C.3 
 
WALT WHITMAN AND PETER DOYLE 
 DRAWN BY H. D. YOUNG FROM A PHO 
 TOGRAPH TAKEN BY RICE AT WASH 
 INGTON D. C. IN 1 869. 
 
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, the lover's portrait of whom his friend his 
 
 lover was fondest, 
 
 Who was not proud of his songs but of the measureless 
 
 ocean of love within him and freely poured it forth." 
 
 Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892), p. 102. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY LAURENS MAYNARD AT 287 CONGRESS 
 
 STREET IN BOSTON MDCCCXCVII Jt & Jt Jt Jt 
 

 
 KNTERED ACCORDING TO THE ACT OF 
 CONGRESS IN THE YEAR 1897 BY 
 LAURENS MAYNARD, IN THE OFFICE 
 OF THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS 
 AT WASHINGTON. 
 
Written on the fly leaf of a copy of " Specimen Z)ays" sent 
 to Peter Doyle at Washington, June, 1883. 
 
 Pete do you remember (of course you do I do well) 
 those great long jovial walks we had at times for years, 
 (i866-'72) out of Washington City often moonlight 
 nights, 'way to "Good Hope " ; or, Sundays, up and down 
 the Potomac shores, one side or the other, sometimes ten 
 miles at a stretch ? Or when you work'd on the horse- 
 cars, and I waited for you, coming home late together 
 or resting and chatting at the Market, corner yth street 
 and the Avenue, and eating those nice musk or water 
 melons? Or during my tedious sickness and first 
 paralysis ('73) how you used to come to my solitary garret 
 room and make up my bed, and enliven me and chat for 
 an hour or so or perhaps go out and get the medicines 
 Dr. Drinkard had order'd for me before you went on 
 duty? .... Give my love to dear Mrs. and Mr. Nash, 
 and tell them I have not forgotten them, and never will. 
 
 W. W. 
 
 Hi 
 
 ivi978SO 
 
WHEN I heard at the close of the day how my name had been 
 
 receiv'd with plaudits in the capitol, still it was not a 
 
 happy night for me that follow'd, 
 And else when I carous'd, or when my plans were accomplish'd, 
 
 still I was not happy, 
 But the day when I rose at dawn from the bed of perfect health, 
 
 refresh'd, singing, inhaling the ripe breath of Autumn, 
 When I saw the full moon in the west grow pale and disappear in 
 
 the morning light, 
 When I wander'd alone over the beach, and undressing bathed, 
 
 laughing with the cool waters, and saw the sun rise, 
 And when I thought how my dear friend my lover was on his way 
 
 coming, O then I was happy, 
 
 then each breath tasted sweeter, and all that day my food 
 
 nourish'd me more, and the beautiful day pass'd well, 
 And the next came with equal joy, and with the next at evening 
 
 came my friend, 
 And that night when all was still I heard the waters roll slowly 
 
 continually up the shores, 
 
 1 heard the hissing rustle of the liquid and sands as directed to 
 
 me whispering to congratulate me, 
 For the one I love most lay sleeping by me under the same cover 
 
 in the cool night, 
 In the stillness in the Autumn moonbeams his face was inclined 
 
 toward me, 
 And his arm lay lightly around my breast and that night I was 
 
 happy. 
 
 Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892) pp. 102-103. 
 
 iv 
 
I have been privileged to read a series of letters ad 
 dressed by Whitman to a young man, whom I will call 
 P., and who was tenderly beloved by him. They throw 
 a flood of light 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 year 1869 when the lad was about 
 eighteen years of age. They soon became attached, 
 Whitman's friendship being returned with at least equal 
 warmth by P. The letters breathe a purity and sim 
 plicity of affection, a naivete and reasonableness, which 
 are very remarkable considering the unmistakable inten 
 sity of the emotion. Throughout them, Whitman shows 
 the tenderest and wisest care for his young friend's wel 
 fare, 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 the freight trains" 
 of a railway, was for long unable to visit him. There is 
 something very wistful in the words addressed from a dis 
 tance by the aging poet to this "son of responding 
 kisses." I regret that we do not possess P.'s answers. 
 Yet, probably, to most readers, they would not appear 
 highly interesting ; for it is clear he was only an artless and 
 uncultured workman. JOHN ADDINGTON SYMONDS in 
 Walt Whitman A Study, pp 78, 79. 
 
I HEAR it was charged against me that I sought to destroy institu 
 tions, 
 
 But really I am neither for nor against institutions, 
 
 (What indeed have I in common with them ? or what with 
 the destruction of them ?) 
 
 Only I will establish in the Mannahatta and in every city of these 
 States inland and seaboard, 
 
 And in the fields and woods, and above every keel little or large 
 that dents the water, 
 
 Without edifices or rules or trustees or any argument, 
 
 The institution of the dear love of comrades. 
 
 Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892) p. 107 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 CHRONOLOGICAL NOTES OF WALT WHITMAN'S LIFE . i 
 
 INTRODUCTION BY THE EDITOR, CONTAINING AN INTER 
 VIEW WITH PETER DOYLE . . 9 
 
 LETTERS OF 1868 ...... 35 
 
 LETTERS OF 1869 . 53 
 
 LETTERS OF 1870 ... .61 
 
 LETTERS OF 1871 . 81 
 
 LETTERS OF 1872 .... .87 
 
 LETTERS OF 1873 ...... 99 
 
 LETTERS OF 1874 . . . . . 137 
 
 LETTERS OF 1875 ...... 159 
 
 LETTERS OF 1876-1880 165 
 
 vn 
 
I WILL sing the song of companionship, 
 I will show what alone must finally compact these, 
 I believe these are to found their own ideal of manly love, indi 
 cating it in me, 
 I will therefore let flame from me the burning fires that were 
 
 threatening to consume me, 
 
 I will lift what has too long kept down those smouldering fires, 
 I will give them complete abandonment, 
 I will write the evangel-poem of comrades and of love, 
 For who but I should understand love with all its sorrow and joy? 
 And who but I should be the poet of comrades? 
 
 Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892), p. 21. 
 
 viii 
 
CHRONOLOGICAL NOTES 
 OF WALT WHITMAN'S LIFE 
 
 1819. Born 3ist May, in West Hills, Long Island. 
 
 1820, '21, '22, and early half of '23. At West Hills. 
 i823- J 24. In Brooklyn, in Front street. 
 
 1825-^3 o. In Cranberry, Johnson, Tillary, and Henry 
 streets. Went to public schools. 
 2 Tended in a lawyer's office; then, a doctor's. 
 4. In printing offices, learning the trade. 
 37. Teaching country schools in Long Island. 
 " Boarded round." 
 
 1 840-' 45. In New York city, printing, etc. Summers in 
 the country. Some farm-work. Writes a number 
 of essays and tales which are published in Demo 
 cratic Review 1841-5. 
 
 i846-'47. In Brooklyn, editing daily paper, The Eagle. 
 
 1 848-' 49. In New Orleans, on editorial staff of daily 
 paper, The Crescent. " About this time went off 
 on a leisurely journey and working expedition 
 ( my brother Jeff with me) through all the Middle 
 States, and down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. 
 Lived a while in New Orleans, and worked there. 
 After a time, plodded back northward, up the 
 Mississippi, the Missouri, etc., and around to, and 
 by way of, the great lakes, Michigan, Huron, and 
 
V *l'l :j CALAMUS 
 
 *^ f tb ^Niagara Falls and Lower Canada 
 finally returning through Central New York, and 
 down the Hudson." Personal Notes, W- W. 
 
 1850. Publishing The Freeman newspaper in Brooklyn. 
 
 1851, '52, '53, '54. Carpentering building houses in 
 
 Brooklyn and selling them. 
 
 1855. First issue of Leaves of Grass. Small quarto, 94 
 pages, 12 poems. Eight or nine hundred copies 
 printed. (No sale.} 
 
 1856. Second issue of Leaves of Grass. Small i6mo. y 
 384 pages, 32 poems published by Fowler 6* 
 
 Wells, 308 Broadway, New York. (Little or no 
 sale.*) 
 
 1860. Third issue of Leaves of Grass. 456 pages, \2rno., 
 published by Thayer 6* Eldridge, 1 1 6 Washing 
 ton Street, Boston. 
 
 1862. W. W. leaves Brooklyn and New York perma 
 nently. Goes down to the field of war. Winters 
 partly in Army of the Potomac, camped along 
 the Rappahannock, Virginia. Begins his minis 
 trations to the wounded. 
 
 i863~'64. In the field and among the Army hospitals. 
 
 1865. At Washington City, as Government clerk, in 
 Department of Interior. Is dismissed by Hon. 
 James Harlan for having written an " indecent 
 book" i. e. L. of G. As comment on this 
 governmental action W. D. O'Connor writes 
 The Good Gray Poet, adjudged by Henry J. 
 
CHRONOLOGICAL NOTES 
 
 Raymond to be the most brilliant monograph in 
 American literature. Whitman at once given 
 another clerkship in office of Attorney General. 
 
 1866. Prints Drum Taps and Sequel to Drum Taps, 
 poems written during the war, President Lincoln's 
 Funeral Hymn, and other pieces, 96 pages, 12 mo. 
 Washington. No publisher's name. 
 
 1867. Fourth edition of Leaves of Grass. 338 pages, 
 1 2 mo. The poems now begin the order and classifi 
 cation eventually settled upon. New York. No 
 publisher's name. 
 
 Notes on Walt Whitman as Poet and Person, by 
 John Burroughs, published. 
 
 1868. '69, '70. Employed in Attorney-General's Depart 
 
 ment, Washington. 
 
 1871. Delivers After all, not to Create only, (Song of the 
 Exposition], at the opening of the American Insti 
 tute. New York. 
 
 1871. Fifth edition of Leaves of Grass, 384 pages, and 
 Passage to India i2o//., both in one volume, 12 mo. 
 Washington, D.C. Includes Drum Taps, Marches 
 now the War is over, etc. (A handsome edition?) 
 Second edition of Burroughs " Notes " pub 
 lished. 
 
 1872. Delivers As a Strong Bird on Pinions Free, at the 
 commencement, Dartmouth College, Hanover, 
 N. H. (now, in 1891 edition, entitled Thou Mother 
 with thy Equal Brood?) 
 
