Walt Whitman - The Complete Prose Works of Walt Whitman, Volume V, 1902

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THE PUBLISHERS OF THE AUTHORIZED EDITIONS OF THE WRITINGS OF WALT WHITMAN

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PAUMANOK

EDITION

This Edition of the Complete Works of Walt

Whitman

printed on Ruisdael handi^made

is

paper, and limited

which

to

Three Hundred

this is

Number..^^A.k,,...

Sets,

of

COMPLETE WRITINGS OF

WALT WHITMA Issued under the

&

editorial super-

vision of his Literary Executors,

Richard

Maurice Bucke, Thomas B.Harned, and Horace L. Traubel

With additional bibliographical

and

critical

ma-

prepared by Oscar Lovell Triggs, Ph.D. terial

G.P.PirrNAM'5 S2NS

NEWY3RK

I

L2NDON

THE KK1CKERB9CKER. PRESS

THE COMPLETE PROSE WORKS OF

WALT WHITMAN

VOLUME V

'

•

G.

P.

::>

\

PUTNAM^S SONS

NEW YORK AND LONDON XTbc IRnicfterbocfter

1902

5i-'v;:*;i\i| '•

_,-»».•»»

press

Copyright, 1902

By

THOMAS

B.

HARNED

and

HORACE

SURVIVING LITERARY EXECUTORS OF

L.

Entered at Stationers' Hall

X.P

\

Vbe

Itnicitecbocliet;

TRAUBEL

WALT WHITMAN

tvcsBt l^cw

fiotft

Contents CALAMUS Interview with Peter Doyle

3

Letters of 1868

21

Letters of 1869

40

Letters of 1870

48

Letters of 1871

69

Letters of 1872

76

Letters of 1873

89

Letters of

874

129

Letters of 1875

152

Letters of

1

1

.158

876-1 880

WHITMAN'S LETTERS TO

HIS

MOTHER

WALT WHITMAN AND ORATORY By Thomas

B.

B.

.

.

.

.244

.

.

.261

Harned

WALT WHITMAN AND PHYSIQUE By Thomas

.

173

.

,

Harned

WALT WHITMAN AND HIS SECOND BOSTON PUBLISHERS By Thomas

B.

275

Harned

[iii]

273536

TOustrations IValt Whitman, 18^9 From the painting by Charles .

J,

.

Mine.

Frontispiece

Owned

by

H, Johnston, Esq., Brooklyn, N. Y.

Whitman and

IValt

.

From a drawing

Peter Doyle, 1869 D. Young from a photo.

.

44

by H.

graph by Rice, Washington.

Louisa

Whitman, Mother of Walt Whitman,

18^^ From a daguerreotype

102 in possession of Horace L,

Traubel, Esq.

Walt Whitman, 1877

160

From a painting by G. W. Waters. Owned Thomas B. Harned, Esq., Philadelphia.

[v]

by

'

CALAMUS A SERIES OF LETTERS WRITTEN DURING

THE YEARS 1868-1880 BY WALT WHITMAN TO A YOUNG FRIEND (PETER DOYLE)

EDITED WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY

RICHARD MAURICE BUCKE, M.D. ONE OF whitman's LITERARY EXECUTORS

Publish

my name

and hang up

my

picture as that of

the tenderest lover,

The

friend,

lover

Who

the lover's portrait of

was

whom

his friend his

fondest,

was not proud

of his songs but of the measureless

ocean of love within him and

freely

poured

Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892),

[vii]

it

forth."

p. 102.

Copyright,

1897,

by

LAURENS MAYNARD

Written on the

Days ''

a copy of ''Specimen sent to Peter Doyle at Washington, June, 1883. fly

leaf of

Pete do you remember

— (of course you do —

I

do

— those great long jovial walks we had at times for years (1866 -'72) out of Washington City — often well)

moonlight nights, 'way to ''Good Hope"

down

days, up and

;

or,

Sun-

the Potomac shores, one side or

the other, sometimes ten miles at a stretch?

when you work'd on for you, coming home

the horse-cars, and late together

I

Or

waited

— or resting and

chatting at the Market, corner 7th Street and the

Avenue, and eating those nice musk or watermelons

?

Or during my tedious sickness and first paralysis ('7}) how you used to come to my solitary garret room and make up my bed, and enliven me and chat for an

— or perhaps go out and get the medicines Drinkard had order'd me — before you went

hour or so Dr.

on duty

for

?

.

.

Mr. Nash, and

and never

.

Give

tell

them

my I

love to dear Mrs. and

have not forgotten them,

will.

W. W.

n«:]

I

have been privileged to read a

series of letters

Whitman to a young man, whom and who was tenderly beloved by him.

addressed by will call P.,

They throw

I

upon Calamus, and are superior to any commentary. It is greatly to be hoped that they may be published. Whitman, it seems, met P. at Washington not long before the a flood of light

when

ship

was about eighteen years of They soon became attached. Whitman's friendbeing returned with at least equal warmth by P.

The

letters

year 1869 age.

the lad

breathe a purity and simplicity of affection,

a naivete and reasonableness,

which

are very remark-

able considering the unmistakable intensity of the

Throughout them. Whitman shows the tenderest and wisest care for his young friend's welfare, helps him in material ways, and bestows upon him the best advice, the heartiest encouragement, without betraying any sign of patronage or preaching. Illness soon attacked Walt. He retired to Camden, and P., who was employed as ''baggage-master on emotion.

the freight trains " of a railway, to visit him.

There

is

was

for

long unable

something very wistful

in

the

words addressed from a distance by the aging poet to this

''

son of responding kisses."

do not possess

P.'s

answers.

I

regret that

Yet, probably, to

we

most

would not appear highly interesting; for it is clear he was only an artless and uncultured workman.—John Addington Symonds in H^alt Whitreaders, they

man—A

Study. pp.78,

79.

[xi] \

^

A^tn^

i

i4

ITnterview witb peter 2)o^le

VOL. vin.— I.

[l J

IFnterview witb ipetet

In I

company with Horace L Traubel, Doyle, whom had known for years but

May,

visited

1895, in

I

had not seen that

it

Bo^le

for a

was my

asked him

if

He

long time.

I

explained to him

intention to publish these letters

he

felt

there

was any

and

insuperable ob-

— *'0f

what use are they?" and then, upon my assurance that (in some measure) they would do for the world the same service they had done for him, he further inquired: '' Do you think Walt, if he were here, if he could be asked, would be willing? Whereupon, I, anshould '' go swering affirmatively, was told that ahead," doing that which seemed to me best, since he felt '' entirely safe " in my hands. It was likewise by Doyle's consent that Mr. Traubel took notes of jection?

inquired

first

I

the conversation that ensued, and

it is

only after his

The show what

revision that these are printed in this volume.

was

conversation

desultory but serves to

manner of man Doyle feels

himself

Mr. Doyle

words.

is

He

still

is

and by what sacred

indissolubly

bound

to

ties

Whitman.

reported almost absolutely in his

said:

—

[3]

he

own

•jT

Calamua I

was born

in 1847, in Ireland,

when brought

years old

a blacksmith.

We

and was about two

to America.

Father

lived our first years in

was

America

Bad times came on in Richmond, where he had been offered a place in an iron foundry. While there was a member of the Fayette Artillery, and when the war broke out I entered the Confederate Army. Getting my parole in Washington, forced to at

Alexandria,

Virginia.

Father

1856-7.

went

to

I

look out for myself,

I

hung round

that region with

no particular object

in view. I might have been more successful somewhere else, but was there, and so just stuck to the case as it was. became I

I

1

a horse-car conductor.

Yes,

later on.

better.

will

I

I

This other business came

will talk of

me When you

Walt, nothing suits

commence anywhere.

are tired stop me.

Walt never used

to take

much

newspaper men in the old time. There were some few in Washington he rather favored. They that is, always made a good deal of him, of course they came to him often enough for news or opinions to

—

He could shut a man off in the best style, you know. He had a freezing way in him yet was never harsh. But people got to know that he meant what he said. He said '' no " and '' no" or such

stuff.

—

remember one special night, we met a half-loaded fellow with some of his Journalist friends a newspaper man, since prominent, who was it

was.

I

—

then pretty well acquainted with Walt.

W

This

man

Calamu0 was

with Walt

oflFensively familiar

troducing his friends, and off It

— froze

him out

simple enough, too

introduced.

to

make

for the intruder to

— and

manner he showed folks,

not be

Now, Walt was always

point.

this is a

dignified

—

sample of the

famous or

alike,

all

in-

Walt held him

that.

— would

was simply impossible

his

all

— insisted on

plain

who stepped across what he thought his private

border-line.

How different Walt was the Walt you

not believe

knew him

it.

knew in the He was an

then later

Washington from years! You would

in

athlete

— great,

great.

1

do wonderful lifting, running, walking. You ask where first met him? It is a curious story. to

I

We The

felt

to each other at once.

was

I

a conductor.

was very stormy,— he had been over to see Burroughs before he came down to take the car it the storm was awful.. Walt had his blanket he seemed like was thrown round his shoulders an old sea-captain. He was the only passenger, it was a lonely night, so thought would go in and talk with him. Something in me made me do it and something in him drew me that way. He used to say there was something in me had the same effect on him. Anyway, went into the car. We were night

—

—

— I

I

I

familiar at

once

—

I

put

my

hand on

his

knee

— we

He did not get out at the end of the think trip in fact went all the way back with me. From that time on we the year of this was 1866. understood.

—

I

C5]

Calamu6 were the biggest

sort of friends.

I

stayed

in

Wash-

when went on the Pennsylvania Walt was then in the Attorney-General's

ington until 1872, Railroad.

I

would frequently go out to the Treasury to see Walt; Hubley Ashton was commonly there he would be leaning familiarly on the desk where Walt would be writing. They were fast friends— talked a good deal together. Walt rode with me often office.

I

—

—

often at noon, always at night.

He rode round with

me on the last trip — sometimes rode for several trips. Everybody knew him. He had a way of taking the measure of the

made

driver's

hands

— had

calf-skin gloves

—

them every winter in Georgetown these gloves were his personal presents to the men. He for

saluted the

threw up

men on

his hand.

we

the other cars as

They

cried to him,

passed

—

''Hullo,

Walt! "and he would reply, '*Ah, there!" or something

like.

He was welcome always

as the flowers

May. Everybody appreciated his attentions, and he seemed to appreciate our attentions to him. Teach never heard the boys to read, write, and cipher? of, or saw that. There must be some mistake. He did not make much of what people call learning. But he gave us papers, books, and other such articles, He did too. In his habits he was very temperate. not smoke. People seemed to think it odd that he did n't, for everybody in Washington smoked. But he seemed to have a positive dislike for tobacco. He was a very moderate drinker. You might have in

I

[6]

Calamu0 thought something his

complexion

different, to see the ruddiness of

— but his complexion had no whiskey

We

might take a drink or two together occasionally—nothing more. It was our practice to go to a hotel on Washington Avenue after was done in

it;

I

my

—

remember the place well there on the corner. Like as not would go to sleep lay my head on my hands on the table. Walt would with

car.

I

—

I

stay there, wait,

watch, keep

me

undisturbed

—

would wake me up when the hour of closing came. In his eating he was vigorous, had a big appetite, but was simple in his tastes, not caring for any great dishes. I

a

never

knew a case

woman.

any

In fact,

woman

roughs.

he had nothing special to do with

except Mrs. O'Connor and Mrs. Bur-

His disposition

came

that sense never clean,

of Walt's being bothered up by

was

different.

into his head.

Woman

in

Walt was too

he hated anything which was not

No

clean.

any kind of dissipation in him. I ought to know about him those years we were awful close together. would go up to the In the afternoon Treasury building and wait for him to get through if he was busy. Then we 'd stroll out together, often without any plan, going wherever we happened to trace of

— I

get.

months running. generally Walt had a good way

This occurred days

Towards women

in

and

he very easily attracted them.

men,

too.

And

it

was an

out,

But he did that with

irresistible attraction. [7]

—

I

've

Calamu0 had many

tell

me — men and women.

way— the

easy, gentle

same

for

all,

He had an

no matter

who

they were or what their sex.

Walt was not shot.

It

was me he got

they are almost

my

all

that from in

words.

There was a great crowd

to go.

ing.

made up in

second gallery.

got into the

I

nothing extraordinary

in

everything on the stage and was I

in

my

the build-

There was

the performance.

to see the President's box.

—

heard that the Presi-

I

dent and his wife would be present and

mind

was the book

at the theatre the night Lincoln

I

saw

a good position

heard the

pistol shot.

—

meant it was really knew nothing of what had sort of muffled. occurred until Mrs. Lincoln leaned out of the box and cried, ''The President is shot!" need n't tell you what felt then, or saw. It is all put down in Walt's I

had no idea what

it

was, what

it

I

I

I

— that piece

saw Booth on the cushion of the box, saw him jump over, saw him catch his foot, which turned, saw him fall on the stage. He got up on his feet, cried out something which could not hear for the hubbub and disappiece

exactly right.

is

I

I

peared.

A

soldier

called to

I

suppose

came

I

lingered almost the last person.

me: ''Get out of here!

this

damned

I'll

get out!"

saw me

into the gallery,

building

down!

"

we I

still

there,

going to burn said: " If that is so, 're

We took great walks together — off towards or to Alexandria, often. We went plodding along the [8]

Calamu0 road,

Walt always whistling or

He would

talk of ordinary matters.

especially Shakespeare in

good-natured.

ful,

at night.

Many

active,

He never seemed

'Til draw the

further."

— we

happy, cheer-

to

line here

When we

tire.

would say

I

—

I

on the other

cross the river side.

my-

for

granted

and walk back home

Walt knew

He was eloquent when he surprising what he knew

to

got

won't go a step

But he would take everything

would

shout

airs or

of our walks were taken

to the ferry opposite Alexandria self,

recite poetry,

— he would hum

He was always

the woods.

We would

singing.

about the

all

talked of them.

stars. It

was

of the operas, too, and

the concerts of the Marine Band always tempted

him.

He never

failed these concerts

The

strayed in there together.

He used to Rival Birds— Walt could the band.

old

— we man

usually

Scala led

The almost as good

play a piece called get

it

off

as the band.

He was

a long time after

while his mother was

alive.

stop there with your

me I

to

go to

New

asked him:

mother?"

''

He was

York,

Will a

we

little

We both stayed in Jersey City. The Whitmans lived on Portland Avenue. We took our dinner with Mrs. Whitman. We would take a doubtful about that.

bus-ride in the morning

have dinner. always

After

Mrs.

Brooklyn and

we had had our dinner she would

say— ''Now

gestion."

— then goto

take a long walk to aid di-

Whitman was [92

a lovely

woman.

Calamue There were just the three of us eating together.

Walt and time.

It

had a week of it there in New York that was always impressed upon my mind—the I

opera he took

knew

me to see

— Polyato.

All

the omnibus

We

always climbed up to the top of the busses, our heels hanging over. drivers

him.

Walt often spoke to me of his books. I would tell him '' don't know what you are trying to get at." And this is the idea would always Yes,

I

I

from his reply.

arrive at

All other peoples in the

world have had their representatives here

is

a great big race with

literature:

in

no representative.

He

would undertake to furnish that representative. It was also his object to get a real human being into a book. This had never been done before. These were the two things he tried to impress upon me every time

we

talked of books

— especially

of his

Walt used often to put a piece in Forney's Washington Chronicle, We never really talked about politics. was a Catholic am still supposed

books.

—

I

to be one.

But

I

have not been to church

for so

many years would not know what to do there. He had pretty vigorous ideas on religion, but he I

never said anything slighting the church.

know

if

he

felt

different

never went to church

—did

n't

seem

he said —

''

from what he spoke.

— did

n't like

to favor preachers at

about the hereafter.

I

don't

He

form, ceremonies all.

