Emerson, Ralph Waldo (1803-1882) to Mr. Laighton
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01549 Author/Creator: Emerson, Ralph Waldo (1803-1882) Place Written: Concord, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 August 1861 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.3 x 25.1 cm. Order a Copy
Regrets that he is unable to attend a meeting held at Allston Hall the following Friday, in remembrance of Theodore Parker. Emerson claims, "I do not know that I could add any facts of interest to the recollections of the occasion. Yet Theodore Parkers mind was so lavishly given to the public welfare, that I can easily see how all the new startling events in our politics may associate themselves with his memory. In dark days & amidst sinking men we miss his strength the more, and yet we cannot doubt his relief & joy in the present pronounced state of the Republic, over the so-called 'integrity of the Republic,' six months ago."
Theodore Parker, a friend of Emerson and fellow Transcendentalist, was a noted reformer active in abolition and women's rights, among other causes.
[draft]
Concord 20 August 1861
Dear Sir,
I think I shall not be able to attend the Friday Evening meeting at Allston Hall, to which you kindly invited me. It is always difficult to me to stay [2] in the City overnight. And I do not know that I could add any facts of interest to the recollections of the occasion.
Yet Theodore Parkers mind was so lavishly given to the public welfare, that I [3] can easily see how all the new startling events in our politics may associate themselves with his memory. In dark days & amidst sinking men we miss his strength the more, and yet we cannot doubt his relief & joy in the present pronounced state of the [4] Republic, over the so-called "integrity of the Republic;" six months ago.
With kindest greetings to the friends in your meeting,
Yours respectfully,
R.W. Emerson
Mr. Laighton
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