CONCORD, October 14, 1861.
FRIEND RICKETSON,--I think that, on the whole, my health is better
than when you were here; but my faith in the doctors has not
increased. I thank you all for your invitation to come to New Bedford,
but I suspect that it must still be warmer here than there; that,
indeed, New Bedford is warmer than Concord only in the winter, and so
I abide by Concord.
September was pleasanter and much better for me than August, and
October has thus far been quite tolerable. Instead of riding on
horseback, I ride in a wagon about every other day. My neighbor, Mr.
E. R. Hoar, has two horses, and he, being away for the most part this
fall, has generously offered me the use of one of them; and, as I
notice, the dog throws himself in, and does scouting duty.
I am glad to hear that you no longer chew, but eschew, sugar-plums.
One of the worst effects of sickness is, that it may get one into the
_habit_ of taking a little something--his bitters, or sweets, as if
for his bodily good--from time to time, when he does not need it.
However, there is no danger of this if you do not dose even when you
are sick.
I went with a Mr. Rodman, a young man of your town, here the other
day, or week, looking at farms for sale, and rumor says that he is
inclined to buy a particular one. Channing says that he received his
book, but has not got any of yours.
It is easy to talk, but hard to write.
From the worst of all correspondents,