I

asked him

''There must be something,"

there can't be a locomotive unless there [10]

®alamu6 somebody to run it." have heard him say that if a person was a right kind of person and guess is

I

—

he thought could

n't

all

I

persons right kind of persons

be destroyed

in

the next world or

— he

this.

and cents had no weight with Walt at all. He did n't spend recklessly, but he spent everything— mostly on other people. Money was Dollars

a thing he did n't think of as other people thought

came and went, that was all there was to He did n't buy many books, but it. remember that once he bought a set of Alexander Dumas, of

It

it.

I

which afterward disappeared, could not tell where, probably it was given away. have Walt's raglan here [goes to closet—puts it on\ now and then put it on, lay down, think am Then he is with me again. It 's in the old times. the only thing kept amongst many old things. When get it on and stretched out on the old sofa I

I

I

I

I

I

I

am

very well contented.

It is

like Aladdin's

lamp.

do not ever for a minute lose the old man. He is always near by. When am in trouble— in a crisis —I ask myself, '' What would Walt have done under these circumstances? " and whatever I decide Walt I

I

would have done

that

mood was

Walt's

I

do.

very even, but

I

saw him mad

March hare one night. He was on the hind end of my car, near him stood an old fellow (a carpet-bag near-sighted, don't know his name) senator

as a

—

wore

—

I

glasses,

peevish,

lantern-jawed, [II]

dyspeptic.

Calamu0 The first thing I the old man cussed Walt said, **Get out of the way, you " and Walt only answered: ''Damn you!" The old man had a loaded stick with him he raised it would have struck Walt and perhaps killed him but came beThey rubbed against each knew there was a rumpus,

other.

—

—

—

—

I

tween

just in time.

I

''

cried:

Get

in

the car, Walt!

(they were both in the street by this time) and

was glad

to see the

affair

explanations were made. at

once

from Walt's face

ended that way.

All effects of

it

I

No

vanished

and manner. Walt's temper

was a rare thing for him to get angry and he must have been greatly provoked. No man ever had better control over himself. He treated everybody fairly, generously. He was n't meek, but he was no fighting-cock. He always

was very

had

a

even,

it

few pennies

beggars along the

for

get out of patience sometimes, he

''Don't

you think

"No," he always

Would

n't

"No, and

it's

was so

I

'd

lenient.

ask him.

I'd

"it's never wrong, Peter."

said

they drink

wrong?"

street.

it

He shook

away?

his head:

wouldn't alter the matter. For it is better to give to a dozen who do not need what is given than to give to none at all and so miss the one that should be fed." Walt was kind to animals. He admired them, but he and animals if

they did

it

never came to close quarters.

them was always generous. to

man

or beast.

He had [12]

I

a

His treatment of

never

knew him

dog once

cruel

—Tip —

in

Calamu0 Camden, but he was not fond of animals for pets or especially glad to have them round him. In Washington Walt told me he had made up his mind to celebrate the anniversary of the death of Lincoln every year.

He

his death.

I

called the thing a

Do you remember even up to the him.

it

last?

I

gave

it

might be, the most.

a present of

stroyed or stolen.

was

it

Drum

Part of

written.

it

as

Taps; Walt

But somehow, when

it.

it

was

we

— was either de-

but most

in print,

his manuscript

All

was

At the time

together in that fashion. appreciate

delighted

It

he alv/ays valued highly—

moved, the manuscript disappeared of

until

religious duty."

to him.

once had the manuscript of

made me

*'

it

the big black stick he carried

Gifts of that sort

the plainest, I

have heard that he did

pieced

did not

I

should now.

I

Walt's manners were always perfectly simple.

We would buy

tackle the farmers

a water-melon,

sit

who came

down on

into town,

the cellar door of

Bacon's grocery. Seventh and Pennsylvania Avenue, halve

and eat

it

it.

People would go by and laugh.

Walt would only smile and the laugh

if

I

Yates, in

tell

n't

get a better idea of this simplicity

you of a

1873, while

visit

he

Washington, paralyzed, called

have

—we have the melon."

You could than

say, ''They can

and sent up

paid him by

laid in I

his card. [13]

Edmund

the attic there in

being his nurse. After

some

Yates

objections,

Calamu0

my

mostly on

part,

I

referred the matter to Walt,

who instantly said: ''Admit him — let him come in." When Yates got into the room Walt saluted him by name and he addressed Walt as '' Mr. WhitNo two men were ever more different.

his first

man."

Yates elegant, dressy, cultured

room

bed, his

littered

all

— Walt

and poor.

plain, sick in

But both

men

were perfectly at home. Yates did not seem fazed, Walt never was. In a few minutes they were in the midst of animated talk. When Yates, after awhile, got up and said: ''Good-bye," they seemed as if they had known each other many years. Yes, Traubel, know who it was Walt meant when he spoke to you of Grant's morning visits afoot I

to the old

would

woman.

stroll

woman

from

he visited

Grant was then President. the White House alone. in this

way was

a'

He The

widow, well

Walt would laugh at me trying to get the President to ride would motion Grant Then later on he would shake his head. we would see him at the widow's window, outside, leaning on the sill. Grant was very fond of the old lady in fact, she was much liked by men

known

in

Washington.

—

I

—

—

generally.

Walt were very good friends. Garfield had a large manly voice; we would be going along the Avenue together and Walt and me we would hear Garfield's salutation at the rear. He always signalled Walt with the cry: "After all not Garfield and

—

[14]

—

Calamu0

When we

to create only! "

knew who was coming.

we

heard that

always

would catch up and they would enter into a talk would fall back They spoke of books mainly but of sometimes. Garfield

I

;

every other earthly thing not get through the

down

Often they would

also.

run and would go up and

first

the Avenue several times together—

out of

was Our tramping ground was between the

it.

I

Capitol and the Treasury.

saw very little of Walt, but he me. He never altered his manner

Towards the end continued to write

toward me; here

I

few more recent postal cards, you will see that they show the same old love. I know he wondered why saw so little of him the three or four years before he died, but when I explained it to him he understood. Nevertheless, am are a

I

I

sorry for

it

The

now.

obstacles

have made the difference this: In

the old days

were too small to

allowed.

I

was only

It

had always open doors to

I

—

chose. Now, Walt going, coming, staying, as had to run the gauntlet of Mrs. Davis and a nurse and what not. Somehow, could not do it. It seemed as if things were not as they should have been. Then had a mad impulse to go over and I

I

I

I

nurse him.

me —

I

deeply. I

I

was

his proper nurse

understood him.

We

— he understood each

loved

But there were things preventing

saw them.

least, in spite

I

other

that, too.

should have gone to see him, at

of everything. [i5l

I

know

it

now,

I

did

Calamua

know

not

it

then, but

it is all

never swerved from him is

Walt

right.

— he knows

it

realized

now

I

— that

enough. I

have talked a long while.

beer together.

men

It 's

a fearful

warm

take the glasses, there;

the bottle.

Now,

the dear old

here

's

times — and

every one that

's

to

come

Let us drink up this

I

day.

You

will drink right

to the dear old

the

I

[i6]

gentle-

new

from

man and

times, too,

and

R. B.

Among I

the

men and women

perceive one picking

Acknowledging none child,

out by secret and divine signs,

else,

any nearer than

not parent, wife, husband, brother, I

am. is

not

— that one knows me.

meant that you should discover

me

so

Some

Ah I

me

the multitude,

are baffled, but that one

lover

And

I

and

when

perfect equal,

I

meet you mean

by

to discover

faint indirections,

you by the

like in you.

Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892),

[17]

p. iii

Xetters

[19]

Xetters of 1868

I

New I

received your second letter

me

comfort to

was

right,

all

my

second

new

me

quite interesting.

I

Wednesday.

letter last

would send you a few down off hand and write I

doings, etc., because

we

good.

The Star came suppose you got There

or special to write about to-day,

my

what

real

it is

to get such letters from you, dear

Every word does

friend.

— Dear Boy. yesterday — a

York, Friday, 2^ Sept,, 1868.

lines for all

nothing

I

thought

Sunday.

I

about myself and

suppose that

I

still

is

will

put

my

be really

dear comrade wants most to hear while

are separated.

according as

I

feel in

am

I

the

doing a

mood

little literary

work

— composing on

my

am

having a small edition of Leaves of Grass for 1867 fixed up and printed.* This and some

books.

I

* Drum-Taps

Then (upon Lincoln's assassination, ^nzs, published early in 865. was withdrawn from the market until Sequel to Drum-Taps, containing IVhen Lilacs Last in the Door- Yard Bloom' d was ready. In 1867 an edition of Later in L. ofG. was published but these two sections were not included in it. 1868, Drum-Taps and its sequel were incorporated into the Leaves but without change of the title page. It is this work of incorporation and the issue of a small 14 April)

1

it

edition of the thus reconstituted L.

of G. which [21]

is

referred to in the text.

(talamu6

other things give

whole though deal like

me

a

little

don't do

I

Upon

occupation.

much but go around

— eat my rations every time — sleep a top — and am having good times, so

quiet way, enjoying

New

the

a great

at night far, in

York, the society of

a

my

mother and lots of friends. Among other things spend a portion of the day with the pilots of the ferry boats sailing on the river. The river and bay of New York and Brooklyn are always a great attracI

tion to me.

It is

ebb the water

and the

river

is

is

At either flood or

a lively scene.

always rushing along as

if

in haste,

crowded with steamers, ships moving in different directions, some often

and small craft coming from sea, others going

Among the pilots are some of my particular friends — when see them up in the pilot house on my way to Brooklyn out.

I

enjoy an go up and sail to and fro several trips. hour or two sail of this kind very much indeed. My mother and folks are well and are engaged just these I

times

I

in

but have hired a substitute

assist,

stout

the delightful business of moving.

young

laboring man.

I

in

I

should

the shape of a

send you by mail a

copy of the Broadway [Magazine] with the piece in the same as I had in the car one day. It will not interest you much only as something coming from think of you very often, dearest comrade, and me. find with more calmness than when was there. it first rate to think of you, Pete, and to know that you are there all right and that shall return and we I

I

I

[22]

I

Calamu6 will

do

be together again.

if

had

I

Tom

Tell

n't

you

Hassett,

don't

I

know what

I

should

and look forward that I wish to be

to think of

to.

on No.

re-

7,

membered to him particular. Pete, hope this will find you entirely well of your cold. am glad to I

I

hear that your mother is

the time of year

is all

right of her cold.

when they

This

are apt to be pretty

have seen that match played between the Nationals and Olympics.

troublesome.

I

should

like to

11

New is

splendid here to-day and

We

Dear Boy

York, 29 Sept,, 1868, I

am

coolish

on the

came

is

and no

good weather, dust.

river to-day.

this morning.

I

shall

Your

It

feeling first rate.

have had quite a dark and rainy

the prospect

Pete.

spell,

but

now

clear sky, bright sun,

spend an hour or two

letter of the 27th,

Sunday,

Also two Stars, 25th and

26th,

the latter with Hinton's speech, the other containing

The previous Star arrived with your note of 23rd written just as you were going to

an item about me.

—

Crook and next morning another Star came. Peter, you are a good boy and shall have your reward in heaven if not on earth. see you went to Now how about that cold? see the Black

I

work Saturday. You seem to be under the weather Dear Comrade, hope this more than thought. suppose will find you all right and well as ever. you are working this week. Yesterday spent most I

I

I

I

[23]

Calaniu6 of the day in Brooklyn helping the folks to finish up

the moving business.

Got through just after dark. have not been to any amusements yet. Somehow don't seem to care about them and go around enough during the day. There is considerable poI

I

I

excitement here

litical

streets

— banners

swung

across the

almost every block, and big transparencies

front of the

headquarters.

different

several splendid torch-light processions

meetings,

have seen

I

and out door

of course the great majority in

etc.,

in

New

York and Brooklyn is for Seymour and Blair.* I will now bid you good-bye for this time and God bless you, dear Comrade, and keep you all right. Will write a line to No.

boys

in

my

And

6.

speak to the other

will

next. Ill

New rade.

York, Oct,

You say

well boy, I

it

is

it is

Dear Boy and Com-

1868.

2,

a pleasure to get

a real pleasure to

just write, off hand,

me

my

letters

—

to write to you.

whatever comes up, and, as

I

said before, mostly about myself and

my own doings.

There have been some tremendous

fires

— eight or ten Harry on No. engines out — in

Brooklyn

a change in the

fire

department.

1 1

— one

steam

fire

he would see quite I

have more than

I

by many old ones, some new ones, some young

can attend to here. friends,

class

first

tell

here

* Democratic candidates

I

find myself surrounded

for the presidency

[24]

and vice-presidency

in

fall

of '68.

Calamu0 ÂŤ

and

and plenty of

attractive,

ments.

have received an invitation from a gentle-

I

man and

and amuse-

invitations

wife, friends of mine, at Providence, R.

I.,

go there and spend a few days latter part of October. How about the cold? I hope it is well. Dear Pete, with all my kind friends here and invita-

and

shall

tions,

though

etc.,

them

love

I

reciprocate their kindness,

think of you there.

and

all

gratefully

finally turn to

I

Well,

I

guess

I

you and

have written

enough for this time. Dear Pete, will now bid you good-bye for the present. Take care of yourself and I

God

my

bless you,

loving comrade.

I

will write

again soon.

IV Oct,

special with

me

away mighty

two

since

I

week

the greatest

left

of

quick.

nothing

The time

you about. It

furlough.

show

political

New York — a grand I

was about ever saw even in

Last night I

Democratic meeting and torch

was out

I

to see the sights. let

is

seems but a day or Washington yet am now on the

my

light processions.

There

Pete.

to write to

slips

fourth

Dear

1868.

6,

in

the midst of them,

always enjoy seeing the City

loose and on the rampage as

to the fullest extent.

I

it

was

cannot begin to

last

tell

night

you how

the Democrats showed themselves by thousands

and tens of thousands. The whole City was up with torches. Cannons were fired all night [25]

lit

in

Calamu0 various parts of the City.

home

my way

As was on between 12 and I

Avenue car o'clock we got blocked in by a great part of the returning procession. Of course we had to just stand and take

a 2nd

in

it.

I

enjoyed

They were both sides.

hugely from the front platform.

it

nearly an hour passing us, streaming

the procession were

In

models of ships forty or

objects,

manned,

i

all

sorts

of

fifty feet

long,

full

women,

cars of liberty with

The

etc., etc.

ranks spread across the street, and everybody carried a blazing torch.

Fireworks were going off

The sky was

direction.

full

in

every

of big balloons letting

and Roman candles 'way up among the stars. The excitement, the rush, and the endless torches gave me great pleasure. Ever and anon the off rockets

cannon, some near some distant. after

I

got to bed.

ment.

I

It

sounded

I

heard them long

like a distant

engage-

send you the Herald with a sort of account

of the show, but

it

does

n't

do half

justice to

it.

The speeches were of no account at all. suppose you got a letter and paper from me Saturday, Oct. 3rd. received your welcome letter I

I

of Oct.

ist,

also the Star.

I

read Mr. Noyes' West-

So you have something R. R.— new offices and rules. The R. R.

ern letters with pleasure.

new

in

[street railroad] business here is

very

different.

They

rush — no

go through these long routes on the mercy to the cattle. The 3rd Avenue R. R. lost 36 horses in one day last summer, one of those hot [26]

Calamu0 days.

We

seems

like

are having pleasant weather just

now,

summer.

So long, dear Pete. loving comrade, your From Walt.

New

Indian

York,

Oct,

Dear

1868.

9,

splendid here this forenoon

— bright

Pete.

and

It

cool.

is I

was out early taking a short walk by the river only received your lettwo squares from where live. ter last Monday, also the Star same date, and glad enough to hear from you and the oftener the better, every word is good (I am grateful to these young I

I

men on the R. R. for their love and remembrance Dave and Jim and Charley Sorrell, Tom to me

—

Hassett, Harry on No.

the 6th which

I

11).

I

sent

you a

letter

on

suppose you received next day.