 3 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 1872. "Took a two months' trip through the New Eng 
 land States, up the Connecticut Valley, Vermont, 
 the Adirondack region and to Burlington, to see 
 my dear sister Hannah once more, returning had 
 a pleasant day-trip down Lake Champlain and, 
 the next day down the Hudson." Personal 
 Notes. 
 
 1873. Opening of this year, W. W. prostrated by paraly 
 sis, at Washington. Loses his mother by death. 
 Leaves Washington for good, henceforth lives in 
 Camden, New Jersey. 
 
 i874-'75. Living in Camden, disabled and ill. 
 
 1876. Sixth or Centennial issue of Leaves of Grass 
 {printed from the plates of theffth, 1871, edition}. 
 Also another volume, Two Rivulets, composed of 
 prose and poems alternately. ( Very handsome and 
 valuable. Becoming rare. ) 
 
 1877-78. Health and strength now moderately improv 
 ing. 
 
 1879. Journeys west to Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, etc. 
 
 1880. Journeys to Canada, and summers there at London 
 with Dr. and Mrs. Bucke. Made a trip with Dr. 
 Bucke to Hamilton, Toronto, Kingston, Montreal, 
 Quebec, down lakes and St. Lawrence by water 
 and up the Saguenay. 
 
 1 88 1. Seventh issue of Leaves of Grass, 382 pages, 12 mo. 
 James R. Osgood 6- Co., Boston. Six months 
 after issue, J. R. Osgood d- Co. are threatened with 
 
 4 
 
CHRONOLOGICAL NOTES 
 
 prosecution by Massachusetts District Attorney 
 Stevens , and abandon the publication. 
 
 1882. Eighth edition of Leaves of Grass, from same plates 
 as 1 88 1 edition with last touches and corrections of 
 the author, containing all th poems from first to last 
 two hundred and ninety-three printed under W. 
 
 W.'s direct supervision. Published by Rees Welch 
 <Sr* Co., {afterwards David McKay), 23 South Ninth 
 Street, Philadelphia, also prose writings, autobio 
 graphy, etc., entitled " Specimen Days and Collect" 
 The author* s parentage, early days on Long Island, 
 and young manhood in New York City. Three 
 years' experience in the Secession War, especially the 
 army hospitals. Convalescent notes afterward. 
 Also some literary criticisms, and jaunts west and 
 north. The latter part, Collect, includes Democratic 
 Vistas, the successive Prefaces of Leaves of Grass, 
 with many notes, and prose compositions of various 
 years. $7 4. pages, i2mo. Published by Rees Welch 
 6* Co. (afterwards David McKay?) 
 
 1883. Bucke's Walt Whitman is published by David 
 McKay. 
 
 1884. Still living in Camden, New Jersey, to which city 
 he came in 1873 and where he remained until his 
 death. 
 
 i885-'87. Health steadily though slowly declining 
 lives very quietly, though many friends (one or 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 more almost every uay) come to see him and in 
 many ways show an interest in him. 
 
 1888. A severe illness (increase of the old paralysis, etc.) 
 brings him to death's door. He never regains 
 strength after this. Publishes this year the volume 
 called, November Boughs also Complete Poems 
 and Prose in one large volume. 
 
 1889. The Walt Whitman birthday celebrations were 
 inaugurated this year by a dinner at Camden (see 
 the volume Camderfs compliment to Walt Whitman 
 edited by Horace L. Traubel and published by 
 David McKay). This year is published, in cele 
 bration of the seventieth anniversary of the poet]s 
 birthday, the limited, autographed, pocket book edition 
 of L. of G. in which is included Sands at Seventy and 
 A Backward Glance O'er Travel' d Roads. (Out of 
 print, rare and valuable?) 
 
 1891. Goodbye My Fancy published, and immediately after 
 wards the tenth and final edition of L. of G. includ 
 ing all poems to date. Of this edition Whitman 
 says that he: "would like it to absolutely super 
 sede all previous ones. Faulty as it is, he decides 
 it as by far his special and entire self-chosen 
 poetic utterance." 
 
 1892. Complete Prose Works, including the previous 
 Specimen Days and Collect published by McKay 
 uniform with above final edition of L. of G. 
 
 Walt Whitman died 26th of March. 
 6 
 
CHRONOLOGICAL NOTES 
 
 Wm. Clarke publishes Walt Whitman (Swan, 
 Sonnenschein & Co., London.) 
 
 1893. Walt Whitman's literary executors publish In Re 
 Walt Whitman. John Addington Symonds pub 
 lishes Walt Whitman, a Study (J. C. Nimmo, 
 London) ; also Oscar L. Triggs publishes Brown 
 ing and Whitman a Study in Democracy (Swan, 
 Sonnenschein & Co., London). 
 
 1894. The Walt Whitman Fellowship (International) 
 definitely organized on 3ist May at Reissers', 
 Philadelphia. 
 
 1895. Second annual meeting of Walt Whitman Fellow 
 ship (International) May 31, at Mercantile Library 
 Hall and Reissers' in Philadelphia. 
 
 1896. Third annual meeting of Walt Whitman Fellowship 
 (International) at Twentieth Century Club and 
 Hotel Bellevue in Boston (May 31). William 
 Sloane Kennedy publishes Reminiscences of Walt 
 Whitman (Alexander Gardner, Paisley, Scot 
 land,) John Burroughs publishes Whitman, a 
 S/to/F(Houghton, Mifflin& Co., Boston) Thomas 
 Donaldson publishes Walt Whitman the Man 
 (Francis P. Harper, New York). 
 
 1897. Fourth Annual Meeting of Walt Whitman Fellow 
 ship (International) May 31, in Philadelphia. 
 William Norman Guthrie publishes Walt Whitman 
 the Camden Sage (The Robert Clarke Co., Cin 
 cinnati). 
 
I WILL sound myself and comrades only, I will never again utter a 
 
 call only their call, 
 
 I will raise with it immortal reverberations through the States, 
 I will give an example to lovers to take permanent shape and 
 
 will through the States. 
 
 Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892), p. 97. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 THE broken series of letters (perhaps three lost 
 for each one preserved, but all known to exist 
 included) which make up the body of this little 
 volume, are here given with all their freedom 
 and abandon and literary imperfection verbatim. They 
 are possessed of none of the usual merits belonging to 
 the published specimens of this form of composition, and 
 to those who know nothing of the author of Leaves of 
 Grass it is very likely they may appear quite valueless. 
 Readers, however, who know something of him will find 
 in them a homely, honest and wholesome flavor very far 
 from displeasing will detect in them a sweet and 
 nourishing quality comparable to that of the plain food 
 fresh gathered from the pastures, the woods, the fields or 
 the garden. But since in order to derive enjoyment and 
 benefit from them, it is essential that the reader know 
 something of the writer, I have thought well in offering 
 them to the general public to prefix some notes tending 
 to throw light upon the personality of the man, Walt 
 Whitman. And first (avoiding as far as possible repe 
 tition of what has elsewhere been written) a few words of 
 my own personal experience. 
 
 9 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 first in 1877, three years before the last of 
 these letters were written. It was one hot July day, the 
 place of meeting, Camden, New Jersey. I had, unasked, 
 a stranger, called to see the man whose own writings (for 
 many years I had read the Leaves with delight and en 
 thusiasm) and the writings of others about him had 
 awakened in me profound interest. 
 
 The house was a three story red brick, on the street, 
 facing the south. I rang the bell. The door was opened 
 by a pleasant-faced, almost pretty, middle-aged woman, 
 whom I afterwards knew well ( and very much liked ) as 
 Mrs. George Whitman the wife of the poet's brother. 
 When I had told her who I had come to see she called 
 up the stairs "Walt Walt here is some one to see 
 you," and showed me into a very comfortable sitting-room 
 to the left of the entrance hall. I had only sat a few 
 minutes in the darkened and comparatively cool room 
 when Walt Whitman entered. He walked slowly leaning 
 on a cane his left leg, manifestly weaker than the right, 
 making him quite lame. He was suffering from the 
 paralysis mentioned in the letters. 
 
 He was a man of about six feet in height and weighing 
 about two hundred pounds, erect, broad chested, dressed 
 in a light gray suit a white shirt with broad turned- 
 down collar open at the throat and no necktie. His face 
 was broad and red, the picture of robust health, his 
 hair and beard long and almost white. After he had 
 welcomed me, which he did with cordiality, and we had 
 
 10 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 sat down to talk I saw that his eyes, which were a good 
 part of the time half covered by heavy lids, were pale 
 blue, that his nose was strong and straight, his lips full 
 and more expressive of tenderness than firmness, his 
 cheeks rosy and smooth almost as a boy's his ears 
 large, fleshy and extraordinarily handsome, his head mas 
 sive and well rounded both from front to back and from 
 side to side, his brows prominent and very high-arched. 
 His open shirt showed the gray hair of his chest. Head 
 and body were well and somewhat proudly carried. His 
 ruddy face, his flowing, almost white, hair and beard, his 
 spotless linen, his plain, fresh looking gray garments, ex 
 haled an impalpable odor of purity. Almost the domi 
 nant initial feeling was : here is a man who is absolutely 
 clean and sweet and with this came upon me an im 
 pression of the man's simple majesty, such as might be 
 produced by an immense handsome tree, or a large, mag 
 nificent, beautiful animal. 
 
 The poet's voice, which was soft, clear and sympathetic, 
 added much to the charm of his presence. In his speech 
 there was no attempt at smartness or cleverness the 
 reverse, indeed, of all that. His language was simple, 
 sincere and direct, just as it is in these letters and in all 
 his writings. 
 
 After sitting for a time in the room we took the street 
 cars to the Delaware, crossed by the ferry, and then, by 
 an open car, rode several miles up Market Street, Phil 
 adelphia. As we passed along I noticed that the men 
 
 ii 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 and boys, drivers, conductors, ferry hands, laborers, shoe 
 blacks, news-boys and the rest nearly all seemed to know 
 my companion, and the unmistakable glance of affection 
 which many of them gave in return for his quiet word or 
 nod of recognition was something new in my experience 
 of humanity and so far it has not been paralleled since. 
 
