CONCORD, September 27, 1855.
FRIEND RICKETSON,--I am sorry that you were obliged to leave Concord
without seeing more of it,--its river and woods, and various pleasant
walks, and its worthies. I assure you that I am none the worse for my
walk with you, but on all accounts the better. Methinks I am regaining
my health; but I would like to know first what it was that ailed me.
I have not yet conveyed your message to Mr. Hosmer,[60] but will not
fail to do so. That idea of occupying the old house is a good
one,--quite feasible,--and you could bring your hair pillow with you.
It is an _inn_ in Concord which I had not thought of,--a philosopher's
inn. That large chamber might make a man's idea expand proportionately.
It would be well to have an interest in some old chamber in a deserted
house in every part of the country which attracted us. There would be
no such place to receive one's guests as that. If old furniture is
fashionable, why not go the whole house at once? I shall endeavor to
make Mr. Hosmer believe that the old house is the chief attraction of
his farm, and that it is his duty to preserve it by all honest
appliances. You might take a lease of it _in perpetuo_, and done with
it.
I am so wedded to my way of spending a day,--require such broad
margins of leisure, and such a complete wardrobe of old clothes,--that
I am ill fitted for going abroad. Pleasant is it sometimes to sit at
home, on a single egg all day, in your own nest, though it may prove
at last to be an egg of chalk. The old coat that I wear is Concord; it
is my morning robe and study gown, my working dress and suit of
ceremony, and my nightgown after all. Cleave to the simplest ever.
Home,--home,--home. _Cars_ sound like _cares_ to me.
I am accustomed to think very long of going anywhere,--am slow to
move. I hope to hear a response of the oracle first. However, I think
that I will try the effect of your talisman on the iron horse next
Saturday, and dismount at Tarkiln Hill. Perhaps your sea air will be
good for me. I conveyed your invitation to Channing, but he apparently
will not come.
Excuse my not writing earlier; but I had not decided.