It is every bit true (like the other anecdotes), only not told so darkly as it might have been for the reverend gentleman.  I do not believe there is any danger of his identity being ascertained, and do not care whether it is or no, as it could only be done by the impertinent researches of other people.  It seems to me quite essential to have some novelty in the collected volume, and, if possible, something that may excite a little discussion and remark.  But decide for yourself and me; and if you conclude not to publish it in the magazine, I think I can concoct another article in season for the August number, if you wish.  After the publication of the volume, it seems to me the public had better have no more of them.

“J——­ has been telling us a mythical story of your intending to walk with him from Cambridge to Concord.  We should be delighted to see you, though more for our own sakes than yours, for our aspect here is still a little winterish.  When you come, let it be on Saturday, and stay till Monday.  I am hungry to talk with you.”

I was enchanted, of course, with the “Consular Experiences,” and find from his letters, written at that time, that he was made specially happy by the encomiums I could not help sending upon that inimitable sketch.  When the “Old Home” was nearly all in type, he began to think about a dedication to the book.  On the 3d of May he writes:—­

“I am of three minds about dedicating the volume.  First, it seems due to Frank Pierce (as he put me into the position where I made all those profound observations of English scenery, life, and character) to inscribe it to him with a few pages of friendly and explanatory talk, which also would be very gratifying to my own lifelong affection for him.

“Secondly, I want to say something to Bennoch to show him that I am thoroughly mindful of all his hospitality and kindness; and I suppose he might be pleased to see his name at the head of a book of mine.

    “Thirdly, I am not convinced that it is worth while to inscribe it
    to anybody.  We will see hereafter.”

The book moved on slowly through the press, and he seemed more than commonly nervous about the proof-sheets.  On the 28th of May he says in a note to me:—­

“In a proof-sheet of ‘Our Old Home’ which I sent you to-day (page 43, or 4, or 5 or thereabout) I corrected a line thus, ’possessing a happy faculty of seeing my own interest.’  Now as the public interest was my sole and individual object while I held office, I think that as a matter of scanty justice to myself, the line ought to stand thus, ’possessing a happy faculty of seeing my own interest and the public’s.’  Even then, you see, I only give myself credit for half the disinterestedness I really felt.  Pray, by all means, have it altered as above, even if the page is stereotyped; which it can’t have been, as the proof is now in the Concord post-office, and you will have it at the same time with this.

    “We are getting into full leaf here, and your walk with J—–­might
    come off any time.”