The first of these three letters
to Eben J. Loomis from Henry D.
Thoreau was written just before
Eben J. Loomis and Mary Alden
Wilder were married on July 13th,
1853. Her father and mother,
the Rev. and Mrs. John Wilder,
were friends of the Thoreaus.
From then on, Eben Loomis was
a close friend of Henry Thoreau.

The last letter, July 11th, 1857,
inviting him to accompany him to
the Allegash, was refused. Mrs.
Loomis had not recovered from
the birth of their daughter, Mabel,
on November 10th, 1856. Thoreau
left on July 20th, 1857, with a man
whom he described as "my companion,
a lawyer."

Concord

June 18th, 53

Mr. Eben J. Loomis,

Dear Sir,

Excuse me for delaying so long to thank
you for the gift of the Nautical Almanack. I am glad of
the opportunity it affords me to examine and perhaps use,
it soon. Other engagements have held me from it yet, but
it looks full of celestial news, fit to circulate in the
heavens, if not on earth. It is the argument of a great
poem.

Your sticks cut on the Battle Ground await
the time when next you shall walk this way.

Yrs

/s/ Henry D. Thoreau.

(Addressed to:) Mr. Eben J. Loomis
Cambridgeport
Mass.

(Folded and sealed with wafer; no stamp attached)

Concord June 18th, 53

Mr. Eben J. Loomis,

Dear Sir,

Excuse me for delaying so long to thank
you for the gift of the Nautical Almanac. I am glad of
the opportunity it affords me to examine and perhaps use,
it soon. Other engagements have held me from it yet, but
it looks full of celestial news, fit to circulate in the
heavens, if not on earth. It is the argument of a great
poem.

Your sticks out on the Battle Ground await
the time when next you shall walk this way.

Yrs

/s/ Henry D. Thoreau.

(folded and sealed withouth water; no stamp attached)

Mars.
Cambridge Report

(Addressed to: Mr. Eben J. Loomis

\a Henry D. Thoreau.

Mr.

Yon actions out on the Battle Ground await
boom.

Heaven, it not on earth. It is the argument of a great
it looks full of celestial news, fit to circulate in the
it soon. Other engagements have held me from it yet, put
the opportunity it affords me to examine and perhaps see,
you for the lift of the Nautical Vessels. I am glad of
Exonae me for delaying so long to jump

Dear Sir.

Mr. Eben J. Loomis,

Concord June 18th, 23

Concord June 18th, 53

Mr. Eben J. Loomis,

Dear Sir,

Yrs

/s/ Henry D. Thoreau.

(Folded and sealed with, with wafer; no stamp attached)

(folded and sealed with water; no attempt attached)

Mars.
CAMPBELL REPORT

(Addressed to: MR. Eben J. Loomis)

\~ Henry D. Thoreau.

Yours

Your attacks out on the Battle Ground await
them.

Precautions, it not on earth. It is the argument of a great
man looks full of celestial news, lift to circulate in the
it soon. Other engagements have held me from it yet, put
the opportunity it affords me to examine and perhaps use,
you for the gift of the Nautical Almanac. I am glad of
excuse me for delaying so long to thank

Dear Sir,

Mr. Eben J. Loomis,

Concord June 18th, 1923

On sheet of bluish paper, 9 3/4 x 15 1/2"
folded, and sealed with a wafer
Addressed to

Concord June 18th '53

Mr Eben J. Loomis,

Dear Sir,

Excuse me for delaying so long to thank you for
the gift of the Nautical Almanack. I am glad of the
opportunity it affords me to examine, and perhaps use,
it soon. Other engagements have held me from it yet,
but it looks full of celestial news, fit to circulate
in the heavens, if not on earth. It is the argument
of a great poem.

Your sticks cut on the Battle Ground await the
time when next year you shall walk this way.

Concord June 18th '53

Mr Eben J. Loomis,

Dear Sir,

Your sticks out on the Battle Ground await the
time when next year you shall walk this way.

Concord June 18th '53

Mr Eben J. Loomis,

Dear Sir,

Concord Ap. 17 '56

Dear Sir,

I have a turtle from Freetown in this state which appears to be a _Sternothaerus_, but it is not the _S. Odoratus_ of our river. I believe that there is one more at least of this genus known in the States, but the _Odoratus_ only is described in Dr. Stover's little report on our reptiles, which I have; - therefore, knowing your interests in Natural History, I take the liberty to ask you if you will copy & send me the _scientific_ or _essential_ part of the description, with the _habitat_, of the one or perhaps two others, from either Holbrook's Herpetology, or the volume on reptiles in the N.Y. State reports, which you will no doubt find in any sizeable library in Cambridge. I shall be glad to show you the creature when you come to Concord.

