Certainly I will conform in all points to this
Wiley-and-Putnam Treaty, and faithfully observe
the same.
Wiley-and-Putnam Treaty, and faithfully observe
the same.
Thomas Carlyle
107
they are excellent people, well affected to us ; and
can be lived with, though of high temper and ways !
They are the Lord Ashburtons, in fact ; more prop-
erly the younger stratum of that house; partly a
kind of American people, --who know Waldo Em-
erson, among other fine things, very well! I think
we are to stay some three weeks 2 the bustle of
moving is already begun. '
You promise us a new Book soon? Let it be
soon, then. There are many persons here that will
welcome it now. To one man here it is ever as an
articulate voice amid the infinite cackling and caw-
ing. That remains my best definition of the effect
it has on me. Adieu, my friend. Good be with
you and your Household always. Vale.
T. C.
ii
CV.
CARLYLE TO EMERSON.
CHELsEA, 3 January, 1846.
DEAR EMERsoN,--I received your Letter 1 by the
last Packet three or four days ago : this is the last
day of answering, the monthly Packet sails towards
you again from Liverpool to-morrow morning; and
1 Missing.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? 1 08 Carlyle to Emerson.
I am in great pressure with many writings, else-
whither and thither : therefore I must be very
brief. I have just written to Mr. Hart of Philadel-
phia; his Draft (as I judge clearly by the Banker's
speech and silence) is accepted, all right; and in
fact, means money at this time: for which I have
written to thank him heartily. Do you very heart-
ily thank Mr. Furness for me ; --Furness and vari-
ous friends, as Transatlantic matters now are, must
accept a silent gratitude from me. The speech of
men and American hero-worshippers is grown such
a babblement: in very truth, silence is the thing
that chiefly has meaning,-- there or here. . . . .
To my very great astonishment, the Book Crom-
well proves popular here; and there is to be another
edition very soon. Edition with improvements --
for some fifty or so of new (not all insignificant)
Letters have turned up, and I must try to do some-
thing rational with them ; -- with which painful
operation I am again busy. It will make the two
volumes about equal perhaps, -- which will be one
benefit ! If any American possibility lie in this,
I will take better care of it. -- --Alas, I have not
got one word with you yet ! Tell me of your
Lectures;---of all things. l
Ever yours,
T. CARLYLE.
_. _. __. . _::;y
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. I09
We returned from Hampshire exactly a week
ago; never passed six so totally idle weeks in our
lives. -- Better in health a little? Perhaps.
CVI.
CARLYLE TO EMERSON.
CHELSEA, 3 February, 1846.
DEAR EMEnsoN,- One word to you before the
Packet sail ; -- on business of my own, once
more; in such a state of haste as could hardly
be greater. The Printers are upon me, and I have
not a moment.
Contrary to all human expectation, this Book on
Cromwell proves salable to mankind here, and a
second Edition is now going forward with all speed.
The publication of the First has brought out from
their recesses a new heap of Cromwell Letters ;--
which have been a huge embarrassment to me;
for they are highly unimportant for most part, and
do not tend to alter or materially modify anything.
Some Fifty or Sixty new Letters in all (many of
them from Printed Books that had escaped me):
the great majority, with others yet that may come
in future time, I determine to print simply as an
Appendix; but several too, I think about twenty
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? I 10 Carlyle to Emerson.
in all, are to be fitted into the Text, chiefly in the
early part of the First Volume, as tending to bring
some matters into greater clearness there. I am
busy with that even now; sunk deep into the Dust-
abysses again ! -- Of course I have made what pro-
vision I could for printing a Supplement, &c. to the
possessors of the First Edition: but I find this
Second will be the Final standing Edition of the
Book; decidedly preferable to the First; not to be
touched by me again, except on very good cause
indeed. New letters, except they expressly con-
tradict me, shall go at once into the back apart-
ment, or Appendix, in future.
The Printers have sent me some five or six
sheets, they send me hitherto a sheet daily; but
perhaps there are not above three or two in a per-
fect state: so I trouble you with none of them by
this Packet. But by next Packet (3d of March),
unless I hear to the contrary, I will send you all
the Sheets that are ready ; and so by the following
Packets, till we are out of it;--that you, on the
scene there, may do with them once for all whatso-
ever you like. If nothing can be done with them,--
believe me I shall be very glad of that result. But
if you can so much as oblige any honest Bookseller
of your or my acquaintance by the gift of them, let
it be done ; let Pirates and ravenous Bipeds of
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. 1 1 I
Prey be excluded from participating: that of itself
will be a comfortable and a proper thing! --You
are hereby authorized to promulgate in any way you
please, That the Second Edition will be augmented,
corrected, as aforesaid; and that Mr. (Any Son of
Adam you please to name) is, so far as I have any
voice in the matter, appointed by me, to the exclusion
of all and sundry others on what pretext soever, to
print and vend the same to my American Friends.
And so it stands; and the Sheets (probably near
thirty in number) will be out with the March Pack-
et : -- and if nothing can come of it, I for one shall
be very glad ! The Book is to be in Three Volumes
now; the first ends at p. 403, Vol. I. ; the third be-
gins at p. 155, Vol. II. , of the present edition.