Henry Hurt I received his letter of Oct. 5th all Political meetings right, and that it was welcome. The coming Pennsylvania and here every night. Ohio elections cause much talk and excitement. The already fall is upon us; overcoats are in demand.

Tell

I

begin to think about

month has invitation

mine, at

down fill

return to Washington.

nearly passed away.

I

A

have received an

from a gentleman and his wife, friends of Providence, R. I., and shall probably go

there and spend a few days latter part of

October. to

my

up?

it

just

generally spend the forenoon in

my

Shall I

I

tell

you about [27]

it

or part of

Calamu0 room

up and go somewhere or call on some-

writing, etc., then take a bath, fix

out about 12 and loafe

one down town or on business, or perhaps if it is very pleasant and feel like it ride a trip with some I

driver friend on

Broadway from 23rd

ing Green, three miles each way. find

I

Bowl(Every day I

Street to

have plenty to do, every hour

You know

with something.)

amusement and study and

it

is

is

occupied

a never ending

recreation for

me

to ride

a couple of hours of a pleasant afternoon on a Broad-

way

You

stage in this way.

see everything as

—

you

panorama shops and splendid buildings and great windows: and on the broad sidewalks crowds of women richly dressed pass, a sort of living, endless

continually passing altogether different, superior in style

—

in

and looks from any to be seen anywhere fact

dressed

then

in

in

— men too and plenty of foreigners — and

a perfect stream

high

else

style,

of people

the streets the thick crowd of carriages,

and private coaches, and in fact all sorts of vehicles and many first class teams, mile after mile, and the splendor of such a great street and so many tall, ornamental, noble buildings many stages, carts, hotel

them of white marble, and the gayety and motion on every side: you will not wonder how much of

attraction like

me,

all

who

this

is

on a

enjoys so

move by him, and

fine day, to a great loafer

much

seeing the busy world

exhibiting itself for his amuse-

ment, while he takes

it

easy and just looks on and [28]

Calamu0 Then about the Broadway drivers, nearly of them are my personal friends. Some have

observes. all

me

and to them. But I have already mentioned them in a former

been attached to believe

I

letter.

Yesterday

I

for years

rode the trip

on a 5th Avenue stage

friend

I

I

— No.

describe, with a 26,

a sort [of]

namesake of yours, Pete Calhoun, have known The day was fine and enjoyed him 9 or 10 years. So try to put in something in the trip muchly. my letters to give you an idea of how pass part of my time and what see here in New York. Of 1

I

I

I

I

course

I

have quite a

hours every day

variety.

Some

four or five

most always spend

I

in

study,

The other serves for a good change. am having am writing two or three pieces. finished about 225 copies of Leaves of Grass bound writing, etc.

I

I

Those copies form all that is Then there will be no more left of the old edition. have my new and improved in the market till edition set up and stereotyped, which it is my present plan to do the ensuing winter at my leisure Mother is well, take either dinin Washington. up, to supply orders.

I

I

ner or supper with her every day.

Remember me

and John Towers. Tell Harry on go to the hall again and see if can

to David Stevens

No.

1

1

I

find that

will

man

I

in

the Sheriff's

office.

my

love and so long for the present.

life,

dear Pete (and death the same).

[29]

I

send you

Yours

for

Calamua VI

New is

Dear Boy

York, Oct. 14, '68.

There

Pete.

great excitement here over the returns of yester-

day's elections, as

I

suppose there

is

the same in

Washington also. The Democrats look blue enough and the Republicans are on their high horses. suppose Grant's success is now certain. As write the bands are out here parading the streets and the drums beating. It is now forenoon. To-night we will hear the big guns and see the blazing bonfires. It is dark and cloudy weather here to-day. was glad to get your letter of Friday 9th which is the last also a Star at the same time. suppose you received mine of the 9th and the papers the Star and Express. am about as well as usual. Mother is well and my brothers the same. am going tomorrow to Providence, R. I., to spend a few days. Should you write any time within four or five days I

I

I

—

I

—

I

I

after

receiving this direct

to

me

Care of Hon.

Thomas Davis, Providence, R. L My friend O'Connor is quite unwell and is absent from Washington away down on the New England received a long letter from him yesterday. Coast. believe told you was finishing up about 230 I

I

copies of

I

I

my

book, expecting to

had them finished up and bound,

sell

them.

etc.,

I

have

but there

is

a

and shall not be able to sell them at present. There is a pretty strong enmity here toward me and L. of G. among certain classes hitch about the sale

I

[30]

Calamu0

— not only that hard words

it

a great mess of crazy talk and

is

tangled up, without sense or meaning (which, by the by, is, I believe, your judgment

about

it)

all

— but others sincerely think that

it is

a bad

book, improper, and ought to be denounced and put down, and its author along with it. There are some

venomous but laughable squibs occasionally in the papers. One said that had received 25 guineas for a piece in an English Magazine, but that it was I

worth

all

that for any one to read

Whitman was

M^orld said: ''Walt

town

yester" carrying the blue cotton umbrella of the future

day

had been a

(it

Another, the

it.

When

drizzly forenoon)

in

— so

they go

they get off a good squib however

much

I

it.

laugh at

any one. Dear Pete, hope this wUl find you well and in good spirits. Remember me to Coley, John Towers, Jim Sorrell, David it

just as

Stevens and I

all

as

I

the boys

— Walt.

have been debating whether to get

my

leave

day to vote or whether to pair off with a Democrat and return (which will amount to the same thing). Most likely extended

I

and

shall decide

tain.

you

stay

on the

Dear boy,

I

election

till

latter,

send you

a line from Providence

know

but don't

my

love

—

I

for cer-

will write

— so long— Pete.

VII Providence, R.

/.,

Oct. 17, 1868.

cording to announcement

in

[31]

my

Dear

last

I

Pete.

Ac-

have made a

Calamu0 movement and change close-packed, world-like brisk, I

handsome,

came on here

Thomas

Davis,

between

8

New

of base from tumultuous,

New York,

to this half-rural,

England, third-class town.

came as guest of formerly M.C. from this City— arrived last

Thursday.

and 9 o'clock

I

at night

riage at the depot waiting for

— found

me.

his car-

At the house

—

a sort of castle built of stone, on fine grounds, a mile

—

and a half from the town a hearty welcome from his hospitable wife and a family of young ladies and children

— so

— a hot supper — a tip-top room,

you

see,

Pete,

your old man

is

etc., etc.,

in clover.

I

have since been round the City and suburbs con-

am

down

Newport before etc., are numerous am, in already dividing myself between two hospital-

siderably.

I

going

return — Invitations, fact,

to

I

—

I

and Mrs. Davis and part with Dr. and Mrs. Channing, old acquaintances of mine in another part of the City. I stopt last ities,

part of the time with Mr.

night at the house of the

latter.

It is

on a high and

which it entirely overlooks. From the window of my room I can look down across the city, the river, and off miles upon miles in the distance. The woods are a real spectacle, colored with all the rich colors of autumn. Yesterday it was beautiful and balmy beyond dewandered scription, like the finest Indian summer. around, partly walking, partly in a carriage, a good part of the day. To-day there is an entire change of pleasant

hill

at the side of the City

I

[323

Calamu0 scene.

As I am writing this, what do you think, Pete

great flakes of

snow

are falling

?

— quite a thick flurry

—sometimes the wind blows in gusts— in fact a real snow storm has been going on all the forenoon, though without the look or feeling of winter as the grass and foliage are autumnal and the cold is not severe yet. Still

it

disagreeable and

[is]

me

vents

from going out

wet and dark and preSo I will make up by

writing a couple of letters, one to mother and one to

you, telling you about things.

Providence

is

a

handsome city of about 70,000 inhabitants, has numerous manufactories in full operation everything looks lively. From the house up here can hear

—

I

almost any time, night or day, the sound of factory bells

and the steam whistles of locomotives

Then the

mile distant.

here stop

make

we

flowers.

Pete,

every morning

I

could

far better

choicer flowers.

from

lights at night seen

At both places

a curious exhibition.

have plenty of

half a

ripe fresh fruit

now than

And how

and

I

lots of

send you a bouquet I

are

used to

you

— of much

getting along,

hope you are well and that have not everything is going on right with you. supheard from you for a good while, it seems. pose you got my last letter of 14th, from N. Y. expect to return to N. Y. about the 22nd. Should dearest comrade ?

I

I

I

I

you

feel to

write after receiving this

you might

to 331

East 55th Street as before.

usual.

I

am

VOL. vin.—3.

I

am

luxuriating on excellent grapes. [33]

direct

well as I

wish

Calamu0 I

could send you a basket.

At both places

stop

I

they have vineyards and the grapes are very good

and plenty I

o'clock to

each as big before it

I

Last night

this year.

my room as my fist

turned

in.

I

agrees with me.

when

I

went up

at

took up three great bunches

I

and

down and

sat

like to eat

them

eat

in this

them

way and

quite a change here from

It is

my

and surroundings either in Washington York. Evenings and meal times find my-

associations

or

New

I

thrown amidst a mild, pleasant society, really intellectual, composed largely of educated women, self

some young, some not so young, everything and

polite,

not disposed to small

talk,

refined

conversing in

earnest on profound subjects, but with a moderate

and

rather slow tone

— delighting I

sake, for a

a kind of conciliatory

in this sort

their evenings

change.

in

till

find

it

week

would be enough

of conversation and spending

late, in

it.

take a hand

I

entertaining, as

or

two

for

manner

— but

me.

I

I

in, for

a

say, for novelty's

know

very well that

It is all first-rate,

good and

smart but too constrained and bookish for a free old

hawk long.

like

me.

I

my

send you

Will write from N. Y. soon as

P. S. Just after 12 o'clock

ing the storm lightens up

sky

love, dear Pete.

in the

—

I

noon. As

am

clouds— yes, the sun

out.

[341

sure is

I

I

I

So

return there.

am just finish-

see a bit of blue

certainly breaking

Calamue VIII

Providence,

Comrade,

I

/?.

Oct.

/.,

Dear Boy and

i8, '68.

you yesterday noon,

sent off a letter to

me up

but towards evening Mr. Davis brought the P. O. yours of 15th, which that

you

have an answer

shall

snow

flurry of

told

I

had a pleasant

The weather, As

After the

off.

you of yesterday morning we took a long walk,

I

the woods, and enjoyed

me

my

overcoat

Washington

in

a great iron grey shawl

acceptable.

which

the evening

ladies

I

warm, animated afire.

I

I

have have

find very

I

talk,

like

it

first rate.

invitation to a party of

— mostly

among

ladies.

We

had a

other things about spir-

went

talked too, indeed

I

It

thing.

went by

and gentlemen

itualism.

I

always had doubts about a shawl, but

I

have already got used to mine and In

much.

it

been compelled to get something here, so

bought

to get

pretty cold and sharp and remains so

left

I

was so glad

right

clear afternoon.

partly through

yet.

I

from

in like a

house

—

was good exercise for the fun of the also made love to the women, and flatter

myself that

I

created at least

I

am

am.

The

—

truth

is

here at the present time mainly

in

wretch and gay deceiver that Peter, that

one impression

I

women, some of them young and meet them most every evening in

the midst of female

and

jolly,

company, and the way in which this aged party comes up to the scratch and cuts out the youthful parties and fills their hearts with envy is absolutely [35]

Calamue a caution.

You would be

my

astonished,

son, to

see the brass and coolness and the capacity of flirtation

and carrying on with the

have believed surrounded

it

in

way

would modestly

—

I

would never

Brought here by destiny,

of myself. this

girls

and, as

in

I

self defense

upon and ravenously devoured by these creatures and so nice and smart some of them are, and handsome too there is nothing left for me, is there, but to go in. Of course, young man, you understand it is all on the square. My going in amounts to just talking and joking and having a devil of a jolly time carrying on that's all. They are all as good girls as ever lived. have already had three or four such parties here which you will certainly admit, considering my age and heft, to say nothing of my reputation, is lost my way doing pretty well. Then away late wandered over the City and got home after one state,

sought

for,

seized

—

—

—

I

—

—

—

o'clock. I

go about quite a good

some

a City as

I

ever saw,

deal.

some

This

is

as hand-

of the streets run

up steep hills. Except in a few of the business in ninestreets, where the buildings are compact tenths of the City— every house stands separate and has a little or quite a deal of ground about it for flow-

—

ers

and

for

saw such

shade or

fruit trees

or a garden.

a prosperous looking City

no grand public buildings This forenoon

I

like

never

— but of course

Washington.

have been out away [36]

I

down

along

(talamu0 the banks of the river and cove and making explorations generally.

But as

I

I

did not feel like reading

Pete,

concluded to write

I

— aint

o'clock and bright and cool

long enough.

drop this

returned

Fortunate young man, to keep

getting such instructive letters

now four

I

I

this precious screed.

in

me and

to

have eat a hearty dinner. Then I would come up and sit awhile in my room.

quite tired.

thought

new

All is

in

and

love

to

you

I

It

is

have staid

on a walk and

will sally forth

the P. O. before supper.

my

and

1

you?

So long, dear

always, always.

as

Walt. IX

New York— Oct, 22nd (?) Well, here am back again had a pleasant trip down East

1868, in

I

New

Dear Pete— York. Have

— went down the bay

there after

among

I

wrote you

the factories of

little

Island.

towns.

visit

around

Some of them The Spragues,

employ 7000 workmen in their factories Some of the owners are men of immense

brothers,

alone.

wealth.

I

my

room

ting

my

I

and also a

Rhode

are very large — regular

two

last

write this early in the forenoon sitting in

in

55th Street after breakfast.

have settled (as

I

spoke of

As to get-

I

might stay to vote,

in

a former letter) to

leave extended so that

mine here who was going to vote for Seymour and return on time. The weather shall probably not make is cool and clear to-day. pair off with a friend of

I

[37}

Calamua out

much

you

of a letter to

this time, Pete, as

rather stupid yet this morning.

hard or perhaps, as they say,

I

I

guess

I

I

feel

slept too

got up wrong end

would write one more letter for the last. hope you have enjoyed reading them as much as for that I have writing them have enjoyed. You too have done first rate and have sent me as many as have you, and good letters too. am now going out down town and across to Brooklyn to spend a few hours with my told you that my mother. don't know whether sister with her two young children from St. Louis But

foremost.

I

thought

1

1

—

I

I

I

I

I

arrived the night before

stop with mother this is

not very good.

yourself.

I

Dear Pete,

shall

New

York, and will

— her health* return 26th — Take care of

fall

we

left

I

and winter

will

soon be together again

—Walt. *I.e., the health of the "sister" (JeiFs wife Mattie)—she died of consumption 19th Feb., 1873.

[38]

I

WILL plant companionship thick as trees along

all

the rivers of

America, and along the shores of the great lakes, and over the I

will

make

all

prairies,

inseparable cities with their arms about each other's

necks,

By the love of comrades, By the manly love of comrades. Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892), p. 99*

[39]

betters of X869

I

Brooklyn, [1869].

three days

me

N.

Dear

—

I

Y,,

Pete.

Saturday evening, Aug.

21

have been very sick the

last

I

know what

don't

to call

prostrated and deadly weak, and

limbs.

I

much

have thought of you,

of the time.

my

it

—

little

it

makes

use of

my

darling boy, very

have not been out of the house

1

day after my arrival. I had a pleasant journey through on the cars Wednesday afternoon My mother and and night felt quite well then. We are in our new house we folks are all well. have a nice room, occupy part and rent out part. since the

first

—

—

I

where

I

now

sit

the afternoon.

writing I

this.

feel better

It is

the last hour or so.

has been extremely hot here the see

has been so

it

shall get

down

How

out soon

the bay. is it

in

—

I

the latter part of

last

* At

And now

not

this

know

me

for

— and

from an eruption on

Whitman took him

to Dr. Charles

[40]

I

is

there any-

Dear Pete, you

being so cold the

time Doyle was suffering

the cause.

too.

dear Pete for yourself.

with you, dearest boy

forgive

—

hope I hanker to get out doors, and

Washington

thing different with the face? *

must

two days

It

last

his face

day and

of which he did

Bowen, one of the army

Calamu6 was unspeakably shocked and repelled from you by that talk and proposition of yours you know what there by the fountain. It seemed evening.

