John Harrison Wilson, The life of Charles Henry Dana

[50] came the day we expected him: he is “a sweet youth and tall,” greatly addicted to study and a prime hand with the kine. He takes the place of our worthy Mr. Dunbar, with whom, gracious mercy! we parted friendly two or three weeks ago. Hill has arrived, and is perched up in the new house, which perhaps you know we have christened the “Eyrey” : because I suppose, there are no eagles there, only doves and such poultry. Nobody else, I believe, has come; not even my lover Lamed, from whom I hope not much.

I am glad you are seeing all sorts of people, and talking to some of them about our wild notions. Tell me all you know of the Curtises: do they mean to join us by-and-by, or come they merely as spectators? What corner or crevice can we find for Mrs. Greeley: I see not: perhaps, we can make one before the summer is over. At Avery's I am sure, she would be homesick: besides, we should scarcely see her there, or she us. We are very glad to get the Tribune every week, as we do from Mr. Greeley: it is as pleasant an avenue as we could have wherewith to communicate with the Babel world it comes from.

One bad thing alone belongs to your coming back, we sha'n't get any letters from you: we shall miss them so much that you will have to write us now and then, and send your letters from house to house.

Dana's tastes and inclinations during his connection with Brook Farm, while primarily occupied in completing his education according to his preconceived notions, naturally led him to write for such journals as would pay him for his contributions. As the Dial at first, and the Harbinger afterwards, were the official organs of the association, he by preference wrote much for them, but as he covered a multitude of subjects, it would be difficult to summarize what he said. While it was thoughtful, vigorous, and virile, it was like much which goes to make up the sum of our daily lives, of but little permanent value. It broadened and strengthened his mind and cultivated