October 1854
Concord, Massachusetts; Home of Ralph W. and Lidian (Jackson) Emerson
"Moonlight"

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        Although very busy writing and revising lectures during the month of October 1854, Thoreau may have given Emerson’s aunt, Mary Moody Emerson, a private reading of "Moonlight," which he had delivered in Plymouth on 8 October 1854. We base this possibility on the following undated letter from Mary Moody Emerson to Thoreau (see lecture 44, note 7, above):

        If Mr. Thoreau took the least dislike at the close of his last visit to me—why it is not the home of genius to notice trifles. Why not have visited my deeper solitude? Why not bring me the Plymouth lecture? And a budget of literary news? Are you under no obligation to benefit or gratify your neighbours? Age loves the old fashion of catechising the young. Love to your parents & Aunts & forget not
                                                                          MME