You will thus very much oblige yours truly

Henry D. Thoreau

P.S. What discoveries among the birds & flowers? We had the *fringilla melodia* here all the winter.

(Addressedto:) Eben J. Loomis Esq
Cambridgeport
Mass.

(3¢ stamp attached)

Concord Ap. 17 '56

Dear Sir,

Henry D. Thoreau

(Addressed to:) Eben J. Loomis Esq
Cambridgeport
Mass.

(3¢ stamp attached)

(34 stamp attached)

Mass.
ComprisReport
(Voquenecito: Jun. J. Lomita Rad)

the springtime melodie here all the winter.

B.C. What discoveries among the birds & flowers? We had

Henry D. Thoreau

You will thus very much opfile some fruit
be glad to show you the creature when you come to Concord,
don't find in any sizeable library in Cambridge. I ahall
on reptiles in the N.Y. State reports, which you will no
others from either Holbrook's Herpetology, or the volume
description, with the *RAPID*, of the one or two
will copy & send me the *scientific* or *essential* part of the
Natural History. I take the liberty to ask you if you
which I have: - therefore, knowing your interests in
described in Mr. Stover's little report on our reptiles,
or this same known in the States, put the *Opisthura* only in
of our river. I believe that there is one more at least
aboard to be a *Sternotrophura*, put it is not the *S. Opisthura*
I have a turtle from Freedom in this state which
Dear Sir,

Concord Vb. 15 '26

Concord Ap. 17 '56

Dear Sir,

I have a turtle from Freetown in this state which appears to be a *Sternothaerus*, but it is not the *S. Odoratus* of our river. I believe that there is one more at least of this genus known in the States, but the *Odoratus* only is described in Dr. Stover's little report on our reptiles, which I have; - therefore, knowing your interests in Natural History, I take the liberty to ask you if you will copy & send me the *scientific* or *essential* part of the description, with the *habitat*, of the one or perhaps two others, from either Holbrook's Herpetology, or the volume on reptiles in the N.Y. State reports, which you will no doubt find in any sizeable library in Cambridge. I shall be glad to show you the creature when you come to Concord.

Henry D. Thoreau

(34 stamp attached)

Name:
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Addressed to: Kenyon J. Loomba and

the triatomine melittae here all the winter.

B.S. What discoveries among the birds & flowers? We had

Henry D. Thoreau

You will find these very much erfiffe hours truth
be fed to show you the creature when you come to Concord,
dozing tind in an atsneapie fipaw in Cambridge. I ahall
ou reftiles in the N.Y. state reports, which you will no
other from either Holbrook's Herpetology, or the volume
description with the *Nights* of the one or perhaps two
will each a send me the *Scientific* or *essential* part of the
Natural History. I take the liberty to ask you if you
which I have - therefore, knowing your interests in
described in Dr. Stover's little report on our reptiles,
of this genus known in the States, put the *Operating* only in
of our river. I believe that there is one more at least
appears to be a *Sternotomus*, put it is not the *2. Operating*
I have a uncle from Breetown in this state which

Dear Sirs,

Concord, N.Y. 15 28

Yellow envelope, 3¢ stamp in upper right corner
Surcharge illegible

Addressed to

Concord Ap.17 '56

Dear Sir,

I have a turtle from Freetown in this state
which appears to be a _Sternothaerus_, but it is not the
S. _Odoratus_, of our river. I believe that there is one
more at least of this genus known in the States, but
the _odoratus_ only is described in Dr. Storer's little
report on our reptiles, which I have; -- therefore,
knowing your interest in Natural History, I take the
liberty to ask you if you will copy & send me the
scientific or essential part of the description, with
the habitat, of the one or perhaps two others, from
either Holbrook's Herpetology, or the volume on reptiles
in the N.Y. State reports, which you will no doubt find
in any sizeable library in Cambridge. I shall be glad
to show you the creature when you come to Concord.

You will thus very much obligate yours truly

Henry D. Thoreau

P.S. What discoveries among the birds & flowers? We
had the Fringilla melodia here all the winter.

Yellow envelope, 3¼ stamp in upper right corner
Surcharge illegible

Addressed to

Concord Ap.17 '56

Dear Sir,

I have a turtle from Freetown in this state which appears to be a _Sternothaerus_, but it is not the _S. odoratus_ of our river. I believe that there is one more at least of this genus known in the states, but the _odoratus_ only is described in Dr. Storer's little report on our reptiles, which I have; -- therefore, knowing your interest in Natural History, I take the liberty to ask you if you will copy & send me the _scientific_ or _essential_ part of the description, with the _habitat_, of the one or perhaps two others, from either Holbrook's Herpetology, or the volume on reptiles in the N.Y. state reports, which you will no doubt find in any sizeable library in Cambridge. I shall be glad to show you the creature when you come to Concord.

