Isaac Thomas Hecker writes in his journal:
If I had known that Henry Thoreau had taught the G. & L languages [Greek and Latin] I should have selected him instead of Mr Bradford [George Partridge Bradford] if I had known what I now know. Mr Thoreau has a better knowledge of languages, has more leisure, takes a delight in languages. Mr Bradford comes here when he has been tired out by his School, simply hears me recite, gives me scarcely any valuable information on the structure and nature of the languages; and does not awaken any keen interest in my study; whereas from H. T. a few moments conversation gave me more instruction and delight than all that G.P.B has ever said to me on the subject. G.P.B has so much other business that takes up his mind that when he comes here I feel as if he felt his time was lost and that he is desirous to get away as soon as he can. He comes after 12 and has to take diner at one. Would he accept willingly that H T should take his place? I cannot say, I fear not, or he would have told me of Thoreau situated as he is.
(Isaac T. Hecker: The Diary, 177)