What are you doing? Write to me: how the
Lectures went, how all things went and go! We
are over head and ears in Anti-Corn-Law here; the
Aristocracy struck almost with a kind of horror at
sight of that terrible Millocracy, rising like a huge
hideous Frankenstein up in Lancashire,-- seem-
ingly with boundless ready-money in its pocket,
and a very fierce humor in its stomach! To mo
it is as yet almost uglier than the Aristocracy;
and I will not fire guns when this small victory is
gained; I will recommend a day of Fasting rather,
that such a victory required such gaining.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? I I 2 Carlyle to Emerson.
Adieu, my Friend. Is it likely we shall meet in
" Oregon," think you? That would be a beautiful
affair, on the part of the most enlightened Nation!
Yours ever,
T. CARLYLE.
CVII.
CARLYLE TO EMERSON.
CHELsEA, 3 March, 1846.
DEAR EMERSON,--I must write you a word be-
fore this Packet go, tho' my haste is very great.
I received your two Newspapers (price only two-
pence) ; by the same Ship there came, and reached
me some days later, a Letter from Mr. Everett en-
closing the Cromwell portions of the same printed-
matter, clipt out by scissors; written, it appeared,
by Mr. Everett's nephew; some of whose remarks,
especially his wish that I might once be in New
England, and see people " praying," amused me
much! The Cotton Letter, &c. , I have now got to
the bottom of ; Birch's copy is in the Museum here,
--a better edition than I had. Of " Leverett" and
the other small American Documents -- alas, I get
cartloads of the like or better tumbled down at my
door, and my chief duty is to front them resolutely
I
l
1
I
l
l\
'
'
ll
l
\
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. I 1 3
V ----;-I-_'~*. ___. _-___-A-. __ . __ . . fi_ ,
with a shovel. "Ten thousand tons " is but a small
estimate for the quantity of loose and indurated
lumber I have had to send sounding, on each hand
of me, down, down to the eternal deeps, never to
trouble me more! The jingle of it, as it did at
last get under way, and go down, was almost my
one consolation in those unutterable operations. --
I am again over head and ears; but shall be out
soon: never to return more.
By this Packet, according to volunteer contract,
there goes out by the favor of your Chapman a
number of sheets, how many I do not exactly
know, of the New Edition: Chapman First and
Chapman Second (yours and mine) have under-
taken to manage the afiair for this month and for
the following months;-- many thanks to them
both for taking it out of my hands. What you
are to do with the Article you already know. If no
other customer present himself, can you signify to
Mr. Hart of Philadelphia that the sheets are much
at his service, ---his conduct on another occasion
having given him right to such an acknowledgment
from me? Or at any rate, you will want a new
Copy of this Book; and can retain the sheets for
that object. -- Enough of them.
From Mr. Everett I learn that your Boston Lec-
voL. II. 8
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? 1 14 Carlyle to Emerson.
tures have been attended with renown enough:
when are the Lectures themselves to get to print ?
I read, last night, an Essay on you, by a kind of
" Young Scotland," as we might call it, in an Edin-
burgh Magazine; very fond of you, but shocked
that you were Antichristian :--really not so bad.
The stupidities of men go crossing one another;
and miles down, at the bottom of all, there is a
little veinlet of sense found running at last!
If you see Mr. Everett, will you thank him for
his kind remembrance of me, till I find leisure (as
I have vainly hoped to-day to do) to thank him
more in form. A dignified, compact kind of man ;
whom I remember with real pleasure.
Jargon abounds in our Newspapers and Parlia-
ment Houses at present ;-- with which " the pres-
ent Editor," and indeed I think the Public at large,
takes little concern, beyond the regret of being
bored by it. The Corn-Laws are going very quietly
the way of all deliriums; and then there will at
least be one delirium less, and we shall start upon
new ones. ' i
Not a word more to-day, but my blessings and
regards. God be with you and yours always.
Ever your affectionate
T. CARLYLE.
'vi!
E
!
I
1
.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. I 1 5
GVIII.
CARLYLE TO EMERSON.
Cnnnsns, 18 April, 1846.
DEAR EmnnsON,--Your two Letters 1 have both
come to hand, the last of them only three days ago.
One word in answer before the Packet sail; one
very hasty word, rather than none.
You have made the best of Bargains for me ;
once again, with the freest contempt of trouble on
my behalf; which I cannot sufficiently wonder at!
Apparently it is a fixed-idea of yours that the Bib-
liopolic Genus shall not cheat me; and you are
decided to make it good. Very well: let it be so,
in as far as the Fates will.
Certainly I will conform in all points to this
Wiley-and-Putnam Treaty, and faithfully observe
the same. The London Wileys have not yet sent
me any tidings ; but when they do, I will say Your
terms on the other side of the sea are the Law to
us, and it is a finished thing. -- No sheets, I think,
will go by this mid-month Packet, the Printer and
Bookseller were bidden not mind that : but by the
Packet of May 3d, I hope the Second Volume will
1 Missing.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? I I 6 Carlyle to Emerson.
go complete; and, if the Printers make speed, al-
most the whole remainder may go by the June one.
