[Boston—Sunday, 17 February 1867]
Sunday walked to Roxbury but our late party last night, it was nearly one when they left, forbade our getting away in season for church. I was sorry, for it was one of Dr Putnam’s fine discourses—beside an unbroken Sunday is worth everything else the week holds—all else melted together—but hospitality is a good thing and social pleasure and we cannot make our friends’ time ours but should come to them—so sometimes this happens that part of Sunday is stolen. Therefore I see all days must be nearer to Sunday with oases of rest in holy thoughts whenever a quiet hour is given.
Tonight we meet Dr Hayes again at Louisa’s. We are fully persuaded of the possibility of success if Dr Hayes could be fitted out by government and if open water should indeed be found at the North Pole with the possibility of passing down through Bering Strait as he believes, a revolution in science and a progress in civilization would be the result. I do not understand the apathy of our people on this subject; $20,000 is all he needs and he should be started this summer.
