mainly to
Mrs. Longfellow, her mother-in-law. She seems to have enjoyed her
travelling experiences very thoroughly, and writes in one case, "We are
generally taken for French ... and I am always believed to be Henry's
sister. They say to me, 'What a resemblance between your brother and
self!'"

Sunday afternoon, May 31, 1835.

MY DEAR MOTHER,--I wrote you a very few lines, in great haste, in
Henry's letter to his Father, acknowledging the receipt of your kind
letter. I hope that you will write us as often as your many cares
will permit, & be assured that even a few lines will always be
welcomed with delight by your absent children. We have passed our
time very delightfully in London. The only difficulty is--there is
so much to be seen & so little time to see it in. We have, however,
seen many of the principal points. Last Monday we passed very
delightfully at Shirley Park, near the little village of Croydon.
The ride is through a very beautiful country. We passed several
gipsy encampments, in the most picturesque situations. Shirley Park
is a truly delightful place. The house, which is a very fine one, is
placed on a beautiful spot, & there are fine views from all sides of
it. Mrs. Skinner, the lady of the place, is a very agreeable amiable
lady--She took us all over the grounds in her carriage, & was