There is to be a " Supplement to the First Edition,"
containing all the new matter that is separable:
of this too the Wileys shall have their due Copy to
reprint: it is what I could do to keep my faith
with purchasers of the First Edition here ; but, on
the whole, there will be no emulating of the Second
Edition except by a reprint of the whole of it;
changes great and small have had to introduce
themselves everywhere, as these new Letters were
woven in. -- -- I hope before May 3d I shall have
ascertained whether it will not be the simplest way
(as with my present light it clearly appears) to give
the sheets direct to the Wiley and Putnam here,
and let them send them? In any case, the cargo
shall come one way or other.
Furthermore,-- Yes, you shall have that sun-
shadow,aDaguerreotype likeness, as the sun shall
please to paint it : there has often been talk of get-
ting me to that establishment, but I never yet could
go. If it be possible, we will have this also ready
for the 3d of May. Provided you, as you promise,
go and do likewise ! A strange moment that, when
I look upon your dead shadow_again; instead of
the living face, which remains unchanged within
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. 1 1 7
me, enveloped in beautiful clouds, and emerging
now and then into strange clearness! Has your
head grown grayish? On me are " gray hairs here
and there,"--and I do "know it. " I have lived
half a century in this world, fifty years complete
on the 4th of December last : that is a solemn fact
for me! Few and evil have been the days of the
years of thy servant, -- few for any good that was
ever done in them. Ay de mi!
Within late weeks I have got my Horse again;
go riding through the loud torrent of vehiculatory
discords, till I get into the fields, into the green
lanes; which is intrinsically a great medicine to me.
Most comfortless riding it is, with a horse of such
kangaroo disposition, till I do get to the sight of
my old ever-young green-mantled mother again;
but for an hour there, it is a real blessing to me.
I have company sometimes, but generally prefer
solitude, and a dialogue with the trees and clouds.
Alas, the speech of men, especially the witty-speech
of men, is oftentimes afflictive to me: "in the wide
Earth," I say sometimes with a sigh, "there is none
but Emerson that responds to me with a voice
wholly human! " All " Literature " too is become
I cannot tell you how contemptible to me. On the
whole, one's blessedness is to do as Oliver: Work
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? I I8 Carlyle to Emerson.
while the sun is up; work well as if Eternities
depended on it; and then sleep,-- if under the
guano-mountains of Human Stupor, if handsomely
forgotten all at once, that latter is the handsome
thing! I have often thought what W. Shakspeare
would say, were he to sit one night in a " Shak-
speare Society," and listen to the empty twaddle
and other long-eared melody about him there ! --
Adieu, my Friend. I fear I have forgotten many
things: at all events, I have forgotten the inexo-
rable flight of the minutes, which are numbered out
to me at present.
Ever yours,
T. CARLYLE.
I think I recognize the Inspector of Wild-beasts,
in the little Boston Newspaper you send ! 1 A small
hatchet-faced, gray-eyed, good-humored Inspector,
who came with a Translated Lafontaine, and took
his survey not without satisfaction? Comfortable
too how rapidly he fathomed the animal, having
just poked him up a little. Ach Gott! Man is
forever interesting to men;--and all men, even
Hatchet-faces, are globular and complete!
1 This probably refers to a letter of Mr. Elizur Wright's, de-
scribing a visit to Carlyle.
g>~5. ;|-. '. 1. 5? q-' ,>>. .
. .
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. I 19
CIX.
CARLYLE TO EMERSON.
CHELSEA, 30 April, 1846.
DEAR EMERSON, --Here is the Photograph going
off for you by Bookseller Munroe of Boston; the
Sheets of Cromwell, all the second and part of the
last volume, are to go direct to New York: both
Parcels by the Putnam conveyance. For Putnam
has been here since I wrote, making large confir-
mations of what you conveyed to me; and large
Proposals of an ulterior scope,--which will in-
volve you in new trouble for me. But it is trouble
you will not grudge, inasmuch as it promises to
have some issue of moment; at all events the ne-
gotiation is laid entirely into your hands: there-
fore I must with all despatch explain to you the
essentials of it, that you may know what Wiley
sags when he writes to you from New York.
Mr. Putnam, really a very intelligent, modest,
and reputable-looking little fellow, got at last to
sight of 1ne about a week ago;--explained with
much earnestness how the whole origin of the mis-
take about the First Edition of Cromwell had lain
with Chapman, my own Bookseller (which in fact
I had already perceived to be the case) ; and farther
set forth, what was much more important, that he
\
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? 1 20 Carlyle to Emerson.
and his Partner were, and had been, ready and
desirous to make good said mistake, in the amplest,
most satisfactory manner,--by the ready method
of paying me now ten per cent on the selling-price
of all the copies of Cromwell sent into the market
by them; and had (as I knew already) covenanted
with you to do so, in a clear, bond-fide, and to you
satisfactory manner, in regard to that First Edi-
tion: in consequence of which you had made a
bargain with them of like tenor in regard to the
Second. To all which I could only answer, that
such conduct was that of men of honor, and would,
in all manner of respects, be satisfactory to me.
