We reached New York Thursday night before eleven. Friday morning Curtis gave his decision in the negative, “entirely,” he said, “on personal grounds, which no one but himself could appreciate.” I invited him to dine with me the same day at Fischer’s in Barclay St., which he did, and professed the strongest friendship for us and interest in the Magazine and offered to assist in every way; not only by furnishing frequent articles but by reading and giving opinions on manuscripts and advising on all points—only no regular duties.

The next morning I called on Dr. Bellows with Dix. Sunday, Dix and his wife at the island with me. Monday, Dix had an interview with Godwin, who finally agreed in a very handsome manner to be our friend, furnish the book criticisms, foreign notices &c. at a certain price, furnish other articles as they were wanted, all subject to rejection, and to give advice, examine manuscripts &c. And I called on Dana who was also very friendly and ready to do anything he could, said he could not write much but would advise and look at manuscripts. He told me he had stopped off Mrs. Hitchcock, because he saw that she had written herself out. Her first were excellent—the last poor, He accepted an invitation to meet Godwin & Curtis with us, some early night after our return.

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I am just at this moment inclined to take the responsibility of editing the Magazine myself with the stated assistance of these three men. I should require the assistance of a scholarly proof-reader and I should probably take up my residence in New York. If I should do so it would be with the intention only of taking the position temporarily until a capable and satisfactory editor in chief could be obtained, that is for a year perhaps. By that time, I hope the personal reasons of Curtis might be removed.

We came by Fall River, here, last night. This morning I walked several miles to see Lowell but he had gone from home, probably on a lecturing tour, to be absent a month. I then called on Dr. Gray and afterwards on Dr. Parker. Tomorrow we are to meet Longfellow and Prof. Felton at Dr. Gray’s. Dix goes in the morning to Dedham to see Edmund Quincy. He is now calling on some of the editors. Thursday I shall go to Concord to see Emerson & afterwards to Andover to call on Mrs. Stowe. We have then an agreement to meet Curtis at Providence.