 Upon our return to the Delaware we parted, he taking 
 the ferry back to Camden, I returning to my hotel in 
 Philadelphia. Any attempt to convey to another even 
 the faintest notion of the effect upon me of that short and 
 seemingly commonplace interview would be certainly 
 hopeless, probably foolish. Briefly, it would be nothing 
 more than the simple truth to state that I was, by it, 
 lifted to and set upon a higher plane of existence, upon 
 which I have more or less continuously lived ever since 
 that is, for a period of eighteen years. And my feeling 
 toward the man, Walt Whitman, from that day to the 
 present has been and is that of the deepest affection and 
 reverence. All this, no doubt, was supplemented and 
 reinforced by other meetings, by correspondence and by 
 readings, but equally certainly it derived its initial and es 
 sential vitality from that first, almost casual contact. 
 
 If it were possible to me I should like, in this brief in 
 troduction, to present the man Walt Whitman to the 
 reader as he was at the time these letters were being 
 penned. I have given, in few words, what I saw of him 
 myself at that time. Another and a better observer, John 
 Burroughs, by, for our present purpose, a wonderful 
 
 12 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 stroke of luck has the following about him.* While act 
 ually riding on the street car of which Peter Doyle was 
 conductor, he says: "I give here a glimpse of him in 
 Washington on a Navy Yard horse car, toward the 
 close of the war,f one summer day at sundown. The 
 car is crowded and suffocatingly hot, with many passen 
 gers on the rear platform, and among them a bearded, 
 florid-faced man, elderly, but agile, resting against the 
 dash, by the side of the young conductor, and evidently 
 his intimate friend. The man wears a broad-brim 
 white hat. Among the jam inside near the door, a 
 young Englishwoman, of the working class, with two 
 children, has had trouble all the way with the youngest, 
 a strong, fat, fretful, bright babe of fourteen or fifteen 
 months, who bids fair to worry the mother completely 
 out, besides becoming a howling nuisance to everybody. 
 As the car tugs around Capitol Hill the young one is 
 more demoniac than ever, and the flushed and perspir 
 ing mother is just ready to burst into tears with weari 
 ness and vexation. The cars stops at the top of the 
 Hill to let off most of the rear platform passengers, and 
 the white-hatted man reaches inside and gently but 
 firmly disengaging the babe from its stifling place in 
 the mother's arms, takes it in his own, and out in the 
 air. The astonished and excited child, partly in fear, 
 
 * Birds and Poets Kurd and Houghton N. Y. 1877 pp. 224 
 et seq. 
 
 t An error it was after the war, probably in 1867. 
 13 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 partly in satisfaction at the change, stops its screaming, 
 and as the man adjusts it more securely to his breast, 
 plants its chubby hands against him, and pushing off as 
 far as it can, gives a good long look squarely in his face 
 then as if satisfied snuggles down with its head on 
 his neck, and in less than a minute is sound and peace 
 fully asleep without another whimper, utterly fagged out. 
 A square or so more and the conductor, who has had an 
 unusually hard and uninterrupted day's work, gets off 
 for his first meal and relief since morning. And now 
 the white-hatted man, holding the slumbering babe 
 also, acts as conductor the rest of the distance, keeping 
 his eye on the passengers inside, who have by this time 
 thinned out greatly. He makes a very good conductor, 
 too, pulling the bell to stop or go on as needed, and 
 seems to enjoy the occupation. The babe meanwhile 
 rests its fat cheeks close on his neck and gray beard, 
 one of his arms vigilantly surrounding it, while the other 
 signals, from time to time, with the strap; and the 
 flushed mother inside has a good half hour to breathe, 
 and cool, and recover herself." Elsewhere the same 
 writer then living in Washington and seeing Whitman 
 almost every day, drew from the life the following outline 
 sketch : * " Lethargic during an interview, passive and 
 receptive, an admirable listener, never in a hurry, with 
 the air of one who has plenty of leisure, always in per- 
 
 * Galaxy, i Dec. '66 pp. 609 et seq. 
 14 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 feet repose, simple and direct in manners, a lover of 
 plain, common people, 4 meeter of savage and gentleman 
 on equal terms,' temperate, chaste, sweet-breathed, 
 tender and affectionate, of copious friendship, preferring 
 always to meet as flesh and blood, and with a large, 
 summery, motherly soul that shines in all his ways and 
 looks, he is by no means the ' rough ' people have 
 been so willing to ^believe. Fastidious as a high caste 
 Brahmin in his food and personal neatness and cleanli 
 ness, well dressed, with a gray, open throat, a deep 
 sympathetic voice, a kind, genial look, the impression 
 he makes upon you is that of the best blood and breed 
 ing. He reminds one of the first men the beginners; 
 has a primitive out-door look not so much from being 
 in the open air as from the texture and quality of his 
 make a look as of the earth, the sea, or the mountains, 
 and * is usually taken,' says a late champion of his 
 cause, * for some great mechanic, or stevedore, or sea 
 man, or grand laborer, of one kind or another.' His 
 physiognomy presents very marked features features 
 of the true antique pattern, almost obsolete in modern 
 faces seen in the strong, square bridge of his nose, 
 his high arching brows, and the absence of all bulging 
 in his forehead, a face approximating in type to the 
 statued Greek. He does not mean intellect merely, but 
 life : and one feels that he must arrive at his results 
 rather by sympathy and absorption than by hard intel 
 lectual processes ; by the effluence of power rather than 
 
 15 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 by direct and total application of it. In keeping with 
 this, x his poems do not have the character of carefully 
 elaborated specimens of gems cut and polished by the 
 intellect, but are warm and vascular, like living organisms. 
 " In the matter of health he is an exception to most 
 known instances. He presents the rare phenomenon 
 of a man giving himself to intellectual labor without 
 suffering the slightest detriment to his physical powers : 
 never knowing dyspepsia, nervousness, ennui, and an 
 entire stranger to headache until his presence in the 
 army hospitals, and his stopping too long consecutively 
 after the battles of the Wilderness with a collection of 
 gangrened wounds, had inoculated his system with a 
 malignant virus. And this robust bodily health, as we 
 have said, is one key to his poems. The peculiar quality 
 of them a quality as of the open air, the woods, the 
 shore, we believe to be more or less attributable to this 
 source. The absence of all pettiness, dallying and sen- 
 timentalism, follows from a like cause." 
 
 I turn now to some words written of him about the 
 same date by a man well entitled to be heard wherever 
 Walt Whitman is the subject of discussion. A man well 
 worth knowing for his own sake a man of genius an 
 observer, a thinker, and a powerful writer. A warm 
 lover of Whitman and of the cause for which Whitman 
 lived and worked William Douglas O'Connor,* speak- 
 
 * Three Tales Houghton, Mifflin & Co. New York 1892 
 pp. 239 et seq. 
 
 16 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 ing of his friend in '67 (just before the earlier of the 
 letters here given were written ) says : " He was tall 
 and stalwart : a brow not large, but full, and seamed 
 with kindly wrinkles : a complexion of rosy clearness : 
 heavy-lidded, firm blue eyes, which had a steadfast and 
 draining regard : a short, thick, gray beard almost white, 
 and thinly flowing dark gray hair. His countenance 
 expressed a rude sweetness. He was dressed in a long, 
 dark overcoat, much worn, and of such uncertain fashion 
 that it almost seemed a gaberdine. As he stood there 
 in the gracious darkling light, he looked an image of 
 long and loving experience with men, of immovable 
 composure and charity, of serene wisdom, of immortal 
 rosy youth in reverend age. A faint perfume exhaled 
 from his garments. In the lapel of his coat he wore a 
 sprig of holly. In his aspect were singularly blended 
 the prophet and the child. The child in him in 
 spired love : the prophet, awe. He drew and he 
 repelled. 
 
 " In a way quite in keeping with his unconventional 
 aspect and manner he moved with a sort of measured 
 alertness among the group, paying his simple and affec 
 tionate addresses to each person, with the air of being 
 already on familiar terms with them, and of knowing all 
 about them : thus establishing himself in close rapport 
 with every one, as only a man with powerful intuitions, 
 vivid impressions, and great magnetic force and dignity 
 could have done, and leaving them with a sense as if 
 
 17 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 something electric and very sweet had swept through 
 
 them. 
 
 * ***** 
 
 "He advanced with solemn and stately tread, composed 
 and calm, but dilated to his fullest manly majesty, and 
 from brow to foot he seemed clothed with an august 
 and strong illumination. 
 
 ****** 
 
 " In the long soundless pause, it seemed as if heaven 
 and earth were still. * * 
 
 A change had come upon him. The rosy color had 
 died from his face in a clear splendor, and his form, reg 
 nant and masculine, was clothed with inspiration, as 
 with a dazzling aureole. * 
 
 " ' Love ' said the gray redeemer, lifting his clear face, 
 bright with deathless smiling, and wet with the sweet 
 waters of immortal tears, * love, love ! That includes all. 
 There is nothing in the world but that nothing in all 
 the world. Better than all is love. Love is better than 
 all.' " 
 
 That the friendship existing between Walt Whitman 
 and Peter Doyle was, as compared with the average sen r 
 timent that passes under that name, exceptional and re 
 markable there can be no doubt, but it does not seem at 
 all clear that there was anything about it which was out 
 of the regular and ordinary course when considered as a 
 fact in the life of Whitman. The present editor possesses 
 series of letters by the poet to other young men evincing 
 
 18 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 nearly as great if not as great affection on his part, and 
 that section of the Leaves named Calamus ( written long 
 before he knew Doyle ) proves the existence of previous 
 friendships at least equally warm and tender. I give here 
 two letters at random ( I could give a small volume of 
 such ) for the purpose of illustrating what seems to me 
 Whitman's phenomenal capacity for friendship. 
 
