[Boston—Tuesday, 29 December 1868]
Tuesday—xmas behind us we are beseiged by dreams of Europe, of those we love “on the other side” and several places we wish to see. Yet I would not go tomorrow if I could help it. I see a stretch of life before us, between us and the deep sea. I wish to live more for those around me, to make more happy, to leave deeper foundations, all of which is mere nonsense for the waves of time like those on the sea beach wash away the deepest imprints. Thank God, not from the hearts of men however; or I should say not from the great heart of humanity if that has ever been touched.
