He Was Friends With Napoleon Bonaparte's Nephew

Emerson left for a warmer environment in 1826 because of his ill health. He initially traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, but discovered that it was still far too chilly there. [30] He next traveled even further south to St. Augustine, Florida, where he started writing poetry and going for long walks on the beach. When he was at St. Augustine, he met Prince Achille Murat, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte who had fled Europe when his father was toppled and taken up residence in the United States. Murat was a writer as well. Murat, who was two years older than he was, and he grew close and liked each other's company. The two had insightful conversations about politics, philosophy, society, and religion. Murat was a key character in Emerson's intellectual development, according to him.

Emerson initially came into contact with slavery in St. Augustine. He once went to a Bible Society meeting while a slave sale was going on outside in the yard. Therefore, one ear heard the good news of great joy while the other was entertained with “Going, gentlemen, going!” he wrote.