Thoreau writes in his journal:
Returning, I saw a fox on the railroad, at the crossing below the shanty site, eight or nine rods from me . . . (Journal, 8:175-177).
Thoreau also writes to Calvin Greene:
I forwarded to you by mail on the 31st of January a copy of my “Week,” post paid, which I trust that you have received. I thank you heartily for the expression of your interest in “Walden” and hope that you will not be disappointed by the “Week.” You ask how the former has been received. It has found an audience of excellent character, and quite numerous, some 2000 copies having been dispersed. I should consider it a greater success to interest one wise and earnest soul, than a million unwise & frivolous.
You may rely on it that you have the best of me in my books, and that I am not worth seeing personally—the stuttering, blundering, clodhopper that I am. Even poetry, you know, is the one sense of an infinite brag & exaggeration. Not that I do not stand on all that I have written—but what am I to the truth I feebly utter!
I like the name of your country. May it grow men as sturdy as its trees. Methinks I hear your flute echo amid the oaks. It is not yours too a good place to study theology? I hope that you will ere long recover your turtle-dove, and that it will bring you glad tidings out of that heaven which you disappeared.
Yrs Sincerely
Henry D. Thoreau