I

—

—

indeed to

me

(for

I

out plain to you,

talk

will

dearest comrade) that the one

always been so manly and

I

loved,

sensible,

who had

and

was gone, and

a fool and intentional suicide stood in his place.

spoke so sternly and cutting.

now

see

I

my

words might have appeared to have a cerother meaning, which didn't dream of— in-

that tain

I

sulting

to

you,

know

never

But

thoughts.)

for

no more

will say

yourself but in a

—and have passed away I

moment

one

my

in

of this —

for

I

such thoughts must have come when you

was not boy

(Though

I

moment

like

a bad dream.

have not a doubt but you

entirely well — and

we

will

of derangement,

Dearest

and

will get well

one day look back on

these drawbacks and sufferings as things long past.

The extreme

cases of that malady, (as

I

you

told

have very deeply diseased you blood so they have no foundation to build on are of healthy stock, with a sound constitution and before,) are persons that

good blood— and doctors,

who pronounced

it

I

know

a case of

"

—

it

is

impossible for

it

to

barber's itch " (tinea sycosis), an exceedingly

be eradicated by lancing and cauAt Doyle's solicitation Dr. Bowen undertook the In a moment of treatment at once, but for a time no improvement was apparent. despondency Doyle declared that life burdened with such an affliction was not worth living. Whitman took his thoughtless speech too literally as appears from the letter, and it is in perfect keeping with his imperturbable faith and complete obstinate skin disease,

terizing

which he

with nitrate of

acceptance of

life

said could best

silver.

that he should have been shocked, as he was,

tion of suicide.

[41]

by even a sugges-

Calamua

My

continue long.

when

I

some

quiet place,

come back

I

you are not well good room or two in and we will live together and darling,

if

will get a

devote ourselves altogether to the job of curing you,

and making you stronger and healthier than ever. have had this in my mind before but never broached it to you. I could go on with my work in the Attorney General's office just the same and we would see that your mother should have a small sum every week to keep the pot a-boiling at home. Dear comrade, think of you very often. My love for you is indestructible, and since that night and morning has returned more than before. Dear Pete, dear son, my darling boy, my young and loving I

—

I

brother, don't let the

your mind again

devil

put such thoughts

— wickedness

in

— death hereafter —

unspeakable

and disgrace here, and hell's agonies Then what would it be afterward to the mother?

What

me? — Pete,

to

Adams' Express it is gone you plenty.

shall

it,

—

have some more,

my dear

Dear Pete,

for

darling boy.

—

have

I

long — give

him read these three remember Walt. (let

when

dearest son, and

will write again before

I

truly

send you some money by

— you use

love to Johnny Lee,

him

I

I

my love

last lines)

—

II

Brooklyn, September

thought

I

^,

1869.

would write you a

would be anxious

to hear. [42]

I

Dear

Pete.

letter to-day, as

I

you

received your letter

Calamu0 of August 24th, and

have read

I

was

a great comfort to me.

several times

it

hope everything 1

it

Dear Pete,

since.

I

going on favorably with you. think about you every day and every night. I do

hope you are

is

good

in

hear about the face.

There

the road.

it

is

pretty cool

well — mother

I

new

The weather

My

and dry.

not have such good luck,

I

is

come sudden,

have

to

exactly

tell

what

The doctor says

is

it is

ditto.

I

it

better for

do

unwell most

felt

Besides

sweat —

I

have

enough,

It is

hard

the matter or what to do.

all

from that hospital malaria,

hospital poison absorbed in the system years ago

he thinks

—

continue

all

last longer, sick

dizzy and sudden

my

pleasant here

folks

every day — some days not so bad. those spells again, worse,

want to working on I

or special in

and brothers

rate,

first

health.

suppose you are

nothing

is

or doings.

affairs

and

spirits

me

in

Washington than

—

here.

feel pretty well. About one third of the time have taken three or four of my favorite rides on described them to you in Broadway, believe I

I

I

I

my

letters

a year ago.

I

many of my old and am received with

find

and new ones too, the same warm friendship and love as way is more crowded and gay than friends,

women are

look

finer,

and the shops

many new and

ever.

Broad-

ever,

and the

richer

— then there

splendid buildings of marble or

— they seem to almost reach the clouds, are so — some of them cost millions of iron

they

dollars.

tall

[43]

Calamu6 Staging

in

N. Y. has been very poor this

summer

$9 or $10 even on the big Broadway lines roading has also been slim. New York is

—

—

—

— Railall

cut

up with railroads have seen Brooklyn also Jimmy Foy he was over to Brooklyn looking for work on a road. He was well and hearty, and wished to be remembered to you. They pay $2^ on many of the roads here and 2^ on the rest. The

—

work

is

I

pretty hard, but the hours not so long as in

Washington.

There

is

all

kinds of fun and sport

—

and lots of theatres and by day and night have not been to any amusements in full blast. of them have not been to see any of my particular women friends though sent for (the papers here here,

I

—

—

have noticed

my

arrival)

the sea-shore as

I

time has been a

failure

Now

— have

intended.

—

In fact

— Better

dear loving boy,

Pete,

not been

I

my

down

jaunt this

luck next time

don't

to

want you

— to

shall come along all right. worry about me As it is, have a good square appetite most of the and look about the time yet, good nights' sleep same as usual (which is of course lovely and fascinating beyond description). Tell Johnny Lee send him my love, and hope he is well and hearty. I sent him a letter som.e time think of him daily. ago, which suppose he received about August 26th, and showed you but have not had a word from him. Send him this letter to read, as he will wish I

I

—

I

I

I

—

to hear about me.

I

God [44]

bless

you,

dear Pete

—

Calamu0 dear loving comrade, and farewell

my

till

next time,

darling boy.

Walt. Ill

Brooklyn, Friday afternoon, Sept. lo, 1869, Dear Pete dear son. have received your letter of the 8th to-day all your letters have come safe— four

—

I

—

This

altogether.

Pete,

cisely

how

really

was.

my sickness must be my letters — and ask me

am.

I

No, dearest boy,

But Pete, you will

to learn that

am

I

mainly so for the spells

all

feeling

all

young and day

— had a

way hundreds mast

for

I

I

to write pre-

wrote just as

it

be truly happy

and have been and have had no

—

my

thought

I

life

—

good time.

All

I

felt

in fact real

New

loafed around

first rate

worse than

right,

Yesterday

that time.

jolly.

I

now

last four days,

as strong and well as ever in

all

I

you say

described in

bad

the third

have sent you (beby Adams' Express, Aug. 23rd).

one

sides that

is

York most

along Broad-

Gen.

of rich flags and streamers at half-

Rawlins'* funeral.

From the tall west wind all

waved out in a stiff across Broadway rode up late in the afternoon from the Battery to look at them,— as the sun struck through them had never seen anythought buildings they

—

—

I

I

I

thing so curious and beautiful.

On

all

the shipping,

ferry boats, public buildings, etc., flags at half-mast *John Aaron Rawlins,

C,

9 Dec,

'69.

A

but joined the Union

Army on

Adjutant General to Grant General in 1865.

b. at East Galena,

111.,

General in the Northern army.

Was

in

13 Feb., '31, d. at

Was

the outbreak of the Civil

Washington, D.

a Douglas Democrat in '60,

War and became

Assistant

1861 and Chief of Staff with the rank of Brigadier

Secretary of

War

1869.

[45]

Calamua This

too.

is

No

the style here.

black drapery for

— only thousands of flags half-mast, on the water as well as land — any big bug's funeral. right too. To-day am now towards — — mother and have just had our dinner, (my mourning

at

for

I

all

It is

3

I

mammy's own cooking

mostly,)

I

all

the forenoon knocking around

my

favorite recreation

—

I

my

hours every day of

have been out

— the

two

could spend life

water

is

or three

and never get

here,

are dear personal friends — some of the of mine — some, when we meet we kiss each other

tired

(I

am

pilots

an exception to

— some

all

their

of their boys have

known them, and they

too

customs with others)

grown up

know me and week

friendly.— Pete, the fourth

since

of

my

I

have

are very

vacation

shall return the middle of next most ended. let him read week. Give my love to Johnny Lee Dear Jack, this letter and then return it to you. received your affectionate letter of Sept. 5th. Pete, he is working have seen Tom Haslett— he is well He does extra on Broadway and 42nd St. R. R. not think of going home till Christmas. Jimmy Foy has not got work yet. suppose you got KeniU shall now take a bath, worth Well, boy, sent. dress myself and go out, cross the river, put this letter in the P. O. and then ramble and ride around the City awhile, as think we are going to have Good-bye, dear a fine evening and moonlight, etc. Walt. son we will soon be together again. is

I

—

I

—

I

I

I

I

I

—

[46]

What The

think you

battleship,

I

take

oifmg today under

The splendors envelops

Or

my

pen

in

perfect model'd,

that

I

?

saw pass

the

full sail ?

of the past day

me

hand to record majestic

?

or the splendor of the night that

?

the vaunted glory and growth of the great city spread around

me

— no

?

But merely of two simple

men

I

saw today on

the pier in the

midst of the crowd, parting the parting of dear friends,

The one

to remain

hung on the

other's neck

and passionately

kissed him.

While the one

to depart tightly prest the

one to remain

in his

arms. Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892), p. no.

[47]

Xetters of X870

Brooklyn, Saturday afternoon, July ^o [1870]. Dear Pete. Well here I am home again with my

mother, writing to you from Brooklyn once more.

We

you know,

at the corner of 7th St.

Pete there

was something

parted there,

Tuesday

night.

hour from 10 to that has

left

me

pleasure and comfort for

never dreamed that you

me

made

me.

is,

I

foolishly

But

other side. ject

I

now

all

I

much

so

with you, nor that you could

at losing

though

o'clock (parting

11

thought

it

that

was)

good

—

I

of having

so downcast

feel it

in

was

on the

all

say further on the sub-

will

see clearly, that

was

wrong.

all

I

started from the depot in the 7.25 train the next

morning

—

was

warm, yet

had a very pleasant journey, and we got in New York by 5 o'clock afternoon. About half an hour before we arrived, noticed a very agreeable change in the it

pretty

I

I

weather — the

heat had moderated

— and

has been pleasant enough every day since.

mother and

all

as well as usual.

between 4 and

5

in

the

It is

I

it

found

now Saturday

afternoon —

[48]

in fact

I

will

write

Calamue

—

more on the other side but Pete, must now hang up for the present as there is a young lady down have to go with to the ferry and stairs whom cars. across to the Sunday, 6 p.m, Pete, dear boy, will write you a line to-day before go. am going over to New York to visit the lady went down to the ferry with so you see am I

1

I

I

I

I

—

quite a lady's

man

I

my

again in

old days

nothing special to write about

is

first-rate

Monday, Aug,

/.

this forenoon for

from you.

I

another, the quite well

—

am

I

every time.

rations

keep

busy with one thing and

real

occupied

is

—

am

1

nings here are delightful and

them, sometimes on the

I

— There

is

The eve-

am always

I

sometimes

river

a cool breeze and the

think every time of

moon

you and wish

if

only be together these evenings at any day, Aug,

feeling

the time and go out a great deal,

knocking around one place and another.

York

feeling in

The carrier brought quite a bunch the Whitman family, but no letter

whole day

all

my

and eat

spirits

— There

2,

Well

you

Pete,

will

out in

in

New

shining.

we

rate.

could Tues-

have quite a

Your letter came this morning and was glad enough to get word from you. have been over to New York to-day on business

diary at this rate.

— I

I

—

it is

is

splendid to-day

a pleasure even to cross the ferry

—a

stiff

VOL. vin.— 4.

my

nose)

—

[49]

river

breeze blowing and the

smell of the salt sea blowing up

any perfume to

— the

It

is

— (sweeter

now

than

2 o'clock,

I

Calamu0

my

have had

writing this

am

dinner and

sitting

— Love to you, dear my

be so long again writing to

Pete

here alone

— and

darling boy.

won't

I

Walt,

11

Wednesday

Brooklyn,

Dear

Dear son,

Pete.

evening, which

am now

you a

Tuesday suppose you have received. As in my room and have no desire

I

sitting

to go to bed yet,

my

I

— also the Star,

to-day

I

Aug. 3 [1870]. received your second letter night,

I

commence

will

I

sent

Give

another.

— also to Pensey George — also to Mr. Shedd —

best respects to George Smith

Bell

and

and

in fact to all

his brother

my

whenever they can almost see you

railroad friends

me — Dear

enquire after

son,

I

drowsing and nodding since

home

late

and

am

I

— especially as telling

heavenly bodies

we

— and

in

now

my

Sunday, going

wait there at 7th

the midst of

fast asleep,

St.

lecturing powers.

it

I

look

and your head on

wood — an

shoulder like a chunk of

pliment to

last

you something deep about the

around and find you

my

letter

All

awful com-

the talk here

war on the Rhine, or the murder for of old Mr. Nathan, or some other murder send you a couple of there are plenty of them is

either the

—

—

I

papers with pieces about them.

Say whether they

come

for to-night, as

is

safe.

getting

I

late.

darling son

believe that

Good

— here

is

is

all

— Good night, my you, dear boy — on

night, Pete aj<iss for [50]

it

Calamue the paper here

—

— a good long one.

have been out

I

o'clock

all

— had some

—

Thursday 4th the forenoon and until about 2

New

business in

York, which

I

came back and spent an hour and

attended, then

a half on the river, with one of the pilots, a particular friend of

mine

— saw

the yachts, several of

them, including the America, out practising

for

—

the

comes off Monday the Dauntless was out yesterday and the Cambria went down the America is the handsomest litthree days ago ever laid eyes on tle craft also saw Henry Ward Beecher and had some talk with him find great race that

—

—

—

I

myself going with the several that

were

pilots

boys,

little

remember me well — around the water — sons

— ks

this

sent off to-morrow,

I

my

me — Good

night, Pete.

I

am

— fine

am

— they make 10 o'clock

willing.

will imagine

arm around All well

I

lying here on

is

my

table to be

you with your

Walt—and

neck saying Good night,

—Friday morning, Aug^.—

weather and

just going out

I

muchly— there are now grown up, and

of old pilots

of me, and of course

at night

—

hearty fellows— always

fine

much

I

I

feel

and across to

in

good

New

spirits.

York.

We

had a heavy shower here yesterday afternoon 4th, Walt. the weather is not too hot here. Ill

Brooklyn, August 7 [1870]. It is

a beautiful quiet

Dear Boy

Sunday forenoon. [51]

I

am

Pete. feeling

Calamua and have had quite a good day so far. After breakfast went out and sat a long while on

first

rate

I

the porch in front, reading the Sunday paper, enjoying the cool and shade,

sweet music

— and

besides

some

real

—A young widow next door, a friend of

mother's, has been in her parlor the last three hours,

singing and practising— she has a voice not powerful

and ornamental as the opera

ladies,

but with that

something, pleasing and tender, that goes to the

— sings

—

good old hymns and songs have enjoyed it greatly you would too it is now between ^ past lo and ii— The distant bells are slowly ringing otherwise it is pretty quiet The last two hours have been up here reading my proof. I have four or five hours of this every day, which gives me something to do an employment like have just taken out your last letter and read Pete, it over again went out on a kind of little excursion by myself last night all alone It was very pleasant, cool enough and the moon shining I think of you too, Pete, and a great deal of the time. Tuesday afternoon, ()th, was out yesterday a great part of the day on the river to see the yacht race over a thousand spectator boats, big, little, and middle sized many of them all drest with flags, bright right spot

—

—

—

—

I

—

—

I

—

I

—

—

—

I

—

colored streamers,

etc.,

streaming over the green

waters, beneath the sunshine and bright blue sky a grand sight boats, lots

—

— and the beautiful yachts and pleasure

and

lots of

them, with immense white [52]

Calamus sails, like

— boats —

great wings, tearing along in the breeze

the bay each side alive with people on the 150,000 people they say

—

— the shores

and

hills

cov-

was out again last night. It was fine.— Your welcome letter of the 8th has come ered for miles too

this

I

morning, dear loving son, and has pleased me, as

That accident on the bridge was indeed terrible that bridge is a disgrace to Washington, anyhow Pete, I wish you to tell Mr. and Mrs. Nash always.

