January 18, 1841

We must expect no income beside our outgoes. We must succeed now, and we shall not fail hereafter. So soon as we begin to count the cost, the cost begins.

January 18, 1856

Many times I thought that if the particular tree, commonly an elm, under which I was walking or riding were the only one like it in the county, it would be worth a journey across the continent to see it. Indeed, I have no doubt that such journeys would be undertaken on hearing a true account of it. But instead of being confined to a single tree, this wonder was as cheap and common as the air itself. Every man’s wood-lot was a miracle and surprise to him and for those who could not go far there were the trees in the street….