Concord, Mass. Thoreau writes in his journal:
When I hear a robin sing at sunset, I cannot help contrasting the equanimity of Nature with the bustle and impatience of man. We return from the lyceum and caucus with such a stir and excitement, as if a crisis were at hand (Journal, 1:252-253).
Scituate, Mass.? Ellen Sewall writes in her diary:
Edmund had a letter from Aunt. Henry T. has not bought his farm after all! The man altered his mind about selling it! I am very sorry for H’s disappointment. John is now at home working in his Father’s shop & has taken part of the garden to cultivate. Poor fellow, his health is poor and he cannot keep school.
(transcript in The Thoreau Society Archives at the Thoreau Institute at Walden Woods; MS, private owner)