 "Oct. 2, '68 Dear friend Harry Hurt I thought I 
 would just drop you a line for yourself but no doubt 
 you keep fully posted about me by my letters to Pete, as 
 I am willing you or any of my particular friends who wish 
 to, should read them ( he knows who I would be will 
 ing should read them I leave it to him ) Harry, you 
 would much enjoy going round N. Y. with me, if it were 
 possible, and then how much I should like having you 
 with me. This great city, with all its crowds and splen 
 dor, and Broadway fashion and women, and amusements, 
 and the river and bay, and shipping, and the many mag 
 nificent new buildings, and Central Park and 5th Avenue, 
 and the endless processions of private vehicles and the 
 finest teams I ever saw, for miles long of a fine afternoon 
 altogether, they make up a show that I can richly 
 spend a month in enjoying for a change from my Wash 
 ington life. I sometimes think that I am the particular 
 man who enjoys the show of all these things in N. Y. 
 more than any other mortal as if was all got up just for 
 me to observe and study. Harry, I wish when you see 
 Ben. Thompson, conductor, you would say I sent him my 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 love and have not forgot him. Let him read this letter. 
 I send him a Newspaper, the N. Y. Clipper. I have 
 marked the piece about the Five Points. I went down 
 there myself for fun, three nights ago, with a friend of 
 mine, a policeman, and that account in the Clipper is a 
 very good description only not half rank enough. I 
 wish you to tell John Towers, conductor, I send him my 
 love, and we will see each other again one of these days. 
 I send him a Clipper also with an account of the Five 
 Points Harry, you let one of them lend you the paper, 
 and read the account it will amuse you I was there 
 two hours it was instructive but disgusting I saw 
 one of the handsomest white girls there I ever saw, only 
 about 18 black and white are all intermingled." 
 
 The other is as follows : 
 
 "Oct. '68. Dear Lewy, I will write you just a line to 
 let you know I have not forgotten you. I am here on 
 leave, and shall stay nearly all this month. Duffy is here, 
 driving on Broadway and 5th av. line. He has been up 
 the Hudson River this summer driving hotel coach. He 
 is the same old Duffy. I have heard that William Sydnor, 
 on 65, was laid up sick. I wish to hear about him, and 
 whether he is well, and again at work. If you see him 
 tell him I have not forgot him, but send him my love and 
 will be back in Washington again. Tell Johnny Miller 
 there is still a sprinkling of the old Broadway drivers left. 
 Balky Bill, Fred Kelley, Charley McLaughlin, Tom Riley, 
 Prodigal, Sandy, etc., etc., are still here. Frank Mc- 
 
 20 
 
INTERVIEW WITH PETER DOYLE 
 
 Kinney, and several other old drivers are with Adams 
 Express. Staging is rather dull." 
 
 And finally far more important in this connection 
 than anything that I or any one else could say I give 
 the result of an interview with the man to whom the 
 letters were addressed. 
 
 In May, 1895, in company with Horace L. Traubel, I 
 visited Doyle, whom I had known for years but had not 
 seen for a long time. I explained to him that it was 
 my intention to publish these letters and asked him if he 
 felt there was any insuperable objection ? He first in 
 quired " Of 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, 
 answering affirmatively, was told that I should " go ahead,'* 
 doing that which seemed to me best, since he felt " en 
 tirely safe" in my hands. It was likewise by Doyle's 
 consent that Mr. Traubel took notes of the conversation 
 that ensued, and it is only after his revision that these 
 are printed in this volume. The conversation was desul 
 tory but serves to show what manner of man Doyle is and 
 by what sacred ties he feels himself still indissolubly 
 bound to Whitman. Mr. Doyle is reported almost abso 
 lutely in his own words. He said : 
 
 I was born in 1847, in Ireland, and was about two 
 21 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 years old when brought to America. Father was a black 
 smith. We lived our first years in America at Alexan 
 dria, Virginia. Bad times came on in 1856-7. Father 
 went to Richmond, where he had been offered a place in 
 an iron foundry. While there I was a member of the 
 Fayette Artillery, and when the war broke out I entered 
 the Confederate Army. Getting my parole in Washing 
 ton, forced to look out for myself, I hung round that region 
 with no particular object in view. I might have been 
 more successful somewhere else, but I was there, and so 
 I just stuck to the case as it was. I became a horse-car 
 conductor. This other business came later on. Yes, I 
 will talk of Walt, nothing suits me better. I will com 
 mence anywhere. When you are tired stop me. Walt 
 never used to take much to newspaper men in the old 
 time. There were some few in Washington he rather 
 favored. They always made a good deal of him, of course 
 that is, they came to him often enough for news or 
 opinions or such stuff. 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" it was. I 
 remember one special night, we met a half-loaded fellow 
 with some of his journalist friends a newspaper man, 
 since prominent, who was then pretty well acquanted with 
 Walt. This man was offensively familiar with Walt 
 insisted on introducing his friends, and all that. Walt 
 held him off froze him out would not be introduced. 
 
 22 
 
INTERVIEW WITH PETER DOYLE 
 
 It was simply impossible for the intruder to make his 
 point. Now, Walt was always dignified simple enough, 
 too and this is a sample of the manner he showed to all 
 alike, famous or plain folks, who stepped across what 
 he thought his private border-line. 
 
 How different Walt was then in Washington from the 
 Walt you knew in the later years! You would not be 
 lieve it. He was an athlete great, great. I knew him 
 to do wonderful lifting, running, walking. You ask where 
 I first met him ? It is a curious story. We felt to each 
 other at once. I was a conductor. The night was very 
 stormy, he had been over to see Burroughs before he 
 came down to take the car the storm was awful. Walt 
 had his blanket it was thrown round his shoulders 
 he seemed like an old sea-captain. He was the only 
 passenger, it was a lonely night, so I thought I 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, I went into the car. We were familiar at 
 once I put my hand on his knee we understood. He 
 did not get out at the end of the trip in fact went all 
 the way back with me. I think the year of this was 
 1866. From that time on we were the biggest sort of 
 friends. I stayed in Washington until 1872, when I went 
 on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Walt was then in the 
 Attorney-General's office. I would frequently go out to 
 the Treasury to see Walt ; Hubley Ashton was commonly 
 
 23 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 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 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 
 driver's hands had calf- skin gloves made for them every 
 winter in Georgetown these gloves were his personal 
 presents to the men. He saluted the men on the other 
 cars as we passed threw up his hand. They cried to 
 him, "Hullo, Walt!" and he would reply, "Ah, there!" 
 or something like. He was welcome always as the 
 flowers in May. Everybody appreciated his attentions, 
 and he seemed to appreciate our attentions to him. 
 Teach the boys to read, write and cipher? I never heard 
 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, too. In 
 his habits he was very temperate. He did not smoke. 
 People seemed to think it odd that he didn't, for every 
 body in Washington smoked. But he seemed to have a 
 positive dislike for tobacco. He was a very moderate 
 drinker. You might have thought something different, 
 to see the ruddiness of his complexion but his com 
 plexion had no whiskey in it. We might take a drink or 
 two together occasionally nothing more. It was our 
 practice to go to a hotel on Washington Avenue after I 
 was done with my car. I remember the place well 
 
 24 
 
INTERVIEW WITH PETER DOYLE 
 
 there on the corner. Like as not I would go to sleep 
 lay my head on my hands on the table. Walt would 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 never knew a case of Walt's being bothered up by a 
 woman. In fact, he had nothing special to do with any 
 woman except Mrs. O'Connor and Mrs. Burroughs. 
 His disposition was different. Woman in that sense 
 never came into his head. Walt was too clean, he hated 
 anything which was not clean. No trace of any kind of 
 dissipation in him. I ought to know about him those 
 years w were awf ul close together. In the afternoon I 
 would go up to the 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 
 get. This occurred days in and out, months running. 
 Towards women generally Walt had a good way he very 
 easily attracted them. But he did that with men, too. 
 And it was an irresistible attraction. I've had many tell 
 me men and women. He had an easy, gentle way 
 the same for all, no matter who they were or what their 
 sex. 
 
 Walt was not at the theatre the night Lincoln was shot. 
 It was me he got all that from in the book they are 
 almost my words. I heard that the President and his 
 wife would be present and made up my mind to go. 
 
 25 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 There was a great crowd in the building. I got into the 
 second gallery. There was nothing extraordinary in the 
 performance. I saw everything on the stage and was in 
 a good position to see the President's box. I heard the 
 pistol shot. I had no idea what it was, what it meant 
 it was sort of muffled. I really knew nothing of what had 
 occurred until Mrs. Lincoln leaned out of the box and cried, 
 "The President is shot !" I needn't tell you what I felt 
 then, or saw. It is all put down in Walt's piece that 
 piece is exactly right. I 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 I could not hear for the hub- 
 hub and disappeared. I suppose I lingered almost the 
 last person. A soldier came into the gallery, saw me still 
 there, called to me : " Get out of here ! we're going to 
 burn this damned building down ! " I said : " If that is so 
 I'll get out ! " 
 
 We took great walks together off towards or to Alex 
 andria, often. We went plodding along the road, Walt 
 always whistling or singing. We would talk of ordinary 
 matters. He would recite poetry, especially Shakespeare 
 he would hum airs or shout in the woods. He was 
 always active, happy, cheerful, good-natured. Many of 
 our walks were taken at night. He never seemed to tire. 
 When we got to the ferry opposite Alexandria I would say 
 to myself, "I'll draw the line here I won't go a step 
 further." But he would take everything for granted 
 
 26 
 
INTERVIEW WITH PETER DOYLE 
 
 we would cross the river and walk back home on the other 
 side. Walt knew all about the stars. He was eloquent 
 when he talked of them. It was surprising what he knew 
 of the operas, too, and the concerts of the Marine Band 
 always tempted him. He never failed these concerts 
 we usually strayed in there together. The old man Scala 
 led the band. He used to play a piece called "The Rival 
 Birds " Walt could get it off almost as good as the band. 
 
 He was a long time after me to go to New York, while 
 his mother was alive. I asked him: "Will we stop there 
 with your mother ? " He was a little doubtful about that. 
 We both stayed in Jersey City. The Whitmans lived on 
 Portland Avenue. We took our dinner with Mrs. Whit 
 man. We would take a bus-ride in the morning then go 
 to Brooklyn and have dinner. After we had had our din 
 ner she would always say " Now take a long walk to aid 
 digestion." Mrs. Whitman was a lovely woman. There 
 were just the three of us eating together. Walt and I 
 had a week of it there in New York that time. It was 
 always impressed upon my mind the opera he took me 
 to see " Polyato." All the omnibus drivers knew him. 
 We always climbed up to the top of the busses, our heels 
 hanging over. 
 