Wherefore the new Sheets of Cromwell should now
go by his Package direct to New York, and the
other little Parcel for you he could send to Mun-
roe : -- that as one consequence? " Yes, surely,"
intimated he; but there were other consequences,
of more moment, behind that.
Namely, that they wanted ('the Wiley & Putnam
house did) to publish certain other Books of mine,
the List of which I do not now recollect; under
similar conditions: viz. that I _was to certify, in a
line or two prefixable to each Book, that I had read
it over in preparation for their Printer, and did au-
thorize them to print and sell it;--in return for
which Ten per cent on the sale-price (and all man-
-. . -1-:\-'>>. ; i -s-4-so. - _ 3>>?
_.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. 1 2 I
ner of facilities, volunteered to convince even Clark
of Boston, the Lynx-eyed Friend now busy for me
looking through millstones, that all was straight,
and said Ten per cent actually paid on every copy
sold) ; This was Putnam's Offer, stated with all
transparency, and in a way not to be misunderstood
by either of us.
To which I answered that the terms seemed clear
and square and every way good, and such as I
could comply with heartily,--so far as I was at
liberty, but not farther. Not farther: for example,
there was Hart of Philadelphia (I think the Wileys
do not want the llfiscellanies), there were Munrde,
Little and Brown, &c. ; -- in short, 'there was
R. W. Emerson, who knew in all ways how far I
was free and not free, and who would take care of
my integrity and interest at once, and do what was
just and prudent; and to him I would refer the
whole question, and whatever he engaged for, that
and no other than that I would do. So that you
see how it is, and what a coil you have again got
into ! Mr. Putnam would have had some " Letter,"
some " exchange of Letters," to the effect above-
stated: but I answered, " It was better we did not
write at all till the matter was clear and liquid
with you, and then we could very swiftly write, --
and act. I would apprise you how the matter
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? 1 22 Carlyle to Emerson.
stood, and expect your answer, and bid you cove-
nant with Mr. Wiley what you found good, prompt
I to fulfil whatever you undertook for me. " -- This
is a true picture of the afiair, the very truest I
can write in haste; and so I leave it with you--
Ach Gott!
If your Photograph succeed as well as mine, I
shall be almost tragically glad of it. This of me is
far beyond all pictures; really very like: I got
Laurence the Painter to go with me, and he would
not let the people off till they had actually made a
likeness. My Wife has got another, which she as-
serts to be much "more amiable-looking," and even
liker! 1 O my Friend, it is a strange Phantasma-
gory of a Fact, this huge, tremendous World of ours,
Life of ours! Do you bethink you of Craigenput-
tock, and the still evening there? I could burst
into tears, if I had that habit : but it is of no use.
The Cromwell business will be ended about the
end of May,--I do hope!
You say not a word of your own affairs: I
have vaguely been taught to look for some Book
shortly; -- what of it? We are well, or tolerably
well, and the summer is come: adieu. Blessings
on you and yours. T- O_
1 Theengraved portrait in the first volume of this Correspondence
is from a photograph ta-ken from this daguerrotype
. I if -U_ _ '. I
ma! -Jl'*@"'? $! I4'=
- 4 A," _
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Emerson to Carlyle. I23
CX.
EMERSON TO CARLYLE.
Conconn, 14 May, 1846.
DEAR FRIEN1),--I daily expect the picture, and
wonder--so long as I have wished it --I had
never asked it before. I was in Boston the other
day, and went to the best reputed Daguerreotypist,
but though I brought home three transcripts of my
face, the house-mates voted them rueful, supremely
ridiculous. I must sit again ; or, as true Elizabeth
Hoar said, I must not sit again, not being of the right
complexion which Daguerre and iodine delight in.
I am minded to try once more, and if the sun will
not take me, I must sit to a good crayon sketcher,
Mr. Cheney, and send you his draught. . . . .
Good rides to you and the longest escapes from
London streets. I too have a new plaything, the
best I ever had,-- a wood-lot. Last fall I bought a
piece of more than forty acres, on the border of a
little lake half a mile wide and more, called Wal-
den Pond,--a place to which my feet have for
years been accustomed to bring me once or twice
a week at all seasons. My lot to be sure is on
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? 124 Emerson to Carlyle.
"". . . . . _
the further side of the water, not so familiar to me
as the nearer shore. Some of the wood is an old
growth, but most of it has been cut off within
twenty years and is growing thriftily. In these
May days, when maples, poplars, oaks, birches, wal-
nut, and pine are in their spring glory, I go thither
every afternoon, and cut with my hatchet an Indian
path through the thicket all along the bold shore,
and open the finest pictures.
My two little girls know the road now, though it
is nearly two miles from my house, and find their
way to the spring at the foot of a pine grove, and
with some awe to the ruins of a village of shanties,
all overgrown with mullein, which the Irish who
built the railroad left behind them. At a good
distance in from the shore the land rises to a rocky
head, perhaps sixty feet above the water. Thereon
I think to place a hut; perhaps it will have two
stories and be a petty tower, looking out to Monad-
noc and other New Hampshire Mountains. There
I hope to go with book and pen when good hours
come. I shall think there, a fortnight might bring
you from London to Walden Pond. -- Life wears on,
and do you say the gray hairs appear? Few can
so well afford them. The black have not hung
over a vacant brain, as England and America know ;
_, _\-.
they are excellent people, well affected to us ; and
can be lived with, though of high temper and ways !