— —

and your cousin, and respects

on 7th

all,

I

send them

— Also

my

best

Henry Hurt, also Andy Woolbridge Wednesday afternoon, loth. Dear son.

St.

— quite unhappy about your bad luck again — reported by some Yours of 9th, came

this forenoon

feel

I

damned fool, and taken off by a worse damned fool school will But you keep a good heart, Pete keep somehow have no room to write more at want to keep writing present— Dear loving son, But just in the frequently. Walt. Just going out

—

—

—

I

I

—

nick of time before

I

sealed this letter as

I

dressing to go out, Mother sung out to foot of the stairs third letter.

— and

Pete,

you

I

had finished

me from

the

got your good welcome

are doing

first rate.

I

guess

something stronger than Kisdon't find any place in sengen Tell Dr. Milburn N. Y. or Brooklyn to compare with his for the mineral drinks But am living more to suit me in the grub Pleasants

was

after

—

—

line, this

I

I

weather

— not

so

much meat —mother's

cookery, and quite a good deal of [53]

fruit,

etc.— A lovely

Calamue steak and perfect coffee this morning

broiled

—

wish you had been on hand, young man. IV

Dear Son.

Brooklyn, August 12 [1870]. of yesterday

i

has just this minute come, and

ith,

wish to write a few before Sunday.

I

now

5

is

it

not

about

lines so that

to the worst.

It

have not time to write much, as p.m.

Dear son,

is

now

1

as soon as the hot season

thing will be brisker this

hope you will even if it comes

thought that business

generally throughout the country

the war.

I

you may get them

discouraged at the situation,

feel

Yours

is

ready to revive

done, and that every-

is fall

than any time since

Dear Pete, whatever happens,

in

such ups

and downs, you must try to meet it with a stout heart. As long as the Almighty vouchsafes you health, strength, and a clear conscience, let other and let Riker go to hell. things do their worst,

—

You

are better off to-day to

be what you

are,

than

—poor thin-livered — My darling son, will send you $5 cuss that he — as can easily every Saturday, should you be — won't spare that, and you can depend upon

to be

him with

his $10,000 a year

is.

I

idle

I

it

go

far,

but

it

may

take the edge

loving kisses to you, dear son I

shall lose to-night's mail.

[54]

—

off.

for

I

it

Many, many must close, or Walt.

Calamus

Brooklyn, August 22, 1870.

not heard from you

now

Dear

last

to

have received.

I

went hope

to work, all is

written ?

you

you

a

— that

right

is,

to

took

with you son,

money.

if

work next

was the granted that you

for

it

at

day,

since

it

— but why have

not to work

I

— and

I

you not

wish to send

Everything goes well with

me

everything goes as well as can be ex-

—

pected

—

often,

and sometimes spend nearly

I

have

Your letter which you said the

and have been

— Dear

little

go I

I

for nine days.

of 13th, (last Saturday week,) in

orders were for

Pete.

am

feeling first rate

sea-shore a few miles down.

I

am down

am

I

all

the bay

day on the

sunburnt and

all

and weigh several pounds more than when I left Washington. A friend who has n't seen me for ''Why Walt, you a good while said this morning but I will close by are fatter and saucier, than ever and to him I sending my love to my darling son red,

— —

''

shall

—

always be the same old Walt. VI

Brooklyn, August 25

[

1

Dear Son.

870].

I

will

begin a letter for you to-day, and probably finish

to-morrow, and send it

it

off,

here, days

Thursday

so that you will have

The heat

by or before Sunday.

is

again upon us

— but the nights are pleasant. and 4 — and afternoon, between

writing this in

It is

3

my room

on Portland Ave.

[55]

it

I

now am

Pete,

Calamus

my

one month of

exactly

leave

have been out quite a

v/hile

is

up to-day.

I

New

to-day over to

and seeing to one thing and another. It was sweaty work. On my way back I went up in the pilot house and sailed across York, to the printing

office,

— a fine breeze blowing. bath — ate my dinner — and

Then

the river three times

home

am

— took

a

alone most

all

stript,

and writing

possible,

here

I

taking things as cool as

your

Pete,

this letter.

letter

came yesterday, and the one written partly that night and partly 24th came this forenoon. Those are the only letters have received since the one of 13th telling me the orders were for you to go to work next day (Sunday). have been uneasy ever since to hear. The letter received this morning of 23rd

I

I

gives

me

the

have turned cast aside

first definite

Dear son,

out.

irritating

all

information I

want you

good

it

is

a good deal habit.

part of last

each time early dark.

I

am

week down

in

to try to

the

is

the main

and

battle of

That

part of getting along through the toil

— and

things

thoughts and recollections,

and preserve a cheerful mind. life

how

was away a bay went away I

—

home

the morning, and got

having quite jovial times.

went

I

Wallack's theatre one night lately with a friend

wanted to see a piece

called Frit:{

—a

after

to

who

miserable

was glad enough to get out in the open air away from such humbug. am still feeling gay and hearty. work several hours a sickish

piece.

I

I

I

[56]

Calamue day keeping things straight among the printers and founders on my books. They are being cast in electrotype plates. "^

when we

Well

meet.

you more about

will tell

I

Pete,

it

guess this will do

I

think of sallying forth soon as the sun gets pretty well down, and crossing to New for to-day.

I

around two or three hours. Friday afternoon, August 26, Well went over to New York last evening up town to see some friends

York to

loafe

I

—

—

come home about der shower.

It

1

—just

1

in

time to escape a thun-

splendid to-day

is

—

have been

I

—

day working, quite busy and have just got home, and had my dinner— it is now about 4. It

over

is

all

quite pleasant riding here in Brooklyn

large

open

cars, in

quite enjoy

good weather

— Pete,

my

give

Nash, and to your

Mrs.

— not

Murphy

Wash

also

bye

it

Milburn

for this time,

— God

my own

real lively

respects to Mr. and

cousin

forgetting the

it is

— we have —

— also

to

Jenny

boys on the road

bless

you

— and

—

good-

Walt.

dear loving boy.

VII

Brooklyn, September ceived your 31st, tell

welcome

Ned

enclosing

Ned

and that

I

am

I

here

send

my

in

2,

Dear

1870,

plates

were used

I

re-

letter of

Aug. 27th and also

Stewart's

— when

you write

Brooklyn, loafing around

love.

Pete,

there

particular to write about this time * These

Pete.

for the 1871 -'72

[57]

and

is

nothing

— pretty

'76 eds. oi Leaves

—

much

of Grass,

Calamu0 the same story

down

or going

— every day out to

Coney

on the bay awhile,

Island beach

— and

every

day from two to four or five hours in the printing office— still keep well and hearty, and the weather is fine warm through the middle of the day, and I

—

morning and nights

cool

—

I

fall

with a good

in

— the young — knew fellows (now not so young) that — mately here before the war some are dead — and some have got married — and some have grown — one of the was up with yesterday and — Avenue was night he has a big house on there to — dinner (dinner 8 p.m.!) — everything many

of

my

acquaintances of years ago

inti-

I

rich

latter

I

Fifth

last

I

at

in

the loudest sort of style, with wines,

waiters, etc. etc. etc.

But my friend

is

silver,

just

nigger

one of the

manliest, jovialest, best sort of fellows — no and just the one to you and me, — no women the house — he single — he wants me to make not do but go my home there — — the dinners and good wines there very frequently — Well are attractive a fine then there Pete, am on the second month of my furlough — airs,

suit

in

is I

shall

that,

shall

library.

is

I

to think

it is

almost six weeks since

we

parted there

that night — my dear loving boy, how much want have received to see you — seems a long while. I

it

I

good letter from Mr. O'Connor, and also one from John Rowland who is in the office for me. Nothing a

— Well, Pete, about half of our separasoon pass over — the next six weeks

new

in office

tion

is

will

[58]

Calamu0

away

— indeed me

land told

bye

may

it

be only four, as John

he might wish to go away

for the present,

my

Row-

— Goodmy

loving son, and give

any of the boys that ask about me. Walt.

respects to

VIII

Brooklyn, September 6th,

Dear Son. see by your letter of the 4th, that you are working as usual. sometimes fancy see you and 14* and Mr. Shedd going up or down the avenue or at the end at Georgetown or Navy Yard— the old familiar route and scenes the circle, the President's House Willards' 7th Street Capitol I

— the

writing,

hours every

health and spirits

—

— — —

proof-reading, etc.

—

I

I

keep pretty busy,

am

day—

— weigh several

but, as a small drawback,

—

—

Hill, etc. etc. etc.

several

office

I

I

—

Gate

1870.

at the printing I

feel

in

pound heavier

and something new

me, find myself needing glasses every time write

capital

f- this has grown upon me

I

—

for

read or

very rapidly since

and during the hot weather, and especially since I left read and write as little as Washington so as that possible, beyond my printing matters, etc. occupies several hours and tires my eyes sometimes. We are having splendid fall weather, both days and

—

**• 14"

time and •'

is

was

the

used as a

number

name

I

—

of the street car of which Pete

for the car

by Whitman.

was conductor

at this

Mr. Shedd was the driver on

14."

t

about

He was

in his fifty-second year.

The average age

forty-five.

[59]

to begin wearing glasses

is

Calamue Last night

nights.

I

was out

late

— the

scene on

clear,

and the

— the sky moon shining her brightest — almost with the cold — and so put home.

the river

was heavenly

I

felt

chilly at

for

One of German

last

the prettiest sights

now

is

to see the great

steamers, and other ships, as they lay tied up along shore, '*

all

covered with gay flags and streamers

— flaunting out the sky and sun — honor, victory of the German Armies —

dress ship" as they

call

in

it

breeze, under a brilliant

of course, of the all

all in

the spars and rigging are hid with hundreds and

hundreds of capping

flags

— a big

me

leon fully deserves his fate

to death

—

the meanest scoundrel (with ever §at on a throne. ever,

I

nation first

of

— of

all

consider him by far

I

his smartness) that

all

make

way

— Louis Napo-

a distinction,

foreign nations, she has

Pete,

all.

good you are

how-

was

just reading over your last

—

feeling falls

I

my sympathy

Dear son, you must try to keep up

heart.

One soon

You say you do am afraid but (or have felt) somewhat unhappy. I

into the habit of getting

or deprest and will

I

that the

admire and love the French, and France as a

letter again.

a

white and black flag

red,

Of course you may know

all.

the war turns out suits

he

—

moody

—

if

a

man

low

allows himself,

always find plenty to make him so

one [has] his trouble, disappointments, especially every

young and

has to work for his

living. [60]

I

— Every-

rebuffs, etc.

proud-spirited

But

spirited

man who

want you

to try

Calamue and put a brave face against everything that hapfor it is not so much the little misfortunes of pens

—

way we

them and brood over them, that causes the trouble. About the have to say is to say nothing** tiresome" all only a good smacking kiss and many of them and taking in return many, many, many, from my dear good loving ones too which will do more son life

themselves, as the

take

—

I

—

—

—

and complaining

credit to his lips than growling

his father.

at

Walt. IX

Dear Son. wrote Tuesday, 6th, which suppose you The last have from you is yours

Brooklyn, September 9, 1870,

you a

letter last

have received.

I

1

of Sunday, 4th.

busy with the

I

1

am

here

still

printing.

Brooklyn, quite

in

have received a

I

letter

from John Rowland, who is working for me in the office, complaining that he has to work too hard,— I

should think by his

he means to back out if so, it will be a bad loss

letter

me — to me — But

of his bargain with

and inconvenience it

whatever happens.

shorten

my

back and do

month.

leave,

is

and that

my work

Dear Pete,

times, and are in

It

I

good

coolish weather here.

I

I

shall not fret

about

likely

that this will

shall

have to come

myself, about the end of the

hope you are having good spirits.

The

drivers

coats mornings and evenings. [61]

We As

I

are having quite

wear sit

their over-

here writing

Calamus Friday afternoon, I

am

New

going over to

shall leave this

awhile

cloudy and threatens

is

it

York

and O. and then go around

the P.

in

an hour or

in

— possibly going to Niblo's

play Shakespeare's Julius

am

I

afraid

letter this time,

write,

I

shall

I

not

but you take

thought

with

to-night,

stars in the piece.

make out much of a it so hard when don't I

would send a few

I

so,

Theatre, as they

Ccesar

Davenport and quite a bunch of Son,

rain.

lines

— they

would be better than nothing. God bless you, and farewell for this time. Walt. loving boy

—

my

Dear Pete. Your letters of loth and 12th have come safe, and are dear son, see that you are hard at work welcome Brooklyn, September 75, 1870,

—

I

— am glad to hear — wish you to — practice makes

and appear to be in lively spirits you practice with the arithmetic try and do a little with it every day perfect will

all

— you come

will see

to

how

you —

If

have an idea of the world

too.

Amos

was one of the

first (I

don't

of the railroad

men

there

tion for Mrs. Dye, for $5.

I

I

will either

if

how

clear

it

you have the Geography little

and rode with — Pete

1

soon and

or Atlas, look into that a

hear of the death of

I

too I

— one

am

needs to

concerned to

Dye — poor Amos — he

know

first)

got acquainted with,

I

there

but the very

is

any further subscrip-

you to put me down send the money, or give it to

authorize

[62]

Calamua her

when

weeks.

am now

I

lough —

return.

i

shall

I

in

return in about three

the eighth

seven weeks

week

of

my

fur-

Tuesday night since we parted there at the corner of yth Street. Well Pete, dear loving boy, must now close for to-day. Walt. Late Friday afternoon, September i6. Dear Son. have time to add only a few words, in order it is

last

I

I

to put

it

in

while every day at considerable

am working a yet —but go around

the mail this evening.—

—

still

my printing go out

I

I

the bay

in

— and enjoy

—

among my friends here and in riding around, etc. The weather is very fine, both days and nights don't know whether told you how myself

— —

1

I

I

stand

now

about the war

—

suffice

it

to say, that

gone on, and as the case stands, I find myself now far more for the French than I ever was for the Prussians— Then propose to take as things have

I

my

you when return, in celebration of the pegging out of the Pope and all his gang of Cardinals and priests and entry of Victor Emanuel into Rome, and making it the capital of the great independent Italian nation. Good-bye till next time, darling boy. Walt. first

drink with

I

—

XI

Dear Your letter of last Sunday and Monday came was glad to see you so cheerful and feeling All as seemed plain by the tone of the letter.

Brooklyn, Friday, September 23 \_1876]. Pete. safe

—

well,

[63]

Calamu0 goes right with me.

am

I

matters

move along

pected,

taking

feeling well,

as favorably as could be ex-

things

all

and business

in

The

consideration.

here too — we had has been Saturday and Sunday — and since then am out dashing around every clear and bright — — day fetch up home every night somewhere be-

weather

is

elegant

rain

last

it

I

tween 10 and o'clock, quite tired. The river and bay get more and more beautiful, under these splendid September skies, the green waves and white foam relieved by the white sails of the crowds for the shipping interest of ships and sail craft I

—

is

brisker this

fall

than

it

has been for twelve years.