Henry D. Thoreau

P.S. What discoveries among the birds & flowers? We had the Pringilla melodia here all the winter.

Yellow envelope, 3/4 stamp in upper right corner
Surcharge illegible

Addressed to

Concord Ap.17 '56

Dear Sir,

I have a turtle from Freetown in this state which appears to be a _Sternothaerus_, but it is not the _S. Odoratus_ of our river. I believe that there is one more at least of this genus known in the States, but the _odoratus_ only is described in Dr. Storer's little report on our reptiles, which I have; -- therefore, knowing your interest in Natural History, I take the liberty to ask you if you will copy & send me the _scientific_ or _essential_ part of the description, with the _habitat_, of the one or perhaps two others, from either Holbrook's Herpetology, or the volume on reptiles in the N.Y. state reports, which you will no doubt find in any sizeable library in Cambridge. I shall be glad to show you the creature when you come to Concord.

Henry D. Thoreau

(3¢ stamp attached)

Concord July 11th 1857

Mr Loomis

Dear Sir;

I am desirous of making an excursion into the Maine woods forthwith. I do not meditate anything very adventurous, since I am still a good deal of an invalid, but having been there twice in September, I now wish to go in a leisurely manner at a considerably earlier season, notwithstanding the flies etc. Would you like to make one of a party of three to go in a canoe, about the 20th of this month, (excuse this short notice) via the Piscataqius from Oldtown, (or perhaps, via the Kennebec from Norridgencock, as we may find most practicable) through Moose Head Lake, to the headwaters of the St Johns, and, if we choose, return by the latter river a good part of the way. I calculate that we must have at least a month at our disposal, and 30 dollars each in our pockets.

I do not know when your vacation occurs, but I fear that it will be too late. For a third man I have in my mind a young sailor cousin of mine in Bangor, (to whom I write today) or possibly an Indian.

I can go at once to Bangor, be with my friends there a few days, and purchase a canoe etc before you arrive, so that there need be no delay.

Let me hear from you as soon as possible, &, if you can go, make what suggestions occur to you. Or perhaps you can take a ride to Concord & talk it over.

I take this occasion to thank you for your note about the turtle, of which more when I see you.

Yours truly, Henry D. Thoreau

(3¢ stamp attached.)

Concord July 11th 1857

Mr Loomis

Dear Sir,

I am desirous of making an excursion into the Maine woods forthwith. I do not meditate anything very adventurous, since I am still a good deal of an invalid, but having been there twice in September, I now wish to go in a leisurely manner at a considerably earlier season, notwithstanding the flies etc. Would you like to make one of a party of three to go in a canoe, about the 20th of this month, (excuse this short notice) via the Piscataqius from Oldtown, (or, perhaps, via the Kennebec from Norridgenock, as we may find most practicable) through Moose Head Lake, to the headwaters of the St Johns, and, if we choose, return by the latter river a good part of the way. I calculate that we must have at least a month at our disposal, and 30 dollars each in our pockets.

Let me hear from you as soon as possible, &. if you can go, make what suggestions occur to you. Or perhaps you can take a ride to Concord & talk it over.

Yours truly, Henry D. Thoreau

Yonra truly, Henry D. Thoreau

I take this occasion to thank you for your note about a ride to Concord & take it over.

make what suggestions occur to you. Or perhaps you can take
let me hear from you as soon as possible, & it you can go,
need be no delay.

day, and purchase a canoe etc. before you arrive, so that there
I can go at once to Bangor, be with my friends there a few
hours, and be集成 an Indian.

sailor contain of mine in Bangor, (to whom I write today) or
will be too late. For a third man I have in my wing a young
I don't know when your vacation occurs, but I fear that it
omitted, and 30 dollars each in our pocketbook.

the way. I calculate that we must have at least a month at
and, if we choose, return by the latter river a good part of
through Moose Head lake, to the headwaters of the St. John's,
Kennecot from Merrifield Brook, as we may find most convenient)
notice) via the Placetaigne from Oldtown, (or bernaba, via the
Go in a canoe, about the South of this month, (examine this short
times etc.). Would you like to make one of a bank of three to
manner at a considerably earlier season, notwithstanding the
been there twice in September, I now wish to go in a relatively
tminus, since I am attil a good deal of an invalid, but having
Maine woods to write with. I do not meditate anything very adven-
ture into the