 Yes, Walt often spoke to me of his books. I would 
 tell him " I don't know what you are trying to get at." 
 And this is the idea I would always arrive at from his reply. 
 All other peoples in the world have had their representa 
 tives in literature : here is a great big race with no repre- 
 
 27 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 sentative. He would undertake to furnish that represen 
 tative. 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 books. Walt 
 used often to put a piece in Forney's Washington 
 Chronicle. We never really talked about politics. I was 
 a Catholic am still supposed to be one. But I have 
 not been to church for so many years I would not know 
 what to do there. He had pretty vigorous ideas on 
 religion, but he never said anything slighting the church. 
 I don't know if he felt different from what he spoke. He 
 never went to church didn't like form, ceremonies 
 didn't seem to favor preachers at all. I asked him about 
 the hereafter. "There must be something," he said 
 " there can't be a locomotive unless there is somebody to 
 run it." I have heard him say that if a person was a 
 right kind of person and I guess he thought all persons 
 right kind of persons he couldn't be destroyed in the 
 next world or this. 
 
 Dollars and cents had no weight with Walt at all. He 
 didn't spend recklessly, but he spent everything mostly 
 on other people. Money was a thing he didn't think of 
 as other people thought of it. It came and went, that was 
 all there was to it. He did'nt buy many books, but I re 
 member that once he bought a set of Alexander Dumas, 
 which afterward disappeared, I could not tell where, 
 probably it was given away. 
 
 28 
 
INTERVIEW WITH PETER DOYLE 
 
 I have Walt's raglan here [goes to closet puts it <?#], I 
 now and then put it on, lay down, think I am in the old 
 times. Then he is with me again. It's the only thing I 
 kept amongst many old things. When I get it on and 
 stretched out on the old sofa I am very well contented. 
 It is like Aladdin's lamp. I do not ever for a minute 
 lose the old man. He is always near by. When I am in 
 trouble in a crisis I ask myself, " What would Walt 
 have done under these circumstances ? " and whatever I 
 decide Walt would have done that I do. 
 
 Walt's mood was very even, but I saw him mad as a 
 March hare one night. He was on the hind end of my 
 car, near him stood an old fellow ( a carpet-bag senator 
 
 I don't know his name ) near-sighted, wore glasses, 
 peevish, lantern-jawed, dyspeptic. They rubbed against 
 each other. The first thing I knew there was a rumpus, 
 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 I came be 
 tween just in time. I cried : " Get in the car, Walt ! " 
 ( they were both in the street by this time ) and I was 
 glad to see the affair ended that way. No explanations 
 were made. All effects of it vanished at once from Walt's 
 face and manner. Walt's temper was very even, it 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 
 
 29 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 wasn't meek, but he was no fighting-cock. He always 
 had a few pennies for beggars along the street. I'd get 
 out of patience sometimes, he was so lenient. "Don't 
 you think its wrong?" I'd ask him. "No," he always 
 said " it's never wrong, Peter." Wouldn't they drink 
 it away ? He shook his head: "no, and if they did it 
 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 ani 
 mals never came to close quarters. His treatment of 
 them was always generous, I never knew him cruel 
 to man or beast. He had a dog once Tip in Cam- 
 den, 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. I have heard that he did it until his death. He 
 called the thing a " religious duty." Do you remember 
 the big black stick he carried even up to the last ? I gave 
 it to him. It delighted him. Gifts of that sort he always 
 valued highly the plainest, it might be, the most. 
 
 I once had the manuscript of " Drum Taps " ; Walt 
 made me a present of it. But somehow, when we moved, 
 the manuscript disappeared was either destroyed or 
 stolen. Part of it was in print, but most of it was written. 
 All his manuscript was pieced together in that fashion. 
 At the time I did not appreciate it as I should now. 
 
 30 
 
INTERVIEW WITH PETER DOYLE 
 
 Walt's manners were always perfectly simple. We 
 would tackle the farmers who came into town, buy a 
 water-melon, sit down on the cellar door of Bacon's 
 grocery, Seventh & Pennsylvania Avenue, halve it and 
 eat it. People would go by and laugh. Walt would only 
 smile and say, "They can have the laugh we have the 
 melon." 
 
 You couldn't get a better idea of this simplicity than 
 if I tell you of a visit paid him by Edmund Yates, in 
 1873, while he laid in the attic there in Washington, 
 paralyzed, I being his nurse. Yates called and sent up 
 his card. After some objections, mostly on my 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 his first name and he addressed Walt 
 as " Mr. Whitman." No two men were ever more different. 
 Yates elegant, dressy, cultured Walt plain, sick in bed, 
 his room all littered and poor. But both men were per 
 fectly 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, I know who it was Walt meant when he 
 spoke to you of Grant's morning visits afoot to the old 
 woman. Grant was then President. He would stroll 
 from the White House alone. The woman he visited in 
 this way was a widow, well known in Washington. Walt 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 would laugh at me trying to get the President to ride I 
 would motion Grant he would shake his head. Then 
 later on 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 generally. 
 
 Garfield and Walt were very good friends. Garfield 
 had a large manly voice ; we would be going along the 
 Avenue together Walt and me and we would hear 
 Garfield's salutation at the rear. He always signalled 
 Walt with the cry : " After all not to create only ! " When 
 we heard that we always knew who was coming. Garfield 
 would catch up and they would enter into a talk ; I would 
 fall back sometimes. They spoke of books mainly but 
 of every other earthly thing also. Often they would not 
 get through the first run and would go up and down the 
 Avenue several times together I was out of it. Our 
 tramping ground was between the Capitol and the 
 Treasury. 
 
 Towards the end I saw very little of Walt, but he con 
 tinued to write me. He never altered his manner toward 
 me ; here are a few more recent postal cards, you will see 
 that they show the same old love. I know he wondered 
 why I saw so little of him the three or four years before 
 he died, but when I explained it to him he understood. 
 Neverthless, I am sorry for it now. The obstacles were 
 too small to have made the difference I allowed. It 
 was only this : In the old days I had always open doors 
 to Walt going, coming, staying, as I chose. Now, I 
 
 32 
 
INTERVIEW WITH PETER DOYLE 
 
 had to run the gauntlet of Mrs. Davis and a nurse and 
 what not. Somehow, I could not do it. It seemed as 
 if things were not as they should have been. Then I had 
 a mad impulse to go over and nurse him. I was his 
 proper nurse he understood me I understood him. 
 We loved each other deeply But there were things pre 
 venting that, too. I saw them. I should have gone to 
 see him, at least, in spite of everything. I know it now, 
 I did not know it then, but it is all right. Walt realized 
 I never swerved from him he knows it now that is 
 enough. 
 
 I have talked a long while. Let us drink up this beer 
 together. It's a fearful warm day. You gentlemen take 
 the glasses, there; I will drink right from the bottle. 
 Now, here's to the dear old man and the dear old times 
 and the new times, too, and every one that's to come! 
 
 33 
 
AMONG the men and women the multitude, 
 
 I perceive one picking me out by secret and divine signs, 
 
 Acknowledging none else, not parent, wife, husband, brother, 
 
 child, any nearer than I am, 
 Some are baffled, but that one is not that one knows me. 
 
 Ah lover and perfect equal, 
 
 I meant that you should discover me so by faint indirections, 
 And I when I meet you mean to discover you by the like in you. 
 
 Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892), p. in. 
 
 34 
 
LETTERS OF 1868 
 
 I 
 
 NEW YORK, Friday, 25 Sept., 1868. DEAR 
 BOY. I received your second letter yester 
 day it is a real comfort to me to get such 
 letters from you, dear friend. Every word 
 does me good. The Star came all right, was quite inter 
 esting. I suppose you got my second letter last Wednes 
 day. There is nothing new or special to write about 
 to-day, still I thought I would send you a few lines for 
 Sunday. I put down off hand and write all about myself 
 and my doings, etc., because I suppose that will be really 
 what my dear comrade wants most to hear while we are 
 separated. I am doing a little literary work according 
 as I feel in the mood composing on my books. I am 
 having a small edition of Leaves of Grass for 1867 fixed 
 up and printed.* This and some other things give me 
 
 * Drum-Taps was published early in 1865. Then (upon Lincoln's 
 assassination, 14 April) it was withdrawn from the market until 
 Sequel to Drum-Taps, containing When Lilacs Last in the Door- 
 Yard Bloom* d was ready. In 1867 an edition of L. of G. was 
 published but these two sections were not included in it. Later in 
 1868, Drum-Taps and its sequel were incorporated into the Leaves 
 but without change of the title page. It is this work of incorpora 
 tion and the issue of a small edition of the thus reconstituted L. of 
 C. which is referred to in the' text. 
 
 35 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 a little occupation. Upon the whole though I don't 
 do much but go around a great deal eat my rations 
 every time sleep at night like a top and am having 
 good times, so far, in a quiet way, enjoying New York, 
 the society of my mother and lots of friends. Among 
 other things I 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 attrac 
 tion to me. It is a lively scene. At either flood or ebb 
 the water is always rushing along as if in haste, and the 
 river is often crowded with steamers, ships and small 
 craft moving in different directions, some coming from 
 sea, others going out. Among the pilots are some of my 
 particular friends when I see them up in the pilot 
 house on my way to Brooklyn I go up and sail to and 
 fro several trips. I enjoy an hour or two sail of this kind 
 very much indeed. My mother and folks are well and 
 are engaged just these times in the delightful business of 
 moving. I should assist, but have hired a substitute in 
 the shape of a stout young laboring man. I 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 inter 
 est you much only as something coming from me. I 
 think of you very often, dearest comrade, and with more 
 calmness than when I was there. I find it first rate to 
 think of you, Pete, and to know that you are there all 
 right and that I shall return and we will be together 
 again. I don't know what I should do if I hadn't you to 
 
 36 
 
LETTERS OF 1868 
 
 think of and look forward to. Tell Tom Hassett, on No, 
 7, that I wish to be remembered to him particular. Pete. 
 I hope this will find you entirely well of your cold. I am 
 glad to hear that your mother is all right of her cold. This 
 is the time of year when they are apt to be pretty trouble 
 some. I should like to have seen that match played 
 between the Nationals and Olympic. 
 