Say to Harry Hurt, Mr. Shedd, Pensey and George Bell, Baley Murdock, George Smith, Dr. and Wash Milburn, or any of the railroad boys, or other friends that

may

inquire after me,

that

I

send them

my

best respects — not forgetting my friends Mr. and Mrs. Nash — also Father Boyle — (By the bye, Pete, I

have taken a great

fearful drink

of whiskey,

honor of the news that arrived night before

in last

wait.) of Victor Emanuel entering Rome — could — now between and 4— Later — afternoon n't

I

It

is

3

heavy to a great dish of stewed beef and onions mother cooked for dinner and shall presently cross over to New York and have been pitching

in

mail this letter— shall probably go to

ment with ley's

a friend this

some amuse-

evening — most

Serenaders.— Pete, dear son. [64]

I

likely

hope

Buck-

this will

Calamus find

you

all

not be long

right,

now

and everything lovely before shall be back

—

I

my

take care of yourself,

—

will

It

then,

till

Walt.

loving son. XII

Brooklyn, Friday afternoon, September

2<) \_i8']6\.

my room, having just eat a hearty dinner with my mammy (who has this month entered on her 76th year, but to my Dear Son.

I

am

sitting here in

eyes looks young and handsome yet).— It

and cloudy day and the in torrents.

It

rain

is

just

is

now pouring down

a great disappointment to

is

as Farragut's * funeral celebration

a dark

was

to

many,

come

off

and all the military, and departments here, and hundreds of societies, orders, schools, etc. had prepared to turn out and most of them did turn

to-day,

—

out this forenoon, only to get soaked with

and

covered with

talion,

all

pants,

and

mud —

so spruce silver

bright and trim

and

I

saw one

rain,

crack

bat-

handsome, with white

gray coats, and

everything so

when they marched down— and

an hour and a half afterwards, they looked draggled roosters that had been

pumped on

have had weeks and weeks of the very

finest

like

— we

weather

morning and now it is the worst kind to be out in. Still we want rain so very much, received your one don't feel to complain. Pete, up to

early this

I

* David Glasgow Farragut, the celebrated American admiral, 1801, d. Portsmouth, N. H., 14 Aug., '70. voL.vin.-s. j-g^j

b. in

Tenn. 5 July,

Calamue last letter, letter,

and

— was a good long, welcome — you write about the Signal the 26th

lively

it

— Allen deserves credit persevering and studying — and hope he do well — and think he too — he sober, and to get ahead — anyhow he a young man — Thornett Corps

for

will

I

will

for

tries

is

is

like

I

is

manly fellow, cute, plucky, etc. he has one fault, and a bad one that is he will drink, and spree it True it is which spoils all none of my business, but feel that it would be perhaps the making of him, if he would give it up, and find his pleasure in some other way Pete, should you see Allen again, give him my love and the same for Thornett also. Did you mean for me to write what think of your joining the Signal Corps? But are you proficient enough in studies? heartily advise you to peg away at the arithmearithmetic is tic do something at it every day the foundation of all such things (just as a good become stone wall is the foundation for a house) and you surely a good arithmetician first of all will, ifyou keep pegging away a little every day— how much leisure you have after all, that might be used a very intelligent

—

—

—

I

—

—

I

—

1

—

—

—

—

for

study

—

I

don't

mean

one hour out of every over the Geography bring a

little

pocket

all

your

— when

1

would warrant you becoming [66]

but say

keep looking

come back

Dictionary — with

writing every day, and correcting I

leisure,

three — then

by the

15

I

will

minutes

dictionary

a correct speller

and

Calamue real

one

handsome is

a

finely so

fair

writer in a year or arithmetician

many

spells

things are open to him.

stand at present

next Sunday.

and

less— and when

I

and writes As things

expect to be back by or before

Walt.

[67]

Behold

this

swarthy

face, these

gray eyes,

This beard, the white wool unclipt upon

My brown hands and

my

the silent manner of

Yet comes one a Manhattanese and ever lightly

And

I

on the

lip

^

neck.

me

without charm;

at parting kisses

me

with robust love,

on the crossing of the

street or

on the ship's deck give a

kiss in return,

We observe that salute of American comrades land We are those two natural and nonchalant persons.

and

sea,

Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892), p. 105.

[68]

Xetters of 187X

I

Brooklyn,

home

last

June

21, 187 1.

night between

sound — found

11

Dear and

mother up waiting

dark and stormy, as rain had set

Pete. 12

for in

arrived

I

and

safe

all

me —

about

was

It

9 — had

— took a chair the served seat 50 cents extra — plenty of room and a very easy riding car — thought while was quite a pleasant journey

re-

in

car,

sitting

I

now

my

would write a line to boy Pete. The Thursday forenoon. weather is very fine now here plenty cool enough went over to New York yesterday afternoon and evening took a ride up and down Broadway am now laying off and taking it easy in my room find up here

— it

in

room waiting

for dinner

I

—

I

—

— —

very pleasant here

—

fall

just as natural into habits

of doing nothing — on the sofa and read the papers — come up punctually to my meals — sleep a great deal — and take everything very quietly. Friday — ?tXe, will and this scribbling — Sunday send am off so you will get lie

I

finish

it

feeling

letter,

it

for

I

well and enjoying myself doing nothing, [693

Calamue

V

spending a great deal of time with

my

mother, and

going out a few hours every day on the river or over to New York I hope you are feeling all right,

—

and that everything this

time

— Love

lovely

is

—

believe that

I

you must the tribulations and

to you, dear son, and

keep a good heart through

all

botherations, not only of railroading but ally.

I

is all

life

gener-

find that Foster the ''Car assassin"

old driver and conductor that

I

knew

an

is

quite well

—

he was a very good man, very respectable, only a fool

when drunk

He has

—

it

the saddest case

is

three fine children

upon him savage Walt.

— and

I

— the

public

I

is

suppose no hope

know.

down

for

him.

II

Dear Pete. Well here am still, pretty much the same thing, doing noI By your letter see thing and taking things easy. that you too are jogging along about the same, on Brooklyn, July

-j,

187 1,

I

your

car,

with an occasional

let

up.

Often

jaunts around the City, or on the bay,

I

in

my

wish you

were with me, as you would enjoy it much. he have seen Mr. Hart, formerly of the Chronicle Pete, is about the same in appearance as formerly. I

—

I

will

not write

much

this time, as

I

am

feeling

We had and stupid this forenoon. a fine shower last night, and there is some breeze Pete, here but it is pretty warm and oppressive somewhat

dull

—

—

[70]

Calamu0 a loving kiss for you, dear son, and much,

much

love for you, as ever, from your affectionate

com-

is

Walt.

rade and father.

Ill

Brooklyn, Friday, July 14 [1871]. Dear Pete— is pretty much the same with me, as when I

It

my

wrote

former

letters

—

still

home

here with

my

mother, not busy at anything particular but taking a

good

deal of comfort

but one stands

it

—

It

has been very hot here,

better here than in

on account perhaps of the sea-air — well,

and

am

am

out around every day.

quite a brush in N. Y.

lower

I

Washington,

orders.

Catholic,

on

still

feeling

There was

Wednesday — the

Irish

had determined that the

—

Orange parade, Protestant, should be put down mob fired and threw stones military fired on mob between 30 and 40 killed, over a hundred wounded it was but you have seen all about it in papers all up in a distant part of the City, three miles from Wall Street five sixths of the City went on with

—

— —

—

—

its

business just the same as any other

day— saw I

a big squad of prisoners carried along under guard

— they reminded ers

brought

New

— no

in

me

of the squads of rebel prison-

Washington,

six

years ago.

The

York police looked and behaved splendidly

—

great brown, few words, but action (Irish bearded, able, American looking fellows stock, though, many of them)— had great pleasure fuss,

I

[71]

Calamu0 in

looking on them

quite set

me up

worn, looked ceived your

veterans — Pete,

of nurse, as she

home

letters that

the

among

dear son,

I

re-

is

my

1

— she

is

doctoring.

much

Pete,

everything goes on right

road — give

dusty and

and was glad to get them. sick, and have been sort here alone, none of my sisters

at present

morning, under

all

it

letters,

— Mother has been quite being

new, to me,

to see such chaps,

like

two

— something

my

regards

best

I

better this

by your with you on see

to

my

friends

and conductors. Dear son, I shall now soon be coming back, and we will be together again, as my leave is up on the 22nd, I am now going to take a bath and dress myself to go over to New York. Love to you, my dearest boy, and good bye for this time. Walt. the

drivers

IV

By

\_Sunday, \6July, 1871.]

the sea-shore. Coney

—

Dear Pete will write you a few lines as sit here, on a clump of sand by the sea shore having some paper in my haversack, and an hour or two yet before start back. Pete, wish you were with me the few hours past have just had a splendid swim and souse in the surf the waves are slowly rolling in, with hoarse Island,

Sunday J p.m.

I

I

—

I

—

I

—

roar that

is

music to

my

ears

— the

breeze blows

pretty brisk from southwest, and the sun

clouded — from

where

I

sit [72]

I

I

is

partially

look out on the bay

Calainu0

and down the Narrows, vessels direction in the distance

—a

ocean steamship streaking

— and the

lines of hills

on the Jersey coast, a here around me, as

—

sand

— but

I

don't

I

Dear

then the Son.

I

York

far, far

away

veiled with blue vapor

sit it is

know how

salt

New

up toward

and mountains,

to that soothing, rumbling

— and

great big black long

it

little

every

sailing in

nothing but barren

long

I

could

sit

here,

murmuring of the waves Friday, July [21].

breeze.

wrote the preceding nearly a week

— Nothing very new or special with me — Mother has been quite unwell, gets better, then worse again — have applied a few days' further leave — The weather

ago, intending to finish and send

it

then

I

for

here remains nearly perfect—

we

have had but three

or four uncomfortably hot days the past five

—every day a

fine breeze smelling of the sea.

weeks Pete,

you are still working, and all is going on smooth, you can send me that $50. —You might get Mr. Milburn to send it to me by Post Office Order give it to him with this envelope, and ask him to go to P. O. and send a P. O. Order to me it will save you the trouble But Pete, dear boy, if anything has turned up in meantime, you need n't if

—

—

—

send

it,

as

I

can get along otherwise

well, both in health

my

book

is

doing

I

am

doing

and business prospects here

—

— so everything lovely high — Your loving comrade

first rate

and the goose hangs and father. Walt.

—

[73]

is

'

Calamu6

V Brooklyn,

Pete—

I

Monday forenoon, July 24

received the $50 to-day

all

Dear

[ 1 87 1 ] .

right,

and a

real

me — have money but cannot have the use of it just now — so this comes first rate.— spent yesterday down on the sea-shore, was all by myself, had a splendid good day, took my dinner with me — help to

I

I

I

went down in the boat twelve miles in the morning, and back in a big open horse car toward evening through the fields and woods very pleasant in-

—

— staid a long while the water — weather per— Mother better to-day — she has been pretty with several ups and downs — am as well as a fellow can be — eat and sleep tremendous — stay here a week or so longer — be back part of next week nothing happens — Well Pete, believe that this morning — Good bye, deed

in

fect

is

sick,

I

shall

shall

first

if

is all

I

my

darling son,

loving father.

and a

long kiss from your

long,

Walt. VI

Dear son—

Brooklyn, July 28 [1871, Friday']. shall return

Jersey City

on Monday next,

— (the

train

have received your to-day

full

I

letter of

New

the 12.30 train from

usually

as well as usual

have been on to

in

come

the 26th.

—

I

I

in).

Pete,

I

Mother seems

continue

all

right

—

I

Haven, about 75 miles from is in a dying condition

here — a former friend of mine

there from consumption, and expressed such a strong £74]

Calamu6 desire to see me, that

would

die while

I

was

a skeleton, faculties

whisper—

I

Well, bub,

I

went

on.

— he

I

was

thought he

wasted to good, but voice only a low there

all

returned last night, after midnight.

my

time here

is

short

—

—

I

have had a

—

good quiet visit the best in some respects yet and feel satisfied My darling son, we will very

—

1

soon

be

together

again,

Walt.

[75]

your

loving

comrade,

Xettets of 1872

1

Brooklyn, 107 North Portland Ave., Feb. 16, 1872.

Dear

—We are having a very severest of the winter — freezes

Dear, dear son

Pete.

cold spell here, the

up the pipes through the house, and burst them yesterday, causing great trouble I too have got a bad cold, my head all stopped. I came through all right

—

last

on time

Saturday,

Mother

is

very well,

a pleasant trip

— am mother — stay

as well as usual

full

having quiet good times, in

— quite

home with

I

the house more than usual on account of the bit-

ter cold (but

day).

I

will

this time,

go out two or three hours during the only write this very short letter to you

but send you

think about

—

my

love,

my

darling son

you every day, dear son

— will

—

I

write

more soon here is a kiss for you, dear loving son. Walt. Pete, am making out a poor scraggy letter to you this time feel pretty well, but don't seem to feel like writing Good bye for to-day, my loving boy. Your true Father and comrade always. I

—

I

—

[76]

<i:alamu0

II

Brooklyn J Friday noon, Feb. 23 [1872]. Dear letter received Son Your this morning speaks of the mild weather there but it has been and re-

—

—

mains very cold here

— so

around half as much as

I

much

w^ould

on, though not so bad as at

so that

My

like.

first.

The

go cold hangs I

don't

state of the

my cold, etc., have rather blocked me my usual enjoyment here, so far — but

weather, and

from having

I

make up

by and by. Dear son, see you are off* take it by your letter that you are feeling well in health, and having as good a time as the law allows wish we could be together there, some of these moonlight nights but here it expect to

—

for

it

I

I

—

I

— — (the water pipes here froze again night, causing trouble) — go out a couple of hours middle of the day, but keep nights — have got the new edition of my book under way — and will be satisfactory think — will be one is

too cold for comfort last

I

in

it

make a better appearance than any former ones Do you go up to the Debates

volume, and of the in

will

—

the Senate ?

—

see

I

by the papers they

are having

appears to

come out

ahead of

— Senator Schurz — he a them

enjoy the

way he

high times

all

is

real

good speaker

shakes them up (very

first class terrier in I

in

It

1

a

pit,

with a lot of rats).

send you $10 enclosed, as you

you want more, you

much

write, as *I.e., off work.

[77]

I

like a

Pete,

— Should have plenty — am

may need I

—

it

I

Calamue writing this up in

my

back room,

a nice breakfast of hot potatoes

and

salmon, with the best coffee that

made bread and sweet

butter

get along well enough

same — so

good-bye

home— have first-rate

made

's

had Oregon home-

—

— everything tip-top —

— you

must

for this time,

try to

do the

my own

loving

boy— Walt. Ill

Brooklyn,

Son — lam

Monday evening, March 4

[1872].

Dear

my room

home, alone it is snowing hard and heavy outside and cold and wintry as ever there has not been one mild day sitting here in

—

here for the past three weeks

— two

thirds of the

—

and gusty wind and clouds of dust and this with bitter cold seems to me I have felt the cold more than for the last three winters But I

time

spiteful

—

reckon

I

have said enough on

this

— point. — Pete,

cannot write anything interesting to you as

go anywhere nor see anything new — to the bringing out the

as the plates

a job — also).

I

were

all

am home

new

I

edition of

ready before,

I

I

do not

have attended

my

it is

book, but

not

much

of

every night (and half the days

Tuesday noon.

I

am

afraid this letter is not

destined to be very cheering night with sore throat, pretty

—

was attacked last still make out bad I

—

I

—

the morning to worry down a fair breakfast last evening towards weather has been so infernal sundown, begun the spitefulest wind and cold I ever this

—

[78]

Calamu6 knew, great clouds suddenly come up, inky black, and all of a sudden snow fell so thick and fast, it was like a dense fog, it

in

— so thick the hard wind did — lasted about half an

n't dissipate

the least

hour, and

this

was about the highest old weather exhibition ever witnessed snow fell two inches thick in fifteen minutes. Dear Pete, how are you getting along ?— I

—

how

about Sailer and the R. R.?