They are the Lord Ashburtons, in fact ; more prop-
erly the younger stratum of that house; partly a
kind of American people, --who know Waldo Em-
erson, among other fine things, very well! I think
we are to stay some three weeks 2 the bustle of
moving is already begun. '
You promise us a new Book soon? Let it be
soon, then. There are many persons here that will
welcome it now. To one man here it is ever as an
articulate voice amid the infinite cackling and caw-
ing. That remains my best definition of the effect
it has on me. Adieu, my friend. Good be with
you and your Household always. Vale.
T. C.
ii
CV.
CARLYLE TO EMERSON.
CHELsEA, 3 January, 1846.
DEAR EMERsoN,--I received your Letter 1 by the
last Packet three or four days ago : this is the last
day of answering, the monthly Packet sails towards
you again from Liverpool to-morrow morning; and
1 Missing.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? 1 08 Carlyle to Emerson.
I am in great pressure with many writings, else-
whither and thither : therefore I must be very
brief. I have just written to Mr. Hart of Philadel-
phia; his Draft (as I judge clearly by the Banker's
speech and silence) is accepted, all right; and in
fact, means money at this time: for which I have
written to thank him heartily. Do you very heart-
ily thank Mr. Furness for me ; --Furness and vari-
ous friends, as Transatlantic matters now are, must
accept a silent gratitude from me. The speech of
men and American hero-worshippers is grown such
a babblement: in very truth, silence is the thing
that chiefly has meaning,-- there or here. . . . .
To my very great astonishment, the Book Crom-
well proves popular here; and there is to be another
edition very soon. Edition with improvements --
for some fifty or so of new (not all insignificant)
Letters have turned up, and I must try to do some-
thing rational with them ; -- with which painful
operation I am again busy. It will make the two
volumes about equal perhaps, -- which will be one
benefit ! If any American possibility lie in this,
I will take better care of it. -- --Alas, I have not
got one word with you yet ! Tell me of your
Lectures;---of all things. l
Ever yours,
T. CARLYLE.
_. _. __. . _::;y
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. I09
We returned from Hampshire exactly a week
ago; never passed six so totally idle weeks in our
lives. -- Better in health a little? Perhaps.
CVI.
CARLYLE TO EMERSON.
CHELSEA, 3 February, 1846.
DEAR EMEnsoN,- One word to you before the
Packet sail ; -- on business of my own, once
more; in such a state of haste as could hardly
be greater. The Printers are upon me, and I have
not a moment.
Contrary to all human expectation, this Book on
Cromwell proves salable to mankind here, and a
second Edition is now going forward with all speed.
The publication of the First has brought out from
their recesses a new heap of Cromwell Letters ;--
which have been a huge embarrassment to me;
for they are highly unimportant for most part, and
do not tend to alter or materially modify anything.
Some Fifty or Sixty new Letters in all (many of
them from Printed Books that had escaped me):
the great majority, with others yet that may come
in future time, I determine to print simply as an
Appendix; but several too, I think about twenty
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? I 10 Carlyle to Emerson.
in all, are to be fitted into the Text, chiefly in the
early part of the First Volume, as tending to bring
some matters into greater clearness there. I am
busy with that even now; sunk deep into the Dust-
abysses again ! -- Of course I have made what pro-
vision I could for printing a Supplement, &c. to the
possessors of the First Edition: but I find this
Second will be the Final standing Edition of the
Book; decidedly preferable to the First; not to be
touched by me again, except on very good cause
indeed. New letters, except they expressly con-
tradict me, shall go at once into the back apart-
ment, or Appendix, in future.
The Printers have sent me some five or six
sheets, they send me hitherto a sheet daily; but
perhaps there are not above three or two in a per-
fect state: so I trouble you with none of them by
this Packet. But by next Packet (3d of March),
unless I hear to the contrary, I will send you all
the Sheets that are ready ; and so by the following
Packets, till we are out of it;--that you, on the
scene there, may do with them once for all whatso-
ever you like. If nothing can be done with them,--
believe me I shall be very glad of that result. But
if you can so much as oblige any honest Bookseller
of your or my acquaintance by the gift of them, let
it be done ; let Pirates and ravenous Bipeds of
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. 1 1 I
Prey be excluded from participating: that of itself
will be a comfortable and a proper thing! --You
are hereby authorized to promulgate in any way you
please, That the Second Edition will be augmented,
corrected, as aforesaid; and that Mr. (Any Son of
Adam you please to name) is, so far as I have any
voice in the matter, appointed by me, to the exclusion
of all and sundry others on what pretext soever, to
print and vend the same to my American Friends.
And so it stands; and the Sheets (probably near
thirty in number) will be out with the March Pack-
et : -- and if nothing can come of it, I for one shall
be very glad ! The Book is to be in Three Volumes
now; the first ends at p. 403, Vol. I. ; the third be-
gins at p. 155, Vol. II. , of the present edition.