 II 
 
 New York, 29 Sept., 1868. DEAR BOY PETE. It is 
 splendid here to-day and I am feeling first rate. We 
 have had quite a dark and rainy spell, but now the pros 
 pect is good weather, clear sky, bright sun, coolish and 
 no dust. I shall spend an hour or two on the river to 
 day. Your letter of the 27th, Sunday, came this morn 
 ing. Also two Stars, 25th and 26th, the latter with 
 Hinton's speech, the other containing an item about me. 
 The previous Star arrived with your note of 23rd written 
 just as you were going to see the Black Crook and next 
 morning another Star came. Peter, you are a good boy 
 and shall have your reward in heaven if not on earth. 
 
 Now how about that cold ? I see you went to work 
 Saturday. You seem to be under the weather more than 
 I thought. Dear Comrade, I hope this will find you all right 
 and well as ever. I suppose you are working this week. 
 Yesterday I spent most of the day in Brooklyn helping 
 the folks to finish up the moving business. Got through 
 
 37 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 just after dark. I have not been to any amusements yet. 
 Somehow I don't seem to care about them and I go 
 around enough during the day. There is considerable 
 political excitement here banners swung across the 
 streets almost every block, and big transparencies in front 
 of the different headquarters. I have seen several splen 
 did torch-light processions and out door meetings, etc., of 
 course the great majority 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. 6. And will 
 speak to the other boys in my next. 
 
 Ill 
 
 New York, Oct. 2, 1868. DEAR BOY AND COMRADE. 
 You say it is a pleasure to get my letters well boy, it is 
 a real pleasure to me to write to you. I just write, off 
 hand, whatever comes up, and, as I said before, mostly 
 about myself and my own doings. There have been 
 some tremendous fires here one in Brooklyn eight or 
 ten first class steam fire engines out tell Harry on No. 
 1 1 he would see quite a change in the fire department. I 
 have more than I can attend to here. I find myself sur 
 rounded by friends, many old ones, some new ones, some 
 young and attractive, and plenty of invitations and amuse- 
 
 * Democratic candidates for the presidency and vice-presidency in 
 fall of '68. 
 
 38 
 
LETTERS OF 1868 
 
 merits. I have received an invitation from a gentlemen 
 and wife, friends of mine, at Providence, R. I., and shall 
 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 invitations, etc., 
 though I love them all and gratefully reciprocate their kind 
 ness, I finally turn to you and think of you there. Well, I 
 guess I have written enough for this time. Dear Pete, I 
 will now bid you good-bye for the present. Take care of 
 yourself and God bless you, my loving comrade. I will 
 write again soon. 
 
 IV 
 
 Oct. 6, 1868. DEAR PETE. There is nothing special 
 with me to write to you about. The time slips away 
 mighty quick. It seems but a day or two since I left 
 Washington yet am now on the fourth week of my fur 
 lough. Last night was about the greatest political show I 
 ever saw even in New York a grand Democratic meeting 
 and torch light processions. I was out in the midst of 
 them, to see the sights. I always enjoy seeing the City 
 let loose and on the rampage as it was last night to the 
 fullest extent. I cannot begin to tell you how the Demo 
 crats showed themselves by thousands and tens of 
 thousands. The whole City was lit up with torches. 
 Cannons were fired all night in various parts of the City. 
 As I was on my way home in a 2nd Avenue car between 
 1 2 and i o'clock we got blocked in by a great part of the 
 
 39 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 returning procession. Of course we had to just stand and 
 take it. I enjoyed it hugely from the front platform. 
 They were nearly an hour passing us, streaming both 
 sides. In the procession were all sorts of objects, models 
 of ships forty or fifty feet long, full manned, cars of 
 liberty with women, etc., etc. The ranks spread across 
 the street, and everybody carried a blazing torch. Fire 
 works were going off in every direction. The sky was 
 full of big balloons letting off rockets and Roman candles 
 'way up among the stars. The excitement, the rush, and 
 the endless torches gave me great pleasure. Ever and 
 anon the cannon, some near some distant. I heard them 
 long after I got to bed. It sounded like a distant engage 
 ment. I send you the Herald with a sort of account of 
 the show, but it doesn't do half justice to it. The 
 speeches were of no account at all. 
 
 I suppose you got a letter and paper from me Saturday, 
 Oct. 3rd. I received your welcome letter of Oct. ist, 
 also the Star. I read Mr. Noyes' western letters with 
 pleasure. So you have something new in R. R. new 
 offices and rules. The R. R. [street railroad] business 
 here is very different. They go through these long routes 
 on the rush no mercy to the cattle. The 3rd 
 Avenue R. R. lost 36 horses in one day last summer, 
 one of those hot days. We are having pleasant weather 
 just now, seems like Indian summer. So long, dear 
 Pete. From your loving comrade, WALT. 
 
 40 
 
LETTERS OF 1868 
 
 New York, Oct. 9, 1868. DEAR PETE. It is splendid 
 here this forenoon bright and cool. I was out early 
 taking a short walk by the river only two squares from 
 where I live. I received your letter 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 men on the R. R. for their love 
 and remembrance to me Dave and Jim and Charley 
 Sorrell, Tom Hassett, Harry on No. n). I sent you a 
 letter on the 6th which I suppose you received next day. 
 Tell Henry Hurt I received his letter of Oct. 5th all 
 right, and that it was welcome. Political meetings here 
 every night. The coming Pennsylvania and Ohio elec 
 tions cause much talk and excitement. The fall is upon 
 us ; overcoats are in demand. I already begin to think 
 about my return to Washington. A month has nearly 
 passed away. I have received an invitation from a 
 gentleman and his wife, friends of mine, at Providence, 
 R. I., and shall probably go down there and spend a few 
 days latter part of October. Shall I tell you about it or 
 part of it just to fill up ? I generally spend the forenoon 
 in my room writing, etc., then take a bath fix up and go 
 out about 12 and loafe somewhere or call on someone 
 down town or on business, or perhaps if it is very pleas 
 ant and I feel like it ride a trip with some driver friend 
 on Broadway from 23rd Street to Bowling Green, three 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 miles each way. (Every day I find I have plenty to do, 
 every hour is occupied with something.) You know it is 
 a never ending amusement and study and recreation for 
 me to ride a couple of hours of a pleasant afternoon on 
 a Broadway stage in this way. You see everything as 
 you pass, a sort of living, endless panorama shops 
 and splendid buildings and great windows : and on the 
 broad sidewalks crowds of women richly dressed con 
 tinually passing altogether different, superior in style and 
 looks from any to be seen anywhere else in fact a per 
 fect stream of people men too dressed in high style, 
 and plenty of foreigners and then in the streets the 
 thick crowd of carriages, stages, carts, hotel 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 build 
 ings many of them of white marble, and the gayety and 
 motion on every side : you will not wonder how much 
 attraction all this is on a fine day, to a great loafer like 
 me, who enjoys so much seeing the busy world move 
 by him, and exhibiting itself for his amusement, while he 
 takes it easy and just looks on and observes. Then 
 about the Broadway drivers, nearly all of them are my 
 personal friends. Some have been attached to me for 
 years and I to them. But I believe I have already 
 mentioned them in a former letter. Yesterday I rode 
 the trip I describe, with a friend on a 5th Avenue stage 
 No. 26, a sort [of] namesake of yours, PeteCalhoun, I 
 
 42 
 
LETTERS OF 1868 
 
 have known him 9 or 10 years. The day was fine and I 
 enjoyed the trip muchly. So I try to put in something 
 in my letters to give you an idea of how I pass part of 
 my time and what I see here in New York. Of course I 
 have quite a variety. Some four or five hours every 
 day I most always spend in study, writing, etc. The 
 other serves for a good change. I am writing two or 
 three pieces. I am having finished about 225 copies of 
 Leaves of Grass bound up, to supply orders. Those 
 copies form all that is left of the old edition. Then there 
 will be no more in the market till I have my new and 
 improved edition set up and stereotyped, which it is my 
 present plan to do the ensuing winter at my leisure in 
 Washington. Mother is well, I take either dinner or 
 supper with her every day. Remember me to David 
 Stevens and John Towers. Tell Harry on No. 1 1 I will 
 go to the hall again and see if I can find that man in 
 the Sheriff's office. I send you my love and so long for 
 the present. Yours for life, dear Pete (and death the 
 same). 
 
 VI 
 
 New York, Oct. 14, '68. DEAR BOY PETE. There is 
 great excitement here over the returns of yesterday's 
 elections, as I suppose there is the same in Washington 
 also. The Democrats look blue enough and the Repub 
 licans are on their high horses. I suppose Grant's 
 success is now certain. As I write the bands are out here 
 
 43 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 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. I was glad to get your letter of Friday 9th which 
 is the last also a Star at the same time. I suppose you 
 received mine of the 9th and the papers the Star and 
 Express. I am about as well as usual. Mother is well 
 and my brothers the same. I am going to-morrow to 
 Providence, R. I., to spend a few days. Should you write 
 any time within four or five days 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 Coast. I 
 received a long letter from him yesterday. I believe I 
 told you I was finishing up about 230 copies of my book, 
 expecting to sell them. I have had them finished up and 
 bound, etc., but there is a hitch about the sale and I 
 shall not be able to sell them at present. There is a 
 pretty strong enmity here toward me and Z. of G. among 
 certain classes not only that it is a great mess of crazy 
 talk and hard words all tangled up, without sense or mean 
 ing (which, by the by, is, I believe, your judgment about it) 
 but others sincerely think that it is a bad book, im 
 proper, 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 I had received 25 guineas for a piece in an English 
 Magazine, but that it was worth all that for any one to 
 
 44 
 
LETTERS OF 1868 
 
 read it. Another, the World said : " Walt Whitman was 
 in town yesterday carrying the blue cotton umbrella of 
 the future " (it had been a drizzly forenoon) so they 
 go it. When they get off a good squib however I laugh 
 at it just as much as any one. Dear Pete, I hope this 
 will find you well and in good spirits. Remember me to 
 Coley, John Towers, Jim Sorrell, David Stevens and all 
 the boys WALT. 
 
 I have been debating whether to get my leave extended 
 and stay till election day to vote or whether to pair off 
 with a Democrat and return (which will amount to the 
 same thing). Most likely I shall decide on the latter, but 
 don't know for certain. Dear boy, I send you my love ' 
 I will write you a line from Providence so long Pete. 
 
