I have returned from New Hampshire, and find myself in statu quo. My journey proved one of business purely. As you suspected, I saw Alcott, and I spoke to him of you, and your good will toward him; so now you may consider yourself introduced. He would be glad to hear from you about a conversation in New Bedford. He was about setting out on a conversing tour to Fitchburg, Worcester, & 3 or 4 weeks hence Waterbury Ct, New York, Newport (?) & Providence (?). You may be sure that you will not have occasion to repent of any exertions which you may make to secure an audience for him. I send you one of his programmes, lest he should not have done so himself.

  I am sorry to hear so poor an account of C[hanning]. Perhaps he will turn up & show his better side again.

  You propose to me teaching the following winter. I find that I cannot entertain the idea. It would require such a revolution of all my habits I think, as would sap the very foundation of me. I am engaged to Concord & my vein private pursuits by 10,000 ties & it would be suicide to cut them. If I were weaker, & not somewhat stronger physically, I should be more tempted. I am so busy that I cannot even think of visiting you. The days are not long enough or I am strong enough to do the work of the day before bed-time

  Excuse my paper. It chances to be the best I have.

  Yrs
  Henry D. Thoreau