The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 17, No. 101, March, 1866

Step into a forgotten corner of 19th‑century America through the eyes of a young Nathaniel Hawthorne. In this selection from a historic literary magazine, the writer records a leisurely fishing outing near Augusta, Maine, complete with the chatter of a boisterous pilot, the clink of brandy, and the bright flash of white perch on a tangled brook. The narrative weaves together observations of politics, rustic tavern life, and the simple pleasures of a countryside journey, all rendered in Hawthorne’s characteristic blend of humor and keen observation.

Listeners will hear the vivid tableau of a dim‑lit shop, the lively banter of travelers, and the detailed description of a modest tavern room where a towering hostess serves tea and pie. Hawthorne’s eye for the ordinary transforms these moments into a portrait of a bygone era, complete with engravings, weather‑worn roads, and the lingering scent of rain on the Kennebec valley. The piece offers a rare glimpse into the author’s early voice before his later fame, making it an intimate, time‑traveling experience for anyone who loves literary history.