 VII 
 
 Providence, . /., Oct. 17, 1868. DEAR PETE. Ac 
 cording to announcement in my last I have made a move 
 ment and change of base from tumultuous, close-packed, 
 world-like New York to this half-rural, brisk, handsome, 
 New England, third-class town. I came on here last 
 Thursday. I came as guest of Thomas Davis, formerly 
 M. C. from this City Arrived between 8 and 9 o'clock 
 at night found his carriage at the depot waiting for me. 
 At the house a sort of castle built of stone, on fine 
 grounds, a mile and a half from the town a hearty wel 
 come from his hospitable wife and a family of young 
 
 45 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 ladies and children a hot supper a tip top room, etc., 
 etc., so you see, Pete, your old man is in clover. I have 
 since been round the City and suburbs considerably. I 
 am going down to Newport before I return Invitations, 
 etc., are numerous I am, in fact, already dividing my 
 self between two hospitalities, part of the time with Mr. 
 and Mrs. Davis and part with Dr. and Mrs. Channing, 
 old acquaintances of mine in another part of the City. 
 I stopt last night at the house of the latter. It is on a 
 high and pleasant hill at the side of the City 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 description, like the finest 
 Indian summer. I wandered around, partly walking, 
 partly in a carriage, a good part of the day. To-day there 
 is an entire change of 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 [is] disagreeable and wet and dark 
 and prevents me from going out. So 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 
 
 46 
 
LETTERS OF 1868 
 
 in full operation everything looks lively. From the 
 house up here I can hear almost any time, night or day, 
 the sound of factory bells and the steam whistles of loco 
 motives half a mile distant. Then the lights at night seen 
 from here make a curious exhibition. At both places I 
 stop we have plenty of ripe fresh fruit and lots of flowers. 
 Pete, I could now send you a bouquet every morning far 
 better than I used to of much choicer flowers. And how 
 are you getting along, dearest comrade ? I hope you are 
 well and that everything is going on right with you. I have 
 not heard from you for a good while, it seems. I suppose 
 you got my last letter of 1 4th, from N. Y. I expect to 
 return to N. Y. about the 22nd. Should you feel to write 
 after receiving this you might direct to 331 East 55th 
 Street as before. I am well as usual. I am luxuriating on 
 excellent grapes. I wish I could send you a basket. At 
 both places I stop they have vineyards and the grapes 
 are very good and plenty this year. Last night when I 
 went up at 1 1 o'clock to my room I took up three great 
 bunches each as big as my fist and sat down and eat them 
 before I turned in. I like to eat them in this way and it 
 agrees with me. It is quite a change here from my asso 
 ciations and surroundings either in Washington or New 
 York. Evenings and meal times I find myself thrown 
 amidst a mild, pleasant society, really intellectual, com 
 posed largely of educated women, some young, some not 
 so young, everything refined and polite, not disposed to 
 small talk, conversing in earnest on profound subjects, 
 
 47 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 but with a moderate rather slow tone and in a kind of 
 conciliatory manner delighting in this sort of conversa 
 tion and spending their evenings till late, in it. I take a 
 hand in, for a change. I find it entertaining, as I say, 
 for novelty's sake, for a week or two but I know very 
 well that would be enough for me. It is all first rate, 
 good and smart but too constrained and bookish for a 
 free old hawk like me. I send you my love, dear Pete. 
 So long. Will write from N. Y. soon as I return there. 
 P. S. Just after 12 o'clock noon. As I am just finish 
 ing the storm lightens up I am sure I see a bit of blue 
 sky in the clouds yes, the sun is certainly breaking 
 out. 
 
 VIII 
 
 Providence, R. /., Oct. 18, '68. DEAR BOY AND COM 
 RADE, I sent off a letter to you yesterday noon, but 
 towards evening Mr. Davis brought me up from the P. 
 O. yours of i5th, which I was so glad to get that you 
 shall have an answer right off. After the flurry of snow 
 I told you of yesterday morning we had a pleasant clear 
 afternoon. I took a long walk, partly through the woods, 
 and enjoyed it much. The weather, pretty cold and sharp 
 and remains so yet. As I left my overcoat in Washing 
 ton I have been compelled to get something here, so I 
 have bought me a great iron grey shawl which I find very 
 acceptable. I always had doubts about a shawl, but have 
 already got used to mine and like it first rate. In the 
 
 48 
 
LETTERS OF 1868 
 
 evening I went by invitation to a party of ladies and gen 
 tlemen mostly ladies. We had a warm, animated talk, 
 among other things about spiritualism. I talked too, indeed 
 went in like a house afire. It was good exercise for 
 the fun of the thing. I also made love to the women, 
 and flatter myself that I created at least one impression 
 wretch and gay deceiver that I am. The truth is Peter, 
 that I am here at the present time mainly in the midst of 
 female women, some of them young and jolly, and meet 
 them most every evening in 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 a caution. You would be astonished, my 
 son, to see the brass and coolness and the capacity of 
 flirtation and carrying on with the girls I would never 
 have believed it of myself. Brought here by destiny, 
 surrounded in this way and, as I in self defense would 
 modestly state, sought for, seized 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. I have already had three or four 
 such parties here which you will certainly admit, con 
 sidering my age and heft, to say nothing of my reputa 
 tion, is doing pretty well. Then away late lost my 
 
 49 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 way wandered over the City and got home after one 
 o'clock. 
 
 I go about quite a good deal. This is as handsome a 
 City as I ever saw, some of the streets run up steep hills. 
 Except in a few of the business streets, where the build 
 ings are compact in nine-tenths of the City every 
 house stands separate and has a little or quite a deal of 
 ground about it for flowers and for shade or fruit trees or 
 a garden. I never saw such a prosperous looking City 
 but of course no grand public buildings like Wash 
 ington. 
 
 This forenoon I have been out away down along the 
 banks of the river and cove and making explorations 
 generally. All is new to me and I returned quite tired. 
 I have eat a hearty dinner. Then I thought I would 
 come up and sit awhile in my room. But as I did not 
 feel like reading I concluded to write this precious screed. 
 Fortunate young man, to keep getting such instructive 
 letters aint you ? It is now four o'clock and bright and 
 cool and I have staid in long enough. I will sally forth 
 on a walk and drop this in the P. O. before supper. So 
 long, dear Pete, and my love to you as always, always. 
 WALT. 
 
 IX 
 
 New York Oct. 22nd (?) 1868. DEAR PETE Well, 
 here I am back again in New York. Have had a 
 pleasant trip down East went down the bay there after 
 
 So 
 
LETTERS OF 1868 
 
 I wrote you last and also a visit around among the fac 
 tories of Rhode Island. Some of them are very large 
 regular little towns. The Spragues, two brothers, employ 
 7000 workmen in their factories alone. Some of the 
 owners are men of immense wealth. I write this early in 
 the forenoon sitting in my room in 55th street after break 
 fast. As to getting my leave extended so that I might 
 stay to vote, I have settled ( as I spoke of in a former 
 letter ) to pair off with a friend of mine here who was 
 going to vote for Seymour and return on time. The 
 weather is cool and clear to-day. I shall probably not 
 make out much of a letter to you this time, Pete, as I feel 
 rather stupid yet this morning. I guess I slept too hard 
 or perhaps, as they say, I got up wrong end foremost. 
 But I thought I would write one more letter for the last. 
 I hope you have enjoyed reading them as much as I have 
 writing them for that I have enjoyed. You too have 
 done first rate and have sent me as many as I have you, 
 and good letters too. I am now going out down town and 
 across to Brooklyn to spend a few hours with my mother. 
 I don't know whether I told you that my sister with her 
 two young children from St. Louis arrived the night before 
 I left New York, and will stop with mother this fall and 
 winter her health * is not very good. I shall return 
 26th Take care of yourself, Dear Pete, we will soon be 
 together again WALT. 
 
 *. e. the health of the "sister" (Jeff's wife Mattie) she died 
 of consumption iQth Feb. 1873. 
 
 51 
 
I WILL plant companionship thick as trees along all the rivers of 
 America, and along the shores of the great lakes, and all 
 over the prairies, 
 
 I will make 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. 
 
LETTERS OF 1869 
 
 BROOKLYN, N. Y., Saturday evening, Aug. 
 21 [1869]. DEAR PETE. I have been very 
 sick the last three days I don't know what 
 to call it it makes me prostrated and deadly 
 weak, and little use of my limbs. I have thought of 
 you, my darling boy, very much of the time. I have not 
 been out of the house since the first day after my arrival. 
 I had a pleasant journey through on the cars Wednesday 
 afternoon and night felt quite well then. My mother 
 and folks are all well. We are in our new house 
 we occupy part and rent out part. I have a nice room, 
 where I now sit writing this. It is the latter part of 
 the afternoon. I feel better the last hour or so. It 
 has been extremely hot here the last two days I see 
 it has been so in Washington too. I hope I shall get out 
 soon I hanker to get out doors, and down the bay. 
 And now dear Pete for yourself. How is it with you, 
 dearest boy and is there anything different with the 
 face ? * Dear Pete, you must forgive me for being so 
 
 * At this time Doyle was suffering from an eruption on his face 
 of which he did not know the cause. Whitman took him to Dr. 
 Charles Bowen, one of the army doctors, who pronounced it a case 
 of "barber's itch" (tinea sycosis), an exceedingly obstinate skin 
 
 53 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 cold the last day and evening. I was unspeakably 
 shocked and repelled from you by that talk and proposi 
 tion of yours you know what there by the fountain. 
 It seemed indeed to me, (for I will talk out plain to you, 
 dearest comrade) that the one I loved, and who had 
 always been so manly and sensible, was gone, and a fool 
 and intentional suicide stood in his place. I spoke so 
 sternly and cutting. (Though I see now that my words 
 might have appeared to have a certain other meaning, 
 which I didn't dream of insulting to you, never for one 
 moment in my thoughts.) But will say no more of this 
 for I know such thoughts must have come when you 
 was not yourself but in a moment of derangement, and 
 have passed away like a bad dream. Dearest boy I have 
 not a doubt but you will get well and entirely well and 
 we will one day look back on these drawbacks and suffer 
 ings as things long past. The extreme cases of that 
 malady, (as I told you before) are persons that have very 
 deeply diseased blood so they have no foundation to build 
 on you are of healthy stock, with a sound constitution 
 
 disease, which he said could best be eradicated by lancing and cau 
 terizing with nitrate of silver. At Doyle's solicitation Dr. Bowen 
 undertook the treatment at once, but for a time no improvement 
 was apparent. In a moment of despondency Doyle declared that 
 life burdened with such an affliction was not worth living. Whit 
 man took this thoughtless speech too literally as appears from the 
 letter, and it is in perfect keeping with his imperturbable faith and 
 complete acceptance of life that he should have been shocked, as he 
 was, by even a suggestion of suicide. 
 
