“I write to inform you that there is now every reason to hope that a first number of the much-talked of new journal may be issued next April, and to ask what you will give. I have counted on you for the first number, because you seemed so really in earnest and said you had articles ready written. But I want to know what part you propose to take in the grand symphony, and I pray you to answer me directly, for we must proceed to tune the instruments. Mr. Emerson is warmly interested and will give active assistance for a year. Mr. Ripley and Mr. Dwight are also in earnest; for others I know not yet.
“Will not Mr. Vaughan give us some aid? His article on the ‘Chartists’ excited interest here, and we should like some such ‘large sharp strokes’ of the pen very much. …
“At Newport you prophesied a new literature: shall it dawn in 1840?”[1]
On the same day she writes to Rev. F. H. Hedge, at Bangor, Maine: —
“My dear Henry, — I write this New Year’s Day to wish you all happiness, and to say that there is reason to expect the new journal (in such dim prospect when you were here) may see the light next April. And we depend on you for the first number, and for solid bullion too. Mr. Emerson will write, every number, and so will you if you are good and politic, for it is the best way to be heard from your sentry-box there in Bangor. — My friend, I really hope you will make this the occasion for
- ↑ MS. (W. H. C.)
