“I shall be a littérateur, at least, all my life; nor would I abandon the hopes which still lead me on for all the gold in California.” Rejecting material temptation in favour of a lifelong literary vocation · Letter to Frederick W. Thomas, 14 February 1849 Ambition Literature Vocation
“Depend upon it, after all, Thomas, Literature is the most noble of professions. In fact, it is about the only one fit for a man. For my own part, there is no seducing me from the path.” Affirming unwavering commitment to letters despite poverty and temptation · Letter to Frederick W. Thomas, 14 February 1849 Literature Profession Vocation