Dear Pete,

long as

I

originally intended

before, the lines

don't think

I

home

end of in

this

grinding

month

I

shall

—

some good

your

I

be back, by, or

am

writing these

— mother something — and

sitting in the

is

coffee in a coffee mill

Eddy*

—

it

is

smells

— have retreated to the kitchen the hot — here now am not am Washington —

good fire

—

in

shall stay here as

I

the kitchen

rocking chair sewing

suppose slow

I

— by what you said

and aggravating enough last.

—

for

(I

like

I

in

I

you would laugh to see me hovering over the fire) My darling son you must keep a good heart don't get discouraged

— love

—

to you, baby,

I

enclose |io.

—and can send you whatever you want — Walt. IV Brooklyn, Thursday forenoon [March

Dear Son—Well, am still close quarters by the weather

here, Pete, kept

I

— but

it

7,

1872].

in pretty

seems to be

* Edward Whitman, a younger brother, who was imbecile. Walt Whitman always spoke of him as " crippled." He provided for Eddy during a large part of his

(W. W.'s)

life

and made provision

1892 only a few weeks after

W.

for his

W.'s

maintenance

own [79]

death.

in his will.

But Eddy died in

Calamu0 something of a

up

let

ing special to write

send you a

morning.

line this

$io.

There

morning.

about— but

two days ago with sent) write

this

—(the

me whether you

I

I

thought

I

would

you a

sent

second $io

received

noth-

is

1

letter

have

all right.

it

I

way things long now be-

hope you are not discouraged by the

work on the road fore

I

shall

—

won't be very

It

be back with you

— Give my love

to Mr.

— Wash Milburne wish him and success the graduate of pharmacy" everything else — give him my love. — Pete, believe and Mrs. Nash

tell

I

''

in

line, I

that

is all

this time, dear baby,

from your loving

With a

Walt.

father.

107 North Portland Ave., Brooklyn, [1872].

kiss

Dear Son

—

I

will just write

March

you a

line,

75

as

you may be looking for word from me Saturday. The weather has let up a little, but it is cold enough yet have been to the Italian Opera twice, heard Nilsson both times,— she is very fine One night

—

I

—

Trovatore, and one, Robert, with Brignoli—both good. I

expect to return

in

about two weeks

—

I

ing this here in the kitchen,

home,— have

my own room

it is

this visit, as

I

am

writ-

deserted

so cold even with a

three days, commen— Mother had a bad — about as usual to-day and but cing Sunday — We have splendid buckwheat cakes yesterday spell

fire

last

is

for

breakfast— sometimes

1

fry [80]

them myself—

I

wish

Calamue you could

and eat breakfast

just be here

my mammy

makes the best

buckwheats

ditto

the last only

ditto.

1

believe that

are beginning to

is all

works

also Adrian Jones, that

windy — and

am

—Well,

going over to

clear,

New

any

to

me —

inquire for

the theatre

in

Pete,

—

it

is

and

cold,

York to have

my

a lot of

books sent to England by to-morrow's Dear son, send my best love, as always.

steamer.

We will

I

may

Friday forenoon,

ten,

after

slip.

in

do pretty

Remember me

this time.

of the boys on the road that

now

—My new edi-

one volume bound handsomely

send you the publisher's

I

and

the same plates as

it is

— my books

green cloth well —

in

think

I

coffee in the world,

— mince-pies — from

tion * looks best yet

—

I

soon be together again, dear son.

Walt.

VI Brooklyn, Friday forenoon,

March 22

[1872].

Dear Pete— received your letter yesterday. Pete, you must be quite steady at work, and no time to I

spare.

sidering

Well, perhaps things.

all

it is

The

just as satisfactory con-

cold weather has just kept

on here, as before — cold enough then a spell of

now and day since

then I

damned

the time

— and

bitter stinging cold

every

extra — not

have been

all

one single mild

home — six

weeks —

warm am I

middling well, go out some every day, but not * covers

/. e.,

the '72 edn. of the Leaves.

— the '72

in

The

dark green doth.

VOL. VIII.— 6.

[81]

'71

edn.

was

issued in pale green

paper

Calamu0

much

— Best thing

is

my

eating and sleeping—

\

fall

back on them altogether— sleep splendid, have a good bed, plenty of cover get up pretty early though and make the fire, and set things agoing, before mother comes out she has had some bad times with rheumatism, etc. one hand and arm I

—

—

quite disabled in

—

—

she

still

very cheerful, looks well

is

the face, and does more

work cooking,

—

than

etc.,

most young women We have grand breakfasts, buckwheat cakes, coffee, etc., eggs, etc. —just wish you could come in mornings and partake. We

two* always breakfast together, and it is first rate So you see fall back upon sleeping and eating,

—

(as

I

I

said)

— hope he

— Should be

Good

bye,

to-day

will call

Well, Pete,

mail.

my

glad to see Parker Milburn I

send you a paper by

believe that

I

darling son

out a success, do they? jealous

— Give

my

Jones,

and

the R.

all

—

is

all,

time.

this

— So the new shirts turn

I

love to R.

have a great mind to be

Wash boys.

Milburn, Adrian

Your loving old

Walt. VII

Brooklyn, Friday afternoon

Dear Boy Pete—

I

[March

have received your

the paper with the account of Mr.

death Pete,

— I

it

seems

shall

a

I. e.,

1872].

and

letter,

Huntington's

sudden and sorrowful thing

continue here another *

29,

his

mother and himself. [82]

week

—

I

—

see

Calamu0 you

working

are

tinue pretty well

appears quite steady

[it]

— Mother

middling

is

two days the weather has been have been out most of the time 4 and

5

— am

—

am

I

darling boy,

I

on business, (so

good buss

pleasant

New

York

— and

dry up

feel

last

—

this even-

— Pete,

have been writing some long

etc.

will just

I

— This

con-

now between my room, home

write about

to

special

1

It is

writing this up in

going out, and over to

ing—Nothing

—

real

—

very

little

my

letters

like writing

for this occasion),

here

is

a

to you, dear son, from your loving father

always.

VIH Brooklyn, Friday forenoon, April 5 [1872]. Dear Son I expect to be back in Washington next

— week — somewhere am well — Mother

in

the middle of the week.

pretty well

is

—

I

—

I

received your

— Pete, things must be going on about the same as ever. — As write pleasletter three

days since

it is

I

ant weather, and it

— Pete,

I

am

going out to get the good of

take care of yourself

till

I

see you, dear

Walt.

boy.

IX 107 North Portland Ave., June 14 Dear Son got home all right Saturday

Brooklyn, [1872].

night

—

— and

There

is

I

have been having quite a good time.

nothing very

new— Mother [83]

is

well as usual.

Calamua I

my

shall print

College

poem*

in a

small

book

—

— and intended as the beginning of a larger one — am having set up at the printing ten or twelve send you one — supdays. Pete, how are you getting along? pose on 14 the same as when was there — see it

will

be small

is

it

I

will

office

in

I

I

by the papers

I

men have mostly

that the head

grated from Washington, and that

enough there. — Do

hot and dull

of Mr. Tasistro?+—

I

it

is

mi-

said to

be

you see anything

received the letter he sent to

the house the me — am writing this Portland Av. — we are having a showery noon — Good bye, my darling boy — and will try office for

in

I

after-

in

I

to write again soon (and a

more

interesting letter)

—Walt.

Brooklyn, June j8, 1872, ing a better time here than

weather

is

very pleasant

Dear Pete— am havhad my last visit. The I

I

— pretty

hot during the

middle of the day, but mornings and nights perfect

No

—

moonlight walks out beyond Uniontown here * The poem

referred to

H,, 26

College, N.

was read by W. W.

June, '72,

on

at

" Commencement," Dartmouth

invitation of the United Literary Societies.

It

was afterwards printed in a small volume which was called by the name of this poem: As a Strong Bird on Pinions Free and Other Poems. Washington, D. C, 1872.

f

the

In

heading: "

current

Leaves

(189 1-2)

it

will

be found, p. 346, under the

Thou Mother with thy Equal Brood."

Count Michael

came He remained

Tasistro, of French-Irish parentage,

country with a hunting party of French noblemen.

originally to this

here permanently

and, becoming poor, supported himself by teaching French and by literary work.

He

died while engaged in the translation of the

Civil

War. [843

Comte de

Paris'

History of the

Calamu0 but

go on the

I

river

and cross to and

fro in the

was beautiful — Saturday — went Coney Island swimming spent — has some pretty bad Mother only middling — spells with rheumatism will break up here, and Last night

house.

pilot

in

at

I

is

my

go with

brother George to Camden, N.

September. Saturday, as

dear son,

me

send

if

I

are too,

me

from

last

wrote you the day before. Pete, you should want any of your money either $120 or $130

It is

have a memorandum

Washington) —

you

letter

in

I

word.

— but

sure

suppose you got a

I

J.,

my

am

I

in

feeling real well,

am

(I

my

not

desk at

and

I

hope

Walt.

loving boy.

XI

Dear

Hanover, N. H,, Thursday, June 27 [1872].

Son —

I

will write

away my poem

here

went

north,

you just a line to show you am delivered and alive and kicking. I

I

here before the College yesterday.

off very

well.— (It

is

feeling unusually well this

— summer, — since

rather provoking

whole

All after

Sunday last have been about half sick and am so yet, by spells.) am to go to Vermont for a couple of days, and then back to Brooklyn.— Pete, received write to your letter, that you had been taken off me Saturday, 30th, or Sunday direct to usual adwill send you dress, 107 Portland Ave., Brooklyn. I

I

I

—

—

I

the

little

book with

my poem

get back to Brooklyn.

(and others),

Pete, did [85]

my poem

when

I

appear

Calamua the Washington papers

in

Friday

— Chronide

one—

(or

here, as

I

one

—

suppose Thursday or Patriot? If so send me

or

of each).—

I

a curious

is

It

New

write, a beautiful old

England

scene village,

150 years old, large houses and gardens, great elms,

plenty of

Yankee grain

hills

— not

of dust

— every

thing comfortable, but very

an African

— not

day

a car to be seen or

— no

green grass every where

As

to he seen all

— not a heard —

smell of coal

tar.

write a party are playing base ball on a large

I

green

in front

first rate

of the house

— cloudy but no

— the weather

suits

me

Your loving Walt.

rain.

XII

Brooklyn June 30 y

your

letter

of Tuesday

last,

everything was going on still

enjoying myself

home a

here

in

all

deal in the

— plenty

right.

I

cool enough.

—

I

I

am

well,

way

weather

I

is

splendid

This has got to be a

men have and most every young man belongs

boat or yacht club especially

all

the rich

— sometimes

Sunday, you

up and down the bay

will

in

see

swarms

them out

them so

plenty.

[86]

to a

all

over

— the yachts look and many with

white hulls and their long pennants flying to see

their

of a pleasant day,

beautiful enough, with white sails

new thing

and

— have been come — but out quite

day— the

great place for boating yachts,

Dear Boy received and was glad to hear

a quiet

every evening since

good

—

[ 1 872].

—

// o'clock,

it

is

a

Friday

Calamu0 Pete,

forenoon.

I

am

sitting in

— have just

my

room, home,

had a bath, and dressed myself to go over to New York, partly on business shall go down and put this in the P. O. here

finishing this

—

—

walk down, as it is a very pleasant forenoon.— When you write tell me if you have read Charles shall

Reade's novel of Foul Play I

will

send

— — kiss

time

I

you — Dear son,

my

regards to

not,

1

have one here

believe that

is all

this

love, dear son,

—

enquiring friends, and inform them

all

expect to be back

bye,

I

if

and a good loving think of you every day Give my best

send

I

I

—

my

darling

in

boy,

about three weeks

— from

— Good

your comrade and

Walt.

father.

XIII

—

Dear son Pete but am feeling better now, and

Brooklyn, July 12 [1872].

have been sick

—

soon expect to be I

all

right.

Mother too

is

unwell.

expect to remain here ten or twelve days longer.

Pete,

will only write a short letter this time

I

Love to you, dear son.

—

Walt.

XIV

New

York,

Friday afternoon, July 19 [1872]. I received your letter yesterday

—

Dear boy Pete — nothing very

when ington

I

new

with

me — am

wrote you before

— shall

was Wash-

better than

return to

I

next week, somewhere about the middle [87]

Calamu0 you must try to keep good Perhaps this will find you at work again you must keep up a cheerful heart all the

of the week. heart if

—

not,

same.

I

Pete,

have just been spending a couple of hours

with Joaquin Miller enclosed.

—

—

I

like

Walt.

[88]

him

real

well.

$io.

Xettets of 1873

I

—

Dear Pete but am better again— at [1873.]

I

am

I

have been very unwell

least at the present

stopping at Mr. Ashton's, 1202

to the southwest corner of

K

K

St.

and 12th*

—

moment. next door

—come

up

and see me— wrote you a line two days ago, to Milburn's— Did you get it? WALT.f I

II

expect to return Camden.X May 31 [1873]. Monday,§ June 2, between half past 5 and 6, but probably too late to see you that evening. Come up Tuesday. I am about the same as to my sickI

ness—no worse.

Walt.

*In Washington. Between it f This note was probably written between ist and 26th Jan., '73. and the next letter in this volume intervene Letters in Sickness (26 Jan. to 16 May, mother, and printed in In Re Walt Whitman^ pp. 73-92. Walt Whitman left Washington the 20th May pretty sick left arm and leg paralyzed and for a time lived with his brother George in Camden, N. J. § He almost certainly did not return to Washington as intended see, infra, '73) written to his

X

letter

—

—

—

—

of 28 Aug., '73.

[89]

Calamu6 in

322 Stevens

Wednesday fore-

Camden, N.J.

St.,

Pete —

Dear It has been a good move of me coming here, as am pleasantly situated, have two rooms on 2d floor, w^ith north can have the breeze and south windows, so through— can have what wish in the grub line, have plenty of good strawberries and my brother and sister are very kind— It is very quiet, and feel noon, June 18 [1873].

I

I

I

I

—

I

like

going

change so far—but since

I

brother

well

in for getting I

feel

have been here is full

of

work

—There

is

not

much

comparatively comfortable

—and

better satisfied

— My

(inspecting pipe manufactured

here at the foundries for water works and sewers in

Northern

cities)

—he

stout fellow— weighs

a

is

in

splendid health— a great

more than

handsome new house

have had some bad feeling afternoon and this

do—he

here, to be

done

is

building

latter part

Nothing very new

Thursday, 19th.

of August.

I

in

—

the head yesterday

morning—but

it

will pass over

no

warm weather here, days, but pleasant nights so far— Pete, when you get the Star save it and send to me —you can send two in a wrap-

doubt— It

is

per with a one cent stamp. fear

you haven't any.)

weather here and needs

same—feel

(I enclose

Friday, 20th. rain

badly

—

I

am

some,

for

Pretty hot

about the

pretty well for a while, and then have

a bad spell— have distress in the head at times, but

keep up a good heart

—or at any [90]

rate try

to.— Give

Calamua

my

respects to

enquiring friends—tell

all

them

I

ex-

pect to return to Washington in about a couple of

months—tell me who you thing,

me.—

and

who asks

about me,

have made a

I

meet, and every

raise

etc., as

of

it

little

will interest

some new summer

nice—thin black pants and vest, a blue flannel suit, and some white vests.— Love to Wash Milburn let him read this letter if he wishes Write how you are getting along. Good bye, dear son. Walt. clothes, real

—

—

—

IV

ICamden] Thursday evening, June 26 [1873]. Dear Pete received your note to-day. send you a note have written to Mr. Edmunds, first take it to Mr. Noyes (to whom it is enveloped), and get an additional line have requested from him— and then, go up if you conclude to try for the carrier's place, must tell and take it yourself to Mr. Edmunds. have written (wrote yesteryou another thing.

—

I

I

—

I

I

—

I

I

day) a short note to Mr. Dubarry, your superintendent,

asking him

when made.

if

you could

n't

be better placed

the changes of the Baltimore connection are It

may

not amount to anything but

I

took a

am not having a very good time— my head troubles me —yesterday was as bad as ever— as far from well as ever—to-day am a notion to write

it.

