the Thoreau Log.
2 February 1855. Concord, Mass.

Thoreau writes in his journal:

  Brown is again filling his ice-house, which he commenced to do some weeks ago. I got another skate this afternoon, in spite of the thin coating of snow.  Snowed again half an inch more in the evening, after which, at ten o’clock, the moon still obscured, I skated on the river and meadows . . . Our skates make but little sound in this coating of snow about an inch thick, as if we had on woollen skates, and we can easily see our tracks in the night. We seem thus to go faster than before by day, not only because we do not see (but feel and imagine) our rapidity, but because of the impression which the mysterious muffled sound of our feet makes.
(Journal, 7:162-164)

Thoreau also writes to Franklin B. Sanborn:

Mr F. B. Sanborn.

  Dear Sir,

  I fear that you did not get the note which I left with the Librarian for you, and so will thank you again for your politeness. I was sorry that I was obliged to go into Boston almost immediately. However, I shall be glad to see you whenever you come to Concord, and I will suggest nothing to discourage your coming so far as I am concerned, trusting that you know what it is to take partridge on the wing.

  You tell me that the author of the criticism is Mr. Morton. I had heard as much, & indeed guessed more. I have latterly found Concord nearer to Cambridge than I believed I should, when I was leaving my Alma Mater, and hence you will not be surprised if even I feel some interest in the success of the Harvard Magazine.

  Believe me
  Yrs truly
  Henry D Thoreau

(The Correspondence of Henry David Thoreau, 369-370)

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