od, and such as I could comply with heartily,--so far
as I was at liberty, but not farther. Not farther: for example,
there was Hart of Philadelphia (I think the Wileys do not want
the _Miscellanies_), there were Munroe, Little and Brown, &c.;--
in short, there was R.W. Emerson, who knew in all ways how far I
was free and not free, and who would take care of my integrity
and interest at once, and do what was just and prudent; and to
_him_ I would refer the whole question, and whatever he engaged
for, that and no other than that I would do. So that you see how
it is, and what a coil you have again got into! Mr. Putnam would
have had some "Letter," some "exchange of Letters," to the effect
above-stated: but I answered, "It was better we did not write at
all till the matter was clear and liquid with you, and then we
could very swiftly write,--and act. I would apprise you how the
matter stood, and expect your answer, and bid you covenant with
Mr. Wiley what you found good, prompt I to fulfil whatever _you_
undertook for me."--This _is_ a true picture of the affair, the
very truest I can write in haste; and so I leave it with you--
_Ach Gott!_

If your Photograph succeed as well as mine, I shall be almost
_tragically_ glad of it. This of me is far beyond all pictures;
really very like: I got Laurence the Painter to go with me, and
he would not let the people off till they had actually made a
likeness. My Wife has got another, which she asserts to be much
"more amiable-looking," and even liker!* O my Friend, it is a
strange Phantasmagory of a Fact, this huge, tremendous World of
ours, Life of ours! Do you bethink you of Craigenputtock, and
the still evening there? I could burst into tears, if I had that
habit: but it is of no use. The Cromwell business will be ended
about the end of May,--I do hope!

You say not a word of your own affairs: I have vaguely been
taught to look for some Book shortly;--what of it? We are well,
or tolerably well, and the summer is come: adieu. Blessings on
you and yours.

--T.C.

----------
* The engraved portrait in the first volume of this
Correspondence is from a photograph taken from this daguerrotype.
----------

CX. Emerson to Carlyle

Concord, 14 May, 1846

Dear Friend,--I daily expect the picture, and wonder--so long as
I have wished it--I had never asked it before. I was in Boston
the other day, and went to the b