Dear Sir,

Mr. Loomis

(3& stamp attached)

(Addressed to: Eben J. Loomis Bag
Massa,
Cambridgeport)

(1825 July 11th)

Concord July 11th 1825

(3½ stamp attached)

Concord July 11th 1857

Mr Loomis

Dear Sir

I am desirous of making an excursion into the Maine woods forthwith. I do not meditate anything very adventurous, since I am still a good deal of an invalid, but having been there twice in September, I now wish to go in a leisurely manner at a considerably earlier season, notwithstanding the flies etc. Would you like to make one of a party of three to go in a canoe, about the 20th of this month, (excuse this short notice) via the Piscataqius from Oldtown, (or perhaps, via the Kennebec from Norridgenock, as we may find most practicable) through Moose Head Lake, to the headwaters of the St Johns, and, if we choose, return by the latter river a good part of the way. I calculate that we must have at least a month at our disposal, and 30 dollars each in our pockets.

Yours truly, Henry D. Thoreau

Yonnes, truys, Henry D. Thoreau

the truule, of which more when I see you.

I take this occasion to thank you for your note about a trip to Concord & talk it over.

make what suggestions occur to you. On berows you can take
let me hear from you so soon as possible, & if you can go,
need be no delay.

data, and purchases a canoe etc. before you arrive, so that there
I can go at once to Bangor, be with my friends there a few
hours, and an Indian.

after containing mine in Bangor, (so whom I write today) or
will be so late. For a third man I have in my mind a home
I cannot know when your vacation occurs, but I fear that it
our glades, and 30 dollars each in our pockets.

the way. I calculate that we must have at least a month at
and, if we choose, return by the latter river a good boat of
through Moose Head lake, to the headwaters of the St. John's,
Kennebec from Merrigdenock, as we must find most bristlingpep)
notice) via the Macastown from Offtown, (or berows, are the
so in a canoe, about the South of this month, (except this exact
this time.) Would you like to make one of a party of three to
manner at a considerably earlier season, notwithstanding the
pass there twice in September. I now wish to go in a family
party, since I am still a good deal of an invalid, but having
made a good tour with you. I do not meditate anything new this
time. I am afraid of making an exclamation into the

Dear Sir,

Mr. LeComte

(3d attempt attached)

Concord, N.H. 11th 1825

Yellow envelope, 3¼ stamp in upper left corner
Surcharged, Concord Mass Jul 11
Addressed to

Concord July 11th 1857

Mr Loomis

Dear Sir,

I am desirous of making an excursion into the Maine woods forthwith. I do not meditate anything very adventurous, since I am still a good deal of an invalid, but having been there twice in September, I now wish to go in a leisurely manner at a considerably earlier season, notwithstanding the flies &c. Would you like to make one of a party of three to go in a canoe, about the 20th of this month, (excuse this short notice) via the Piscataquis from Oldtown, (or perhaps, via the Kennebec from Norridge-nock, as we may find most practicable) through Moosehead Lake, to the headwaters of the St Johns, and, if we choose, return by the latter river a good part of the way. I calculate that we must have at least a month at our disposal, and 30 dollars each in our pockets.

I can go at once to Bangor, to be with my friends there a few days, and purchase a canoe &c before you arrive, so that there need be no delay.

Yellow envelope, 3½ stamp in upper left corner
Surcharged, Concord Mass Jul 11
Addressed to

Concord July 11th 1857

Mr Loomis

Dear Sir,

Let me hear from you as soon as possible, &, if you can go, make what suggestions occur to you. Or perhaps you can take a ride to Concord & talk it over.
I take this occasion to thank you for your note about the turtle, of which more when I see you. Yon Tim Henry D. Throop

Yellow envelope, 3¼ stamp in upper left corner
Purchased, Concord Mass Jul 11
Addressed to

Concord July 11th 1857

Mr Loomis

Dear Sir,

Let me hear from you as soon as possible, &, if you can go, make what suggestions occur to you. Or perhaps you can take a ride to Concord & talk it over.
I take this occasion to thank you for your note about the turtle, of which some when I see you-

COPY

Concord Sep 27 1858

Dear Sir;

I am sorry to say that the grape vines on which we depend most
have not borne this year. I got about half a bushel a week ago - but on
Saturday, when I went a-graping with one of the young ladies - up the
Assheton - we found but 3 pints all together. They are sometimes
offered at the door - and we sold by the quart and dearly at that.
One would have to range over a great deal of ground to get any quantity -
and that would cost more that it would come to -