the Thoreau Log.
15 November 1849. Concord, Mass.

Thoreau’s aunt Maria writes to Prudence Ward:

  Do you recollect what I told you of Miss Ford and H[enry David Thoreau]—well I do believe she must be crazy, a month ago, H—had a letter, commencing, British steamer fourteen days later—and Sophia says it was a most incoherent letter, she seems to have as much the spirit of reform as ever, telling H—she hoped he would join that society which is about forming to ascertain the cause of so many dreadful shipwrecks on the ocean where so many lives are sacrificed, and last week while I was at Brother’s [John Thoreau, Sr.], Henry had another letter from her which he read to himself and then put into the fire. When I asked to see it, he answered it was secret. I wonder if her friends know anything about these letters they come by mail, tho I believe H—does not answer them . . .

  Last week some Indians from the Rocky Mountains exhibited here. Henry was much gratified, you know he has quite a passion for Indians . . .

  I am sorry you were not at home when H—was in Cohasset. You will be pleased to hear Henry give a description of that tour, sleeping in a lighthouse etc.,—but I believe it was projected before the shipwreck which you appear to think was the occasion of it.

  As for Brother’s new house, we shall not get into it this winter, but hope to early in the spring. The tenants were not obliged to move till it was too late to do anything to it, for as you suppose, it will need considerable alteration, as for Henry he never liked the idea of moving at all tho it is probably he will have the pleasantes[t] and most convenient room in the house that he has ever had yet.

(transcript in The Thoreau Society Archives at the Thoreau Institute at Walden Woods; MS, private owner)

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