What are you doing? Write to me: how the
Lectures went, how all things went and go! We
are over head and ears in Anti-Corn-Law here; the
Aristocracy struck almost with a kind of horror at
sight of that terrible Millocracy, rising like a huge
hideous Frankenstein up in Lancashire,-- seem-
ingly with boundless ready-money in its pocket,
and a very fierce humor in its stomach! To mo
it is as yet almost uglier than the Aristocracy;
and I will not fire guns when this small victory is
gained; I will recommend a day of Fasting rather,
that such a victory required such gaining.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? I I 2 Carlyle to Emerson.
Adieu, my Friend. Is it likely we shall meet in
" Oregon," think you? That would be a beautiful
affair, on the part of the most enlightened Nation!
Yours ever,
T. CARLYLE.
CVII.
CARLYLE TO EMERSON.
CHELsEA, 3 March, 1846.
DEAR EMERSON,--I must write you a word be-
fore this Packet go, tho' my haste is very great.
I received your two Newspapers (price only two-
pence) ; by the same Ship there came, and reached
me some days later, a Letter from Mr. Everett en-
closing the Cromwell portions of the same printed-
matter, clipt out by scissors; written, it appeared,
by Mr. Everett's nephew; some of whose remarks,
especially his wish that I might once be in New
England, and see people " praying," amused me
much! The Cotton Letter, &c. , I have now got to
the bottom of ; Birch's copy is in the Museum here,
--a better edition than I had. Of " Leverett" and
the other small American Documents -- alas, I get
cartloads of the like or better tumbled down at my
door, and my chief duty is to front them resolutely
I
l
1
I
l
l\
'
'
ll
l
\
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. I 1 3
V ----;-I-_'~*. ___. _-___-A-. __ . __ . . fi_ ,
with a shovel. "Ten thousand tons " is but a small
estimate for the quantity of loose and indurated
lumber I have had to send sounding, on each hand
of me, down, down to the eternal deeps, never to
trouble me more! The jingle of it, as it did at
last get under way, and go down, was almost my
one consolation in those unutterable operations. --
I am again over head and ears; but shall be out
soon: never to return more.
By this Packet, according to volunteer contract,
there goes out by the favor of your Chapman a
number of sheets, how many I do not exactly
know, of the New Edition: Chapman First and
Chapman Second (yours and mine) have under-
taken to manage the afiair for this month and for
the following months;-- many thanks to them
both for taking it out of my hands. What you
are to do with the Article you already know. If no
other customer present himself, can you signify to
Mr. Hart of Philadelphia that the sheets are much
at his service, ---his conduct on another occasion
having given him right to such an acknowledgment
from me? Or at any rate, you will want a new
Copy of this Book; and can retain the sheets for
that object. -- Enough of them.
From Mr. Everett I learn that your Boston Lec-
voL. II. 8
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? 1 14 Carlyle to Emerson.
tures have been attended with renown enough:
when are the Lectures themselves to get to print ?
I read, last night, an Essay on you, by a kind of
" Young Scotland," as we might call it, in an Edin-
burgh Magazine; very fond of you, but shocked
that you were Antichristian :--really not so bad.
The stupidities of men go crossing one another;
and miles down, at the bottom of all, there is a
little veinlet of sense found running at last!
If you see Mr. Everett, will you thank him for
his kind remembrance of me, till I find leisure (as
I have vainly hoped to-day to do) to thank him
more in form. A dignified, compact kind of man ;
whom I remember with real pleasure.
Jargon abounds in our Newspapers and Parlia-
ment Houses at present ;-- with which " the pres-
ent Editor," and indeed I think the Public at large,
takes little concern, beyond the regret of being
bored by it. The Corn-Laws are going very quietly
the way of all deliriums; and then there will at
least be one delirium less, and we shall start upon
new ones. ' i
Not a word more to-day, but my blessings and
regards. God be with you and yours always.
Ever your affectionate
T. CARLYLE.
'vi!
E
!
I
1
.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. I 1 5
GVIII.
CARLYLE TO EMERSON.
Cnnnsns, 18 April, 1846.
DEAR EmnnsON,--Your two Letters 1 have both
come to hand, the last of them only three days ago.
One word in answer before the Packet sail; one
very hasty word, rather than none.
You have made the best of Bargains for me ;
once again, with the freest contempt of trouble on
my behalf; which I cannot sufficiently wonder at!
Apparently it is a fixed-idea of yours that the Bib-
liopolic Genus shall not cheat me; and you are
decided to make it good. Very well: let it be so,
in as far as the Fates will.
Certainly I will conform in all points to this
Wiley-and-Putnam Treaty, and faithfully observe
the same. The London Wileys have not yet sent
me any tidings ; but when they do, I will say Your
terms on the other side of the sea are the Law to
us, and it is a finished thing. -- No sheets, I think,
will go by this mid-month Packet, the Printer and
Bookseller were bidden not mind that : but by the
Packet of May 3d, I hope the Second Volume will
1 Missing.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? I I 6 Carlyle to Emerson.
go complete; and, if the Printers make speed, al-
most the whole remainder may go by the June one.
