ly compelled by the state of my health to
ask leave of absence from the College for six months from the first
of May next. In this time I propose to visit Germany, to try the
effect of certain baths, by means of which, as well as by the
relaxation and the sea-voyage, I hope to reestablish my health. My
medical attendant advises this course as more efficacious than any
treatment I can receive at home.

I shall be able, before leaving, to deliver all the lectures of the
Spring Term; and on my return in November, those of the Autumn Term
before its close; and it is in reference to the necessary
arrangements for this, that I make thus early my application for
leave of absence. The general supervision of the Department will be
undertaken by Professor Felton, without any charge to the
College;--the classes will lose none of their lectures;--and I trust
the interests of the College will not suffer.

I would repeat in conclusion that the state of my health is the sole
reason of my making this request.

I am, Gentlemen,
Your Ob't. Ser't.

HENRY W. LONGFELLOW.{58}

HARVARD UNIVERSITY, January 24, 1842.
To the President and Fellows of Harvard University.

He sailed on April 23, 1842, and although his health gained during the
summer, was yet obliged to ask for an extension of time, as follows:--

MARIENBERG, September 3, 1842.

MY DEAR SIR [Hon. Josiah Quincy],--When I left you in the Spring, I
thought by this time I should have recovered my health and be
setting my face homeward. In this I have been disappointed. My
recovery has been slower than I expected; and though considerably
better than when I arrived here, I am yet far from being well. The
Doctor urges me very strongly to remain longer. He thinks it of the
utmost importance to my future health, for years to come, that I
should do so. He says, that if I look forward to a life of
intellectual labor, in his opinion "it is _absolutely necessary_ I
should give up all thought of returning home before next Summer,
devoting the time to reestablishing my health, and avoiding all
severe study." I quote these words from a written opinion which he
gave me this morning; and in consequence of which I have de