Log Search Results

  The forget-me-not still. I observe the rounded tops of the dogwood bushes, scarlet in the distance, on the edge of the meadow (Hubbard’s), more full and bright than any flower . . .

  I was struck with the peculiar and interesting colors of the naked arms of the buttonwood at the brick house, delicate tints seen from the ground,—whitish, greenish, and fawn-colored (?). They look as if recently bared by the scaling off of the old bark. The buttonwoods are in a flourishing condition thus year . . .

  Here am I at home again seated in my Shanty. My mind is constantly reverting to the pleasant little visit I made you, and so I thought I would sit down and write you.

  I regret exceedingly that I was so interrupted in my enjoyment while at Concord by my “aches and pains.” My head troubled me until I had to go within about 20 miles of home, when the pain passed off and my spirits began to revive. I hope that your walks, &c, with me will not harm you and that you will soon regain your usual health and strength, which I trust the cooler weather will favor; would advise you not to doctor, but just use your own good sense. I should have insisted more on your coming on with me had I not felt so ill and in such actual pain the day I left—but I want you to come before the weather gets uncomfortably cool. I feel much your debtor, for through you and your Walden I have found my hopes and strength in those matters which I had before found none to sympathize with. You have more than any other to me discovered the true secret of living comfortably in this world, and I hope more and more be able to put into practice, in the meantime you will be able to extend your pity and charity. You are the only “millionaire” among my acquaintances. I have heard of people being “independently rich,” but you are the only one I have ever had the honor of knowing.

  How charming you, Channing, and I dovetailed together! Few men smoke such pipes as we did—the real Calumet—the tobacco that we smoked was free labor produce. I haven’t lost sight of Solon Hosmer, the wisest looking man in Concord, and the real “feelosopher”! I want you to see him and tell him not to take down the old house, where the feelosofers met. I think I should like to have the large chamber, for an occasional sojourn to Concord, It might me easily tinkered up so as to be a comfortable roost for a feelosopher—a few old chairs, a table, bed &c, would be all—sufficient, then you and C. could come over in your punt and rusticate. What think of it? In the mean time come down to Brooklawn, and look about with me. As you are a little under the weather, we will make our peregrinations with horse and wagon.

  With much regard to Channing and my kind remembrances to your parents and sister, I remain,

  Yours very truly
  D’l Ricketson

  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

  We then set out to find our way to Gloucester over the hills, and saw the comet very bright in the northwest. After going astray a little in the moonlight, we fell into a road which at length conducted us to the town . . .