There is to be a " Supplement to the First Edition,"
containing all the new matter that is separable:
of this too the Wileys shall have their due Copy to
reprint: it is what I could do to keep my faith
with purchasers of the First Edition here ; but, on
the whole, there will be no emulating of the Second
Edition except by a reprint of the whole of it;
changes great and small have had to introduce
themselves everywhere, as these new Letters were
woven in. -- -- I hope before May 3d I shall have
ascertained whether it will not be the simplest way
(as with my present light it clearly appears) to give
the sheets direct to the Wiley and Putnam here,
and let them send them? In any case, the cargo
shall come one way or other.
Furthermore,-- Yes, you shall have that sun-
shadow,aDaguerreotype likeness, as the sun shall
please to paint it : there has often been talk of get-
ting me to that establishment, but I never yet could
go. If it be possible, we will have this also ready
for the 3d of May. Provided you, as you promise,
go and do likewise ! A strange moment that, when
I look upon your dead shadow_again; instead of
the living face, which remains unchanged within
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. 1 1 7
me, enveloped in beautiful clouds, and emerging
now and then into strange clearness! Has your
head grown grayish? On me are " gray hairs here
and there,"--and I do "know it. " I have lived
half a century in this world, fifty years complete
on the 4th of December last : that is a solemn fact
for me! Few and evil have been the days of the
years of thy servant, -- few for any good that was
ever done in them. Ay de mi!
Within late weeks I have got my Horse again;
go riding through the loud torrent of vehiculatory
discords, till I get into the fields, into the green
lanes; which is intrinsically a great medicine to me.
Most comfortless riding it is, with a horse of such
kangaroo disposition, till I do get to the sight of
my old ever-young green-mantled mother again;
but for an hour there, it is a real blessing to me.
I have company sometimes, but generally prefer
solitude, and a dialogue with the trees and clouds.
Alas, the speech of men, especially the witty-speech
of men, is oftentimes afflictive to me: "in the wide
Earth," I say sometimes with a sigh, "there is none
but Emerson that responds to me with a voice
wholly human! " All " Literature " too is become
I cannot tell you how contemptible to me. On the
whole, one's blessedness is to do as Oliver: Work
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? I I8 Carlyle to Emerson.
while the sun is up; work well as if Eternities
depended on it; and then sleep,-- if under the
guano-mountains of Human Stupor, if handsomely
forgotten all at once, that latter is the handsome
thing! I have often thought what W. Shakspeare
would say, were he to sit one night in a " Shak-
speare Society," and listen to the empty twaddle
and other long-eared melody about him there ! --
Adieu, my Friend. I fear I have forgotten many
things: at all events, I have forgotten the inexo-
rable flight of the minutes, which are numbered out
to me at present.
Ever yours,
T. CARLYLE.
I think I recognize the Inspector of Wild-beasts,
in the little Boston Newspaper you send ! 1 A small
hatchet-faced, gray-eyed, good-humored Inspector,
who came with a Translated Lafontaine, and took
his survey not without satisfaction? Comfortable
too how rapidly he fathomed the animal, having
just poked him up a little. Ach Gott! Man is
forever interesting to men;--and all men, even
Hatchet-faces, are globular and complete!
1 This probably refers to a letter of Mr. Elizur Wright's, de-
scribing a visit to Carlyle.
g>~5. ;|-. '. 1. 5? q-' ,>>. .
. .
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. I 19
CIX.
CARLYLE TO EMERSON.
CHELSEA, 30 April, 1846.
DEAR EMERSON, --Here is the Photograph going
off for you by Bookseller Munroe of Boston; the
Sheets of Cromwell, all the second and part of the
last volume, are to go direct to New York: both
Parcels by the Putnam conveyance. For Putnam
has been here since I wrote, making large confir-
mations of what you conveyed to me; and large
Proposals of an ulterior scope,--which will in-
volve you in new trouble for me. But it is trouble
you will not grudge, inasmuch as it promises to
have some issue of moment; at all events the ne-
gotiation is laid entirely into your hands: there-
fore I must with all despatch explain to you the
essentials of it, that you may know what Wiley
sags when he writes to you from New York.
Mr. Putnam, really a very intelligent, modest,
and reputable-looking little fellow, got at last to
sight of 1ne about a week ago;--explained with
much earnestness how the whole origin of the mis-
take about the First Edition of Cromwell had lain
with Chapman, my own Bookseller (which in fact
I had already perceived to be the case) ; and farther
set forth, what was much more important, that he
\
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? 1 20 Carlyle to Emerson.
and his Partner were, and had been, ready and
desirous to make good said mistake, in the amplest,
most satisfactory manner,--by the ready method
of paying me now ten per cent on the selling-price
of all the copies of Cromwell sent into the market
by them; and had (as I knew already) covenanted
with you to do so, in a clear, bond-fide, and to you
satisfactory manner, in regard to that First Edi-
tion: in consequence of which you had made a
bargain with them of like tenor in regard to the
Second. To all which I could only answer, that
such conduct was that of men of honor, and would,
in all manner of respects, be satisfactory to me.
Wherefore the new Sheets of Cromwell should now
go by his Package direct to New York, and the
other little Parcel for you he could send to Mun-
roe : -- that as one consequence? " Yes, surely,"
intimated he; but there were other consequences,
of more moment, behind that.
