the Thoreau Log.

9 October 1829. Concord, Mass.

Henry D. Thoreau attends a meeting of the Concord Academy Debating Society. The minutes state:

After declamations from all the members, twelve-year-old Henry Thoreau (affirmative) and E. R. Hoar (negative) debated: “Does it require more talents to make a good writer than a good extemporaneous speaker?” The debate was not very animated . . . on account of some misunderstanding in the question. The President decided in the Negative, and . . . his decision was confirmed by a majority of four.

(Emerson Society Quarterly 9 (4th quarter 1957):6)