CONCORD, September 9, 1857.
FRIEND RICKETSON,--I thank you for your kind invitation to visit you,
but I have taken so many vacations this year,--at New Bedford, Cape
Cod, and Maine,--that any more relaxation--call it rather
dissipation--will cover me with shame and disgrace. I have not earned
what I have already enjoyed. As some heads cannot carry much wine, so
it would seem that I cannot bear so much society as you can. I have an
immense appetite for solitude, like an infant for sleep, and if I
don't get enough of it this year, I shall cry all the next.
My mother's house is full at present; but if it were not, I would
have no right to invite you hither, while entertaining such designs as
I have hinted at. However, if you care to storm the town, I will
engage to take some afternoon walks with you,--retiring into
profoundest solitude the most sacred part of the day.
* * * * *
Ricketson had written to invite Thoreau to visit him again, saying
among other things, "Walton's small sailboat is now on Assawampset
Pond." After visiting Concord that autumn, he proposed another visit
in December, saying (December 11, 1857), "I long to see your long
beard. Channing says it is terrible to behold, but improves you
mightily." This fixes the date, late in that year, when Thoreau first
wore his full beard, as shown in his latest portraits.