Page:Familiar letters of Henry David Thoreau.djvu/144

 120 YEARS OF DISCIPLINE. [1843,

bility of blotting one sheet alone. However, I like very well the blottings I get. Tell her I have not seen Mrs. Child nor Mrs. Sedgwick. Love to all from your affectionate son.

TO R. W. EMERSON (AT CONCORD).

STATEK ISLAND, August 7, 1843.

MY DEAR FRIEND, I fear I have nothing to send you worthy of so good an opportunity. Of New York I still know but little, though out of so many thousands there are no doubt many units whom it would be worth my while to know. Mr. James l talks of going to Ger many soon with his wife to learn the language. He says he must know it ; can never learn it here ; there he may absorb it ; and is very anxious to learn beforehand where he had best locate himself to enjoy the advantage of the highest culture, learn the language in its purity, and not exceed his limited means. I referred him to Longfellow. Perhaps you can help him.

I have had a pleasant talk with Channing ; and Greeley, too, it was refreshing to meet. They were both much pleased with your criti cism on Carlyle, but thought that you had over looked what chiefly concerned them in the book, its practical aim and merits.

I have also spent some pleasant hours with

1 Henry James, Senior.