The name of the author of these four journals is unknown, however his initials are E. B. C., and is apparently from the Boston, Massachusetts area. The writer travels the route of Henry David Thoreau, outlined in his book The Maine  Woods, published in 1864 based on his several travels through Maine in the 1850s.  This route is currently known as the Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail.

       The journal writer's trip follows Henry David Thoreau's 1853 trip through Maine, taking a steamer from Greenville to Northeast Carry, and Thoreau's 1857 trip stopping and passing through the places familiar to readers of Thoreau: Greenville, Mt. Kineo, West Branch, Caucomogomoc Stream, Mud Pond, Chamberlain Farm, etc.

       The 1901 journal records the travels of two individuals E. B. C. and M. L. C. and Henry Francis¹, the hired cook and "guide" on the trip, Francis is an American Indian born about the year 1873, he is twenty-eight in 1901.  

        From the journal accounts, Francis is very knowledgeable on the interior areas of Penobscot County Maine, as well as neighboring counties. The journal documents Henry's familiarity with the area, such as "Henry says the water is lower then ever known to him,"or, that work by beavers was probably done "last fall or winter." Like Henry David Thoreau, this party of travelers hired a Native American to be their guide through the Maine woods. From internal evidence we learn that the author did not know Henry before this trip and that they met in Bangor where his services were engaged. The journal describes Henry in some detail, his duties, and at one point in the journal discusses his superstitions: "Henry expressed as his reason for not ascending the slide, a feeling of dizziness or something of that sort; the same feeling which prevented his making the ascent when he tried it before, but from what we have heard of the character of the Indian character we surmise it was due to superstition. He admits that he doesn't dare to go into caves; and he has a hatred of snakes."

         The 1901 journal mentions Thoreau, and has given a list of the birds and trees Thoreau encountered on his trip. The journal writer then keeps notes on the various trees and birds that he observes during his own trek through Maine's woods.

        There is much discussion on the natural environment of this area of Maine, by someone who has read Thoreau and is following his footsteps. The later journals record changes in the environment in only the five short years from his earliest trek. The author seems very knowledgeable about birds, trees, plants and the natural history of the area. Thoreau spent 20 days in the Maine woods in 1857, and our journalist spends the same time tracing his steps in 1901. The 1901 journal also mentions the various effects Chamberlain Dam had on the Chamberlain Lake area and when passing Chamberlain Farm, he describes the appearance having been frequently lumbered.

        In the journal for 1905, E.B.C. along with the guide Henry Francis, travels with a third person by the name of S.W.P. In this journal S.W.P. is referred to as "Steve."

        These journals offer an excellent look at the Maine Woods at the beginning of the last century, over a six year time period. There is considerable detail on the variety of bird species by a writer who is extremely knowledgeable and observant². The writer also includes his observations on the environment and wildlife, and notes the effects of man on the environment.                                                                                                     

        1. The U.S. Census for 1910, has Henry Francis enumerated at Old Town Ward 4, Penobscot County, Maine, which appears to be an Indian Reservation called "Indian Island." The census states Henry worked as a "guide" in the "Woods." Henry married at the age of 20 to a fellow Native American, a woman by the name of Katie who worked making baskets. Together they had two children. All of them were born in Maine as were their parents. Henry was hired by the writer for all four of his trips through Maine, 1901, 1902, 1905, and 1906. The journals contain much about Henry and the services provided by him to the party of men on the various trips.

2. Further research could be done to determine the actual name of the writer.  We surmise that the journalist could be Earnest B. Chaffee. We have found in our research an Earnest B. Chaffee/Chafee in Boston's 24th Ward in 1900. The son of Myron & Ellen Chaffee. Earnest was a student, parent's occupations are not noted. They lived at 17 Edwin Street and were originally from CT. Myron & his wife were both 57 years old, Earnest 20 (born Dec 1879). The couple were married 23 years, with Earnest being their only child. Research on this Earnest B. Chaffee shows that his mother's maiden name was Bunce, thus our journal writer "E.B.C." could possibly be Earnest Bunce Chaffee and the "M.L.C." on the trip with "E.B.C." could possibly be his father Myron Chaffee. In the memorandum book, the surname of Chaffee is mentioned where the writer made a note that "Chaffee should furnish the money for the Bernier property."