Pete,

I

I

and have been out a few steps. But keep up a good heart, dear son— and you must too.

little easier,

I

[91]

Calamu0 Walt.

If

you conclude not

to try tor the carrier's

berth, let the letters go.

V 322 Stevens

St,,

Camden, N,

[1873]. Dear Son — old story — since bad spells — suffered I

am

I

Monday

\July\ 7

only able to write the same

wrote,

last

J,,

I

have had some pretty

at intervals all last

week, and

yesterday, with the strange and painful distress in

the head,

I

of— But

have had so much

I

feel better

to-day — Every time find myself much better, — encouraged stick here, as don't dare to I

myself

in

I

still

I

trust

feel

I

a strange place,

ceived your letter telling

if

I

can help

me you was

it.

re-

I

too late to get

any chance for the letter carrier's position

— and about

— Are things just the same, as as you and your crew are concerned? — think about you every night — reproach myself that did Mr. Noyes' friendliness

far

I

I

around when

1

was well, and in Washington, to find some better employment for you now am here, crippled, laid up for God knows how long, unnot

fly

I

—

able to help myself, or

my

dear boy.

—

1

do not miss

anything of Washington here, but your could only have a daily

—

I

go out very

ing about

here such as

visits 1

—

if

I

had there

— there not much conpassme to go out — one car

little

venience here, for

visit

I

here

two squares

is

line,

off,

consists of four cars,

running semi-occasionally — and another }i squares the other way, has [92]

I

line,

about

believe 6 or 7 cars

Calamu0 I

them sometimes

get out and take a ride in

best jaunt

is

going

in

them

on the boat to Philadelphia, to and

— my

and crossing

to the ferry,

several times

fro,

— But a great portion of the time do not able to go out alone — fortunately do not have any dizzy feel

I

I

nor any symptoms of them, so

spells,

not worried about that this

it is

when

I

am

far,

out

a very pleasant cool afternoon

—so am I

— As

and

I

I

write

am

sit-

by the window in a big easy chair. Pete, hope this will find you feeling well, and in good I spirits. Write me a good long letter and tell me everything it will do you good how does the new time go on the road, since Baltimore Tunnel connection? how about Washington Tasistro every body? Get a good sheet of paper, and sit down in send you an enthe Park, with your lead pencil velope also some one cent stamps. Love to you, dear boy do yet though keep up a good heart it is a long and hard pull sometimes with me lately. Walt. ting here

—

—

—

—

—

—

— —

—

—

I

—

—

I

VI

Camden, Tuesday afternoon, July 75 [1873]. Dear Pete—There is nothing new or different with me am no better in any respect, don't know what

—

is

I

going to come out of

it all

— We are having pretty

hot weather here just now, but

much

—

it is

ington heat

it

does not

affect

not near as oppressive here as the

—

I

received your [933

letter,

my

me

Wash-

dear son

—

Calamua paper

with the

Wednesday you about, nearly

—

as

I

As

mother's former room, a great deal of

darling son,

my

still

I

have

write

I

time here, as

think

block

much

lift

have

the cloud from

make

the Jersey coast, and shall It is

n't felt like

me

Pete,

my

but time

it

my mind yet,*

on

is

my

— Spend

me.

at

all

—

Long

to get to the sea-shore, either

enough —

sitting in

weather

shall

I

1

tires

only can show — Mother's death

time does not

the house

in

am

I

to write to

little

her old arm-chair.

in

lately — half a

going out

I

remain anchored here

the time.

all

Pete,

afternoon.

more to-morrow.

write

will

I

a start

if

not so hot here to-day.

I

1

want

Island or

get strong

So

long,

my

Walt.

darling boy.

VII

Camden, Thursday noon, July 24, 1873. Dear the It is the same old story with me Son Pete: best can say is that don't seem to get worse, even Your letter came, and the Star, if don't get better. with the item about Tasistro. It must be very hot there in Washington, but you stand it better than

—

—

I

I

I

most any one

I

know.

I

too never used to think

anything of heat or cold, from 20 to 50

mer as

I

I

felt

the heat severely, for the

have told you several times,

over this, and

I

— but

first

still

last

time.

think

I

sumPete,

shall get

we will be together again and have some

good times— but

for all that

Mrs. Whitman

died

[94]

it is

May

best for

23, 1873.

you

to be

Calamua prepared for something different stand the pull forever, and give out — Now

or later

boy, or cry about me, I

really don't think

be

—

am

I

continued must sooner

Pete, don't begin to v^orry,

you haven't

for

likely yet

it is

word

best to give a

if

— my strength can't

of caution,

if

me yet, and

lost

— but

thought

I

it

such a thing should

and have every-

quite comfortable here

—

want

I went out at i past 5 yesterday afternoon, and rode in the cars here to the ferry, and

thing

I

crossed the Delaware from four or five times

ing hot, but 2^th,

4

I

— very

am

Camden

to Philadelphia

To-day

pleasant.

feeling as well as usual.

so oppressive to bear as in Washington

— try send this — Good bye

about as usual to-day I

loving son.

burn-

Friday,

Pretty hot again to-day here, but not

o'clock.

steps after

is

—

I

am feeling

to get out a

shall

few

for this time, dear

Walt. VIII

Pete,

you must read

minutes' talk

like,

about

this over all

sorts of

Sunday, as a ten

odds and ends.

Camden, Friday afternoon, Aug. i [1873]. Dear Son Your letter is received to-day, and enclosed send you $20. as shall want you to write soon want to know if it reached you safe. am feeling relieved of the worst distress in the head now for the last two days had it straight along bad enough the first three days in the week but yesterday and today it has mostly let up have been out to-day, and

—

I

—

—

I

I

—

—

[95]

—

I

(Calamua over to Philadelphia I

—

it

have no one to go with

and my

on,

best foot

is

hard work, especially as

me— but

foremost

—

put a bold face

I

Wash

Is

Milburn

there in the store ? or has he gone on his vacation in

— answer me your next — think of writing a few to him — Hot weather here, but don't suffer much from — though think bad me, and hope much more from the cool season, get through this — Pete, too see quite a good deal and hear more — some 70 rods off

the country?

in

I

lines

I

it

for if

it is

I

I

I

I

ot railroad,

is

Camden and Amboy,

and whistles and trains rumbling continually, night and day, and lots of R. R. men living near, around here

the great depot of the

if

I

only

felt

just a

little

better

I

many of the men, which should much like would.

with

I

bells

should get acquainted could very easily do

if

go on the trips so handy and cheap, right as you might from my door, to Cape May, or to Long Branch, etc., to say nothing of the numerous fine jaunts from Philadelphia G. R. R., or up or down the Delaware by steamboat If you was only here to convoy me but I suppose no one is to have everything v^3X\Wx\g (Pete, dear son, there was $89. coming to you, of the money you put in my charge, and now there will be $69. yet due you from me your own soap) As write it I

I

to

—

—

—

—

—

is

4| o'clock Friday afternoon

alone,

in

the 2nd story front

—

I

tell

[963

am

room

— received the other Chronicle — When you write,

quiet here

I

I

sitting here

— every

letter,

thing

and Sunday

me who you

see,

Calamus and everything.

—

the formal ones

some send me

such

like

I

letters far better

—

had a

I

visit

than

from a

good, kind-hearted, rather queer old fellow named Ingram, from Philadelphia

— he

said he see* in the

up very sick in Camden so he came over and hunted for hours through the hot sun, found me at last he evidently had thought was keeled up, and hard up, and he came he has been a great traveler, is to offer help English by birth I found him good company, and he has been twice so you was glad to see him Philadelphia paper

I

—

was

laid

—

I

—

—

—

see there are good souls

left

— Pete,

—

when you

see

him shall yet be back all right one of these days, and in the mean time tell him send him my love also my love to Mr. and Mrs. Nash the next time you go there So good bye for the present, my darling son, and you must keep good heart, for do, though it is pretty glum around and over me sometimes. Walt.

Judge Fisher

tell

I

I

—

—

I

IX

— — and

Camden, August 22 [1873]. Dear Son ceived your letter of last Saturday and Sunday

was

interested

in

reading

wrote about the R.

R., etc.,

your friend the fireman a sad fate

all

and the young man,

— There has been great

was indeed washing away and it

trouble with R. R. tracks hereabout too * So

in

MSS. [97]

re-

the particulars you

— poor fellow,

VOL. vni.— 7.

I

—

for

myself

Calamu0 I

never remember an August with so

me whether

Write to

and

ages,

is

much

rain

—

your road has repaired dam-

running through again

— also everything

you think of and see about people and Washington, etc., that would interest me live a very quiet as life here. am still about the same as when last am no worse and not much better though wrote perceive my general strength is at least as good as my head still have been sick any time since troubles me with pain and distress a good deal of the hobble out a little every day when not pretime and console myself with thinkvented by the rain

—

I

1

I

—

—

I

—

1

—

I

—

me might

ing that everything with

— can mother — that

worse

me

put up with

I

just as

is

all

be a great deal

but the death of

my

my great sorrow that sticks — affects

much now,

or more, than at the time.

Have you seen Mr. Eldridge since his return to Washington?— Have you seen anything of Mr. O'Con-

nor?— (You know

confess

some

1

real

Chief Clerk of the

rather like the latter,)

good points) 1

think

—

suspect he has

1

— sometimes when

it

very good,

for a

one has

change, to

such fellows buzz you to their heart's content,

when you

—

if

make

— think of them as actyour amusement — how well they do

fall in

ing a part for it

— You

now

I

plenty of time, let

is

must have had a sweet Duncan and Dr. Blake, (though must

Light House Board)

time with Dr.

he

with them

they could only do their fortune

it

— So Mr. [98]

on the stage, Tasistro

still

it

would

lives

— he

Calamua deserves great credit for his perseverance and vitality

— I

1

hope he

come

v/ill

to the top of the heap yet

—

cut out the piece below from a Philadelphia paper,

thinking

it

might

interest

arm-chair, finishing this,

noon,

you it is

clouds up again as

it

—

— As 3

I

here

sit

in

my

o'clock Friday after-

if

we had

for rain,

a

was quite cool, but has been pretty warm here for two days, and is now— am feeling as if would and should come out all right shower

last

night

it

I

I

— had a nice

— Pete, dear son, send me the Sunday Herald, Aug. 24 — don't forget — So long, yet

dear son.

dinner

Walt.

X Camden, Thursday Pete dear son.

—

I

I

am

[Aug.

evening,

have had some very bad times, and have some leg

is

my

about as useless as ever

cidedly no worse, and better I

1873].

not sinking nor getting worse

pretty bad ones yet, mostly with

my

28,

—

it

1

think

—

still

now am I

head I

am

de-

even getting

slow and with great alternations

is

— and — but

have the feeling of getting more strength, and

easier in

— something death — cannot

the head

before Mother's that yet

—

that ever

on

it is

I

the great cloud of

like

what

I

my

life

— nothing effect

shall get well, yet, dear son, prob-

ably (of course

Washington

was

be reconciled to

happened before has had such an

me — but

I

this

not fall,

certainly),

and

we

t99]

will

and be back

in

be together again.

Calamue was the day you am now about as came down to Baltimore Depot with me — 20th I

think

I

I

have thought May, think. Friday after dinner. of you the nights of this week, the heaviest rains here almost ever known, great trouble and loss to that derailroads was you in any tight spot? I

I

—

—

scribed in your last

That was a

made me

a

feel

fearful disaster of the

nervous

little

—

— sad around- yet —

Wawasset

— So Tasistro The Chronicle came — Mr. Eldridge has returned to Washington from his month's leave — he stopped beyond

description

is

here and paid

me

roughs has an

article in

a

3

or 4 hour's visit— John Bur-

the Sept.

number of

am extracted which am going Pete, it is now towards 3, and to get down to the Ferry boat, and cross

ner's Maga:{ine, just out, in

from

—

to try

— but

disabled

weather

is

— so it is

you see

I

awful tough

am

not altogether

work— when

cooler (which will be soon),

better off in Washington, as

me

I

1

to Philadelphia

to

Scrib-

here,

it

is

shall

be

very lonesome

and no one to convoy

—

I

the

me —

I

shall

want to get a couple of unfurnished rooms, or top floor, somewhere on or near the car Pete, if you see Charley Toner give him route my love, and ask him to give you his address to He works in the Printing Bureau (M'Carsend me Goodbye, my dear loving boy. tee's) Treasury. return there

I

—

—

Walt. [100]

Calamus XI

Camden, Friday noon, Sept. 5 [1873]. Dear boy Pete. Your letter, with cheering wishes and prophecies, came last Tuesday, God bless you, boy, for all such things help much had a bad spell this morning have something of the kind pretty often still it seems certain am improving, generally, and that my general strength is better, am not near as bad as was five weeks ago have some hours in which feel quite like myself again keep up good heart nearly all the time and you must too, dear son. So see Beau Hickman^ has

—

—

—

— —

I

1

1

—

1

—

I

—

I

died of a stroke of paralysis

morning

I

Potter's field.

some

on the

trains

B.

body being

Pete,

&

P.

the paper this

in

see a piece about his

rected from

of

—

I

resur-

see a collision

road reported

in

the tunnel at Baltimore yesterday morning early in

which a brakeman named Hankinson was

instantly

— there a large reading room, the Mercantile Library, loth where quite handy — go occasionally — they have the papers from every where — have killed— I was over to Philadelphia yesterday is

St.

it

1

is

all

the PVashington Chronicle,

took a ride in

I

Then

I

the Market St. cars, and was caught the rain at i past 7 coming home

in

a violent

moment

Capital, etc.

got

—

home

it

stopt,

and cleared

off a

* " Beau " Hickman was a familiar character in Washington, a decayed dandy periodical visits through the Capitol and the Departments, picking up a ^

who made

living from the contributions of

whom

were

Congressmen and Government

his regular patrons.

£iox]

officials,

many

of

Calamua beautiful moonlit night.

here to-day —

am

I

It

is

sitting here in the front I

last

— have — Eldridge and another

Monday

ceived a letter from Chas.

me

my

as

in

right

all

the office

—

you

tell

here says

my

real disease is the

erly furnished

disease the

doctor says

that a doctor

it

I

—send the Herald, have talked with

I

brain not being prop-

—

(it is

cerebral anaemia)

call

was

a

— the

has been long a-coming, and will

— says

be long a-going

I

will get

over

is

not very formidable

—

though

—

and that

it

it

says the paralysis comes from that, (the paralysis)

all

send a couple of

and nourished with blood ?

doctors

work-

is

—

substitute in the office

papers to-day— nothing particular I

re-

I

man who

from Walter Godey, the young

going on well

I

Pete, the papers

feeling better since breakfast.

you sent came

Did

in

—

years ago,

ing for

room,

mahogany chair gave mother 20 by the open window writing this

the same big old

am

and pretty hot

clear

am

I

follow-

ing Dr. Drinkard's advice, taking no medicine, living

very carefully.

Walt. XII

Camden, Friday afternoon, Sept, 12 [1873]. Dear boy Pete. It is a very fine September day the it must be delightful down in Virginia here sun shines just warm enough and there is a slight have been out haze, which makes it just right

—

—

—

just a

little

I

but was glad to get back [102]

—

I

am

feeling

<talamu0

my

but

tolerable,

minutes' walk —

week,

'spells this

am

still

out

gives

few

a

in

have had two or three quite good

I

sufficient to arouse

a pretty bad

in

leg

way

yet

my

— however,

hopes, but

am

I

not

without some pretty steady small expectations,

if

am enough better to be perceptible, and to make me in hopes of being better still — (but have so many times got a little better, only not great ones.

I

I

to

fall

just

My

back again as bad as ever, or worse)

had

my

appetite

—

have

I

dinner, nice beefsteak, potatoes, etc. still

very nice, gets

— and my cooks want. — Pete, your

holds out