A. Bronson Alcott writes in his journal:
Dine at Thoreau’s with Sanborn. Thoreau is lively and entertaining, though feeble and failing. He does not conceal his impatience with the slowness of the present Administration and its disregard of honor and justice to the free sentiment of the North. We hope Congress, which assembles today, will spur the cabinet to do its duty, and better represent the demands of the country.
(The Journals of Bronson Alcott, 341)