'
V.
THE DIAL.
* * * * *
Several talks among the Transcendentalists, during the autumn of 1839,
turned upon the propriety of establishing an organ for the expression
of freer views than the conservative journals were ready to welcome.
The result was the publication of the "Dial," the first number of
which appeared early in the summer of 1840, under the editorship of
Margaret, aided by R.W. Emerson and George Ripley. How moderate were
her own hopes, in regard to this enterprise, is clearly enough shown
by passages from her correspondence.
'_Jamaica Plain, 22d March, 1840._ * * * I have a great deal
written, but, as I read it over, scarce a word seems pertinent
to the place or time. When I meet people, it is easy to
adapt myself to them; but when I write, it is into another
world,--not a better one, perhaps, but one with very
dissimilar habits of thought to this wherein I am
domesticated. How much those of us, who have been formed by
the European mind, have to unlearn, and lay aside, if we would
act here! I would fain do something worthily that belonged to
the country where I was born, but most times I fear it may not
be.
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