CONCORD, April 2-3, 1852.
DEAR SIR,--I do not see that I can refuse to read another lecture, but
what makes me hesitate is the fear that I have not another available
which will _entertain_ a large audience, though I have thoughts to
offer which I think will be quite as worthy of their attention.
However, I will try; for the prospect of earning a few dollars is
alluring. As far as I can foresee, my subject would be "Reality"
rather transcendentally treated. It lies still in "Walden, or Life in
the Woods." Since you are kind enough to undertake the arrangements, I
will leave it to you to name an evening of next week, decide on the
most suitable room, and advertise,--if this is not taking you too
literally at your word.
If you still think it worth the while to attend to this, will you let
me know as soon as may be what evening will be most convenient? I
certainly do not feel prepared to offer myself as a lecturer to the
Boston _public_, and hardly know whether more to dread a small
audience or a large one. Nevertheless, I will repress this
squeamishness, and propose no alteration in your arrangements. I shall
be glad to accept your invitation to tea.
* * * * *
This lecture was given, says Colonel Higginson, "at the Mechanics'
Apprentices Library in Boston, with the snow outside, and the young
boys rustling their newspapers among the Alcotts and Blakes." Or,
possibly, this remark may apply to a former lecture in the same year,
which was that in which Thoreau first lectured habitually away from
Concord. He commenced by accepting an invitation to speak at Leyden
Hall, in Plymouth, where his friends the Watsons had organized Sunday
services, that the Transcendentalists and Abolitionists might have a
chance to be heard at a time when they were generally excluded from
the popular "Lyceum courses" throughout New England. Mr. B. M. Watson
says:--
"I have found two letters from Thoreau in answer to my invitation in
1852 to address our congregation at Leyden Hall on Sunday
mornings,--an enterprise I undertook about that time. I find among the
distinguished men who addressed us the names of Thoreau, Emerson,
Ellery Channing, Alcott, Higginson, Remond, S. Johnson, F. J.
Appleton, Edmund Quincy, Garrison, Phillips, J. P. Lesley, Shackford,
W. F. Channing, N. H. Whiting, Adin Ballou, Abby K. Foster and her
husband, J. T. Sargent, T. T. Stone, Jones Very, Wasson, Hurlbut, F.
W. Holland, and Scherb; so you may depend we had some fun."
These letters were mere notes. The first, dated February 17, 1852,
says: "I have not yet seen Mr. Channing, though I believe he is in
town,--having decided to come to Plymouth myself,--but I will let him
know that he is expected. Mr. Daniel Foster wishes me to say that he
accepts your invitation, and that he would like to come Sunday after
next. I will take the Saturday afternoon train. I shall be glad to get
a winter view of Plymouth Harbor, and see where your garden lies under
the snow."