Transcription
Saratoga Springs July 21t 1852
My dear Mary,
Having written to Kate and Sarah (who have my permission to shew you my letters, though in great confidence) I now write a hasty line to you in turn. A letter which I forwarded from Helen to Eliza has no doubt given you all an idea of our voyage across Lake George and our visit to Ticonderoga in all which we were favored with delightful weather, bright yet temperate, and enjoyed to perfection the interesting and beautiful scenery. [At Sar] At Ticonderoga I made up my mind to give up the visit to Canada and return here and take the waters. The party went off in splendid style yesterday morning at 11 oclock in a fine steamer down the lake. At two oclock I embarked on board of another one for Whitehall and after a fine run through lovely scenery, [arrived] got into the
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rail road cars at the latter place and arrived here about 6 oclock in the Evening
Here to my great joy I found Mr Gouverneur Kemble, and Mr Davis (Major Jack Downing) So that I am well provided with Cronies. My friend Mr Kennedy however leave[s] here tomorrow for Washington being appointed Secretary of the Navy. His wife however and her father and sister remain here and I have promised Kennedy to pay some small attention to Mrs Kennedy during his absence, taking his seat beside her at table. I have therefore a little domestic party to attach myself to in place of the Grinnell party–but I see I shall be at no loss for acquaintances here. I began this morning to take the waters regularly and mean to give them a fair trial
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This morning after breakfast I set off in a carriage with Mr Kemble and Mr Stevens (presdt of the Bank of Commerce[)]; to visit the scene of the battle of Saratoga; about twelve miles off we had a fine drive through beautiful scenery–crossing Saratoga lake in a Scow. The day was very warm, but there was a pleasant breeze which tempered it After passing an hour or two on the battle ground and acquainting ourself with all its localities, we returned to a hotel on the banks of the lake where we had an excellent dinner of black bass, lake trout and game and enjoyed ourselves in what little Fan would call tip top style. A pleasant drive home completed one of the most charming days I have had in the course of my charming tour.
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I wish one or other of you would write me a line addressed to me at this place letting me know how you all are and what events have taken place at Sunnyside since my departure–
Give my love to all bodies
Your affectionate uncle
Washington Irving
Miss Mary 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. 319-321.