Namely, that they wanted ('the Wiley & Putnam
house did) to publish certain other Books of mine,
the List of which I do not now recollect; under
similar conditions: viz. that I _was to certify, in a
line or two prefixable to each Book, that I had read
it over in preparation for their Printer, and did au-
thorize them to print and sell it;--in return for
which Ten per cent on the sale-price (and all man-
-. . -1-:\-'>>. ; i -s-4-so. - _ 3>>?
_.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Carlyle to Emerson. 1 2 I
ner of facilities, volunteered to convince even Clark
of Boston, the Lynx-eyed Friend now busy for me
looking through millstones, that all was straight,
and said Ten per cent actually paid on every copy
sold) ; This was Putnam's Offer, stated with all
transparency, and in a way not to be misunderstood
by either of us.
To which I answered that the terms seemed clear
and square and every way good, and such as I
could comply with heartily,--so far as I was at
liberty, but not farther. Not farther: for example,
there was Hart of Philadelphia (I think the Wileys
do not want the llfiscellanies), there were Munrde,
Little and Brown, &c. ; -- in short, 'there was
R. W. Emerson, who knew in all ways how far I
was free and not free, and who would take care of
my integrity and interest at once, and do what was
just and prudent; and to him I would refer the
whole question, and whatever he engaged for, that
and no other than that I would do. So that you
see how it is, and what a coil you have again got
into ! Mr. Putnam would have had some " Letter,"
some " exchange of Letters," to the effect above-
stated: but I answered, " It was better we did not
write at all till the matter was clear and liquid
with you, and then we could very swiftly write, --
and act. I would apprise you how the matter
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? 1 22 Carlyle to Emerson.
stood, and expect your answer, and bid you cove-
nant with Mr. Wiley what you found good, prompt
I to fulfil whatever you undertook for me. " -- This
is a true picture of the afiair, the very truest I
can write in haste; and so I leave it with you--
Ach Gott!
If your Photograph succeed as well as mine, I
shall be almost tragically glad of it. This of me is
far beyond all pictures; really very like: I got
Laurence the Painter to go with me, and he would
not let the people off till they had actually made a
likeness. My Wife has got another, which she as-
serts to be much "more amiable-looking," and even
liker! 1 O my Friend, it is a strange Phantasma-
gory of a Fact, this huge, tremendous World of ours,
Life of ours! Do you bethink you of Craigenput-
tock, and the still evening there? I could burst
into tears, if I had that habit : but it is of no use.
The Cromwell business will be ended about the
end of May,--I do hope!
You say not a word of your own affairs: I
have vaguely been taught to look for some Book
shortly; -- what of it? We are well, or tolerably
well, and the summer is come: adieu. Blessings
on you and yours. T- O_
1 Theengraved portrait in the first volume of this Correspondence
is from a photograph ta-ken from this daguerrotype
. I if -U_ _ '. I
ma! -Jl'*@"'? $! I4'=
- 4 A," _
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? Emerson to Carlyle. I23
CX.
EMERSON TO CARLYLE.
Conconn, 14 May, 1846.
DEAR FRIEN1),--I daily expect the picture, and
wonder--so long as I have wished it --I had
never asked it before. I was in Boston the other
day, and went to the best reputed Daguerreotypist,
but though I brought home three transcripts of my
face, the house-mates voted them rueful, supremely
ridiculous. I must sit again ; or, as true Elizabeth
Hoar said, I must not sit again, not being of the right
complexion which Daguerre and iodine delight in.
I am minded to try once more, and if the sun will
not take me, I must sit to a good crayon sketcher,
Mr. Cheney, and send you his draught. . . . .
Good rides to you and the longest escapes from
London streets. I too have a new plaything, the
best I ever had,-- a wood-lot. Last fall I bought a
piece of more than forty acres, on the border of a
little lake half a mile wide and more, called Wal-
den Pond,--a place to which my feet have for
years been accustomed to bring me once or twice
a week at all seasons. My lot to be sure is on
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-11-14 09:12 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/pst. 000028736530 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? 124 Emerson to Carlyle.
"". . . . . _
the further side of the water, not so familiar to me
as the nearer shore. Some of the wood is an old
growth, but most of it has been cut off within
twenty years and is growing thriftily. In these
May days, when maples, poplars, oaks, birches, wal-
nut, and pine are in their spring glory, I go thither
every afternoon, and cut with my hatchet an Indian
path through the thicket all along the bold shore,
and open the finest pictures.
My two little girls know the road now, though it
is nearly two miles from my house, and find their
way to the spring at the foot of a pine grove, and
with some awe to the ruins of a village of shanties,
all overgrown with mullein, which the Irish who
built the railroad left behind them. At a good
distance in from the shore the land rises to a rocky
head, perhaps sixty feet above the water. Thereon
I think to place a hut; perhaps it will have two
stories and be a petty tower, looking out to Monad-
noc and other New Hampshire Mountains. There
I hope to go with book and pen when good hours
come. I shall think there, a fortnight might bring
you from London to Walden Pond. -- Life wears on,
and do you say the gray hairs appear? Few can
so well afford them. The black have not hung
over a vacant brain, as England and America know ;
_, _\-.
