EMERSON, RALPH WALDO. Autograph letter signed ("R.W. Emerson") to Mrs. Houghton, informing her that he has sprained his ankle and must cancel a trip to Waterford, greatly disappointing his daughter Ellen. Concord, Mass., 14 July 1859. 4 pages, small 8vo, written on rectos and versos, some minor browning to final page; with postmarked envelope, addressed in Emerson's hand. "... I fancied I should quickly recover; but, calling in the Doctor yesterday, he tells me, that, in the majority of cases, six weeks of absolute rest are required... You may well believe it is a fine disappointment to all of us, mainly to Ellen..."