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 reëstablishing 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 determined 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.