Transcription
Saratoga, July 24th. 1852
My dear Kate,
I really dont know when I shall get home, for either the waters or the Company agree so well with me in this place that I find myself in first rate health and spirits and very much tempted to prolong my sojourn. It is really delightful to me to have this social out break after my long course of quiet life. I have found some old friends and have made new acquaintances here, all very cordial and agreeable There is no ceremonious restraint, nor pretensious shew, but every one seems disposed for social enjoyment. We have fine music sometimes professional, sometimes by amateurs–and all of an excellent quality
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This morning we had splendid performances on the piano, [by] in the Saloon, by M Iael (or some such name) I believe a Norwegian, and one of the best performers on that instrument I have ever heard. Afterward we had charming singing by Miss Lucretia Stevens who has cultivated her fine voice in a high degree since I heard her two or three years since.
This afternoon I am going to a childrens ball at the country seat of Mr Finlay in the vicinity of the Springs–He has laid down an immense platform on the grass under the trees and has invited all the little people at the Hotels–It will be a complete fairy scene.
Mr Mitchell (Ik Marvell) is here and we are very much together. He was at the Franklin house at Tarrytown recently and was down at
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the Cottage the day after my departure but finding me gone, did not enter the house but contented himself with strolling about the place. I told him he would have found a cordial welcome, even though I was absent.
Gouvr Kemble return[e]d yesterday to his old bachelors nest in the Highlands. I did all I could to keep him here but in vain–I wonder he should be so anxious to get home when he has no women kind to welcome him, as I have, yet even I, you see, can keep away.
There are some very agreeable talking ladies her[e], and a great number of very pretty ↑looking↓ ones; two or three with dark Spanish eyes, that I sit and talk to, and look under their dark eyes lashes, and think of dear Spain.
Mr Frank Granger is here, and has joined the Kennedy set with which I am in a manner domesticated. I am strong in the belief that Mr Granger will [receive] have the situation of Post Master offered to him and that he will accept of it; though he shakes his head whenever it
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is mentioned. I regret extremely that Adele is not with him–She is on a visit to a friend at Niagara.
It is dinner time and I must travel down stairs from my room which is near the roof. Give my love to all the household.
Your affectionate Uncle
Washington Irving
Miss Kate Irving
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Marisa CalderioLanguage
EnglishNotes
Washington Irving. Letters. Volume IV, 1846-1859. Aderman, Ralph M., Kleinfield, Herbert L. and Jenifer S. Banks. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1982, pp. 321-322.
