You will probably recognize in the following dialogue a part which you yourself acted.

  Act 1st

    Scene 1st.

  T. Come, Vose, let’s hear from a fellow now and then.

  V. We—ll, I certainly will, but you must write first.

  T. No, confound you, I shall have my hands full, and moreover shall have nothing to say, while you will h[av]e bon-fires, gunpowder plots, and deviltry enough to back you.

  V. Well, I’ll write first, and in the course of our correspondence we can settle a certain other matter.

  Now ’tis to this “certain other matter” alone that you are indebted for this epistle. The length and breadth, the height and depth, the sum & substance of what I have to say, is this. Your humble servant will endeavor to enter the Senior Class of Harvard University next term, and if you intend taking a room in College, and should it be consistent with your pleasure, will joyfully sign himself your lawful and proper “Chum.” Should the case be otherwise, you will oblige him much if you will request that sage doughface of a Wheeler to secure me one of the following rooms. Agreeably to his polite offer.

  H. 23

  St. do

  H. 27

  St. do

  St. 28

  H. do

Look well to the order.

  I shall expect to hear from you forthwith. I leave it to you to obtain a room, should it be necessary.

Yrs Matter-of-factly
D H Thoreau