termined
to ask leave of absence until that time, unless the state of my
department in College should absolutely demand my return.

I assure you, that I do this with the greatest reluctance. I have no
desire to remain here; on the contrary a very strong desire to be at
home and at work. Still I wish to return in good health and spirits,
and not to lead a maimed life. I fear, and the physician positively
asserts, that if I go back now I shall thwart the whole object of my
journey, and that if I hope to be well I _must_ go on with the
baths.

I have therefore concluded to remain here until I receive an answer
from you; promising myself that when I once escape from this
hospital I will never enter another until that final one appointed
for all the poets.

Will you have the goodness to say to your daughter, Miss Quincy,
that I left her package for Mr. Graham at its address in Havre; and
presume it reached him safely. In coming through France it was not
in my power to go into Brittany, and avail myself of your letter of
introduction to him; the place of his residence lying too far out of
my route. From Paris I came through Belgium to this ancient city of
Boppard, where I have remained stationary since the first of June.

With kind remembrances to Mrs. Quincy and your family,

Very truly yours

HENRY W. LONGFELLOW.{59}

It is interesting to note the manner in which this appeal was met by the
economical college.

HENRY W. LONGFELLOW, ESQ.

SIR,--I perceive with great regret, by your letter of the 3d Inst.
that, although you have followed with due precision the
prescriptions of the German Doctor who

corpus recenti
sparget aqua,

convalescence is not yet attained, but that the water spirit has
announced that another year is required in order to obtain the full
benefit of his draughts and ablutions. The fact is a source of great
sorrow to your friends and of no less embarrassment to the
Corporation of the College. The granting the leave of six months'
absence was effected, not without difficulty. Doubts were expressed
concerning the possibility of your realizing your expectations,
within the period you specified; and the objections were surmounted
only on your assurance tha