The Correspondence, 1834-1848 by Thoreau Henry David; Hudspeth Robert N.;

Author:Thoreau, Henry David; Hudspeth, Robert N.;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 2013-02-27T16:00:00+00:00

To Isaac Thomas Hecker

August 14, 1844

Concord Aug. 14th 44

Friend Hecker,

I am glad to hear your voice from that populous city, and the more so for the tenor of its discourse. I have but just returned from a pedestrian excursion, some what similar to that you propose, parvis componere magna,1 to the Catskill mountains, over the principal mountains of this state, subsisting mainly on bread and berries, and slumbering on the mountain tops–2 As usually happens, I now feel a slight sense of dissipation. Still I am strongly tempted by your proposal, and experience a decided schism between my outward and inward tendencies. Your method of travelling especially–to live along the road–citizens of the world, without haste or petty plans–I have often proposed this to my dreams, and still do– But the fact is, I cannot so decidedly postpone exploring the Farther Indies, which are to be reached you know by other routs and other methods of travel. I mean that I constantly return from every external enterprise with disgust to fresh faith in a kind of Brahminical Artesian, Inner Templea, life.3 All my experience, as yours probably, proves only this reality.

Channing wonders how I can resist your invitation, I, a single man–unfettered–and so do I. Why–there are Roncesvalles, the cape de Finisterre, and the three kings of Cologne;4 Rome, Athens, & the rest–to be visited in serene untemporal hours–and all history to revive in one’s memory as he went by the way with splendors to bright for this world– I know how it is. But is not here too Roncesvalles with greater lustre? Unfortunately it may prove dull and desultory weather enough here but better trivial days with faith thana the fairest ones lighted by sun-shine alone. Perchance my wanderjahre5 has not arrived. But you cannot wait for that. I hope you will find a companion who will enter as heartily into your schemes as I should have done

I remember you, as it were, with the whole Catholic church at your skirts– And the other day for a moment I think I understood your relation to that body, but the thought was gone again in a twinkling, as when a dry leaf falls from its stem over our heads, but is instantly lost in the rustling mass at our feet–

I am really sorry that the Genius will not let me go with you, but I trust that it will conduct to other adventures, and so if nothing prevents we will compare notes at last6

Yrs &c

Henry D. Thoreau.

Correspondent: See p. 260.

1 See Virgil, Eclogues, 1:23-24: “Sic canibus catulos similes, sic matribus hædos / Nôram: sic parvis componere magna solebam.” (“Thus I knew puppies were like dogs, and kids like their dams; thus I used to compare great things with small.” [Loeb])

2 T had gone on foot to Saddleback Mountain (now Mount Greylock), in western Massachusetts, where he spent the night. Ellery Channing joined him at Pittsfield, and the two went to the Hudson River. They took a boat down river to the Catskills, where they climbed the mountains.

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