EMERSON, Ralph Waldo (1803-1882). Autograph letter signed ("R.W. Emerson"), to Mr. Edward Bangs. Concord, 18 June (no year). 1 1/2 pages, 8vo, short tears affecting the "R.W. E" of the signature silked on verso, all letters in tact. In full: "I am very sorry to lose the happy occasion you offer me, but find my sell to be engaged on Wednesday that I cannot come to you. With affectionate regards." In his Memoir of Edward Bangs, John Lowell recounts: "When a boy, [Bangs] formed an acquaintance with Ralph Waldo Emerson which became a friendship, filial on one side, paternal on the other, affection on both, and was continued without interruption until death adjourned it."