A few days since, by a lucky accident I met with a copy of a work of yours—“A week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers.”—I read to with much interest,—and if I tell you plainly that I am delighted with the book, it is because I cannot help telling you so;—therefore you should pardon whatever is amiss in the expression.—I should like to ask you many questions touching your allusions to persons; such, for instance, is “What were the names of the “aged shepherd” and “youthful pastor”, p. 21?—what that of the “Concord poet” quoted on p. 49?—of the Justice of the Peace and Deacon, p. 68? what the name of “one who was born on its head waters; quoted on p. 90?—and many more of a similar nature; but I fear that such an act on the part of a stranger, would be but little short of impertinence, though it might be kindly considered by you; so I must not use that method of making myself “wise above what is written.”

  Next to confessing to you my admiration of your book, my object in writing you, is to make an enquiry for “Walden; or Life in the Woods,”—announced at the close of the “Week,” as shortly to be published. I have enquired for it in Boston, but no one can tell me anything about it. Will you please inform me if it has been published, and, if so, where it may be found?—Truly & Respectfully Yours,

  Geo. A. Bailey