 54 
 
LETTERS OF 1869 
 
 and good blood and I know it is impossible for it to 
 continue long. My darling, if you are not well when I 
 come back I will get a good room or two in some quiet 
 place, and we will live together and devote ourselves alto 
 gether to the job of curing you, and making you stronger 
 and healthier than ever. I 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, I 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 brother, don't let the 
 devil put such thoughts in your mind again wickedness 
 unspeakable death and disgrace here, and hell's agonies 
 hereafter Then what would it be afterward to the 
 mother? What to met Pete, I send you some money 
 by Adams' Express you use it, dearest son, and when it 
 is gone you shall have some more, for I have plenty. I 
 will write again before long give my love to Johnny 
 Lee, my dear darling boy. I love him truly (let him 
 read these three last lines) Dear Pete, remember 
 WALT. 
 
 II 
 
 Brooklyn, September 3, 1869. DEAR PETE. I thought 
 I would write you a letter to-day, as you would be anxious 
 
 55 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 to hear. I received your letter of Aug. 24, and it was a 
 great comfort to me. I have read it several times since. 
 Dear Pete, I hope everything is going on favorably with 
 you. I think about you every day and every night. I do 
 hope you are in good spirits and health. I want to hear 
 about the face. I suppose you are working on the road. 
 There is nothing new or special in my affairs or doings. 
 The weather is pleasant here it is pretty cool and dry. 
 My folks all continue well mother first rate, and 
 brothers ditto. I do not have such good luck, I have 
 felt unwell most every day some days not so bad. Be 
 sides I have those spells again, worse, last longer, sick 
 enough, come sudden, dizzy and sudden sweat It is 
 hard to tell exactly what is the matter or what to do. 
 The doctor says it is all from that hospital malaria, 
 hospital poison absorbed in the system years ago he 
 thinks it better for me in Washington than here. About 
 one third of the time I feel pretty well. I have taken 
 three or four of my favorite rides on Broad\vay, I believe 
 I described them to you in my letters a year ago. I find 
 many of my old friends, and new ones too, and am 
 received with the same warm friendship and love as ever. 
 Broadway is more crowded and gay than ever, and the 
 women look finer, and the shops richer then there are 
 many new and splendid buildings of marble or iron they 
 seem to almost reach the clouds, they are so tall some of 
 them cost millions of dollars. Staging in N. Y. has been 
 very poor this summer $9 or $10 even on the big 
 
 56 
 
LETTERS OF 1869 
 
 Broadway lines Railroading has also -been slim. New 
 York is all cut up with railroads Brooklyn also I 
 have seen 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 $2^4 on many of 
 the roads here and 2^ on the rest. The work is pretty 
 hard, but the hours not so long as in Washington. There 
 is all kinds of fun and sport here, by day and night 
 and lots of theatres and amusements in full blast. I have 
 not been to any of them have not been to see any of 
 my particular women friends though sent for ( the 
 papers here have noticed my arrival ) have not been 
 down to the sea-shore as I intended. In fact my jaunt 
 this time has been a failure Better luck next time 
 Now Pete, dear loving boy, I don't want you to worry 
 about me I shall come along all right. As it is, I 
 have a good square appetite most of the time yet, good 
 nights' sleep and look about the same as usual, ( which 
 is of course lovely and fascinating beyond description ). 
 Tell Johnny Lee I send him my love, and hope he is well 
 and hearty. I think of him daily. I sent him a letter 
 some time ago, which I suppose he received about Aug. 
 26, and showed you but I have not had a word from 
 him. Send him this letter to read, as he will wish to hear 
 about me. God bless you, dear Pete dear loving com 
 rade, and farewell till next time, my darling boy. WALT. 
 
 57 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 III 
 
 Brooklyn, Friday afternoon, Sept. 10, 1869. DEAR 
 PETE DEAR SON. I have received your letter of the 8th 
 to-day all your letters have come safe four alto 
 gether. This is the third I have sent you (besides that 
 one by Adams' Express, Aug. 23rd). Pete, you say my 
 sickness must be worse than I described in my letters 
 and ask me to write precisely how I am. No, dearest 
 boy, I wrote just as it really was. But Pete, you will now 
 be truly happy to learn that I am feeling all right, and 
 have been mainly so for the last four days, and have 
 had no bad spells all that time. Yesterday I thought I 
 felt as strong and well as ever in my life in fact real 
 young and jolly. I loafed around New York most all 
 day had a first rate good time. All along Broadway 
 hundreds of rich flags and streamers at half-mast for 
 Gen. Rawlins' * funeral. From the tall buildings they 
 waved out in a stiff west wind all across Broadway late 
 in the afternoon I rode up from the Battery to look at 
 them, as the sun struck through them I thought I 
 had never seen anything so curious and beautiful. On 
 all the shipping, ferry boats, public buildings, etc., flags 
 
 *John Aaron Rawlins, b. at East Galena, 111., 13 Feb. '31, d. at 
 Washington, D. C., 9 Dec., '69. A General in the Northern army. 
 Was a Douglas democrat in '60, but joined the Union Army on the 
 outbreak of the Civil War and became Assistant Adjutant General 
 to Grant in 1861 and Chief of Staff with the rank of Brigadier General 
 in 1865. Was Secretary of War 1869. 
 
 58 
 
LETTERS OF 1869 
 
 at half-mast too. This is the style here. No black 
 drapery for mourning only thousand of flags at half 
 mast, on the water as well as land for any big bug's 
 funeral. To-day I am all right too. It is now towards 
 3 mother and I have just had our dinner, (my 
 mammy's own cooking mostly,) I have been out all the 
 forenoon knocking around the water is my favorite 
 recreation I could spend two or three hours every day 
 of my life here, and never get tired some of the pilots 
 are dear personal friends of mine some, when we meet 
 we kiss each other (I am an exception to all their cus 
 toms with others,) some of their boys have grown up 
 since I have known them, and they too know me and 
 are very friendly. Pete, the fourth week of my vacation 
 is most ended. I shall return the middle of next week. 
 Give my love to Johnny Lee let him read this letter 
 and then return it to you. Dear Jack, I received your 
 affectionate letter of Sept. 5th. Pete, I have seen Tom 
 Haslett he is well he is working extra on Broadway 
 and 42nd St. R. R. He does not think of going home 
 till Christmas. Jimmy Foy has not got work yet. I 
 suppose you got " Kenilworth " I sent. Well, boy, I shall 
 now take a bath, 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 I think we are going to have a fine 
 evening and moonlight, etc. Good-bye, dear son we 
 will soon be together again. WALT. 
 
 59 
 
WHAT think you I take my pen in hand to record ? 
 
 The battleship, perfect model'd, majestic, that I saw pass the 
 
 offing today under full sail ? 
 The splendors of the past day ? or the splendor of the night that 
 
 envelops me ? 
 Or 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. 
 
 60 
 
LETTERS OF 1870 
 
 BROOKLYN, Saturday afternoon, July 30 
 [1870]. DEAR PETE. Well here I am home 
 again with my mother, writing to you from 
 Brooklyn once more. We parted there, you 
 know, at the corner of ;th St. Tuesday night. Pete there 
 was something in that hour from 10 to n o'clock 
 (parting though it was) that has left me pleasure and 
 comfort for good I never dreamed that you made so 
 much of having me with you, nor that you could feel 
 so downcast at losing me. I foolishly thought it was all 
 on the other side. But all I will say further on the sub 
 ject is, I now see clearly, that was all wrong. I started 
 from the depot in the 7.25 train the next morning it 
 was pretty warm, yet I had a very pleasant; journey, and 
 we got in New York by 5 o'clock afternoon. About 
 half an hour before we arrived, I noticed a very agree 
 able change in the weather the heat had moderated 
 and in fact it has been pleasant enough every day since. 
 I found mother and all as well as usual. It is now Sat 
 urday between 4 and 5 in the afternoon I will write 
 more on the other side but Pete, I must now hang up 
 for the present as there is a young lady down stairs whom 
 I have to go with to the ferry and across to the cars. 
 
 61 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 Sunday, 6 /. m 4 Pete, dear boy, I will write you a line 
 to-day before I go. I am going over to New York to 
 visit the lady I went down to the ferry with so you see 
 I am quite a lady's man again in my old days There is 
 nothing special to write about I am feeling in first-rate 
 spirits and eat my rations every time. Monday, Aug. i. 
 The carrier brought quite a bunch this forenoon for the 
 Whitman family, but no letter from you. I keep real 
 busy with one thing and another, the whole day is 
 occupied I am feeling quite well all the time and go 
 out a great deal, knocking around one place and another. 
 The evenings here are delightful and I am always out in 
 them, sometimes on the river sometimes in New York 
 There is a cool breeze and the moon shining. I think 
 every time of you and wish if we could only be together 
 these evenings at any rate. Tuesday, Aug. 2. Well 
 Pete, you will have quite a diary at this rate. Your letter 
 came this morning and I was glad enough to get word 
 from you. I have been over to New York to-day on 
 business it is a pleasure even to cross the ferry the 
 river is splendid to-day a stiff breeze blowing and the 
 smell of the salt sea blowing up (sweeter than any per 
 fume to my nose) It is now 2 o'clock, I have had my 
 dinner and am sitting here alone writing this Love to 
 you, dear Pete and I won't be so long again writing to 
 my darling boy. WALT. 
 
 62 
 
LETTERS OF 1870 
 
 II 
 
 Brooklyn, Wednesday night, Aug. 3, [ 1870] . DEAR 
 PETE. Dear son, I received your second letter to-day 
 also the Star. I sent you a letter Tuesday evening, which 
 I suppose you have received. As I am now sitting in my 
 room and have no desire to go to bed yet, I will commence 
 another. Give my best respects to George Smith also 
 to Pensey Bell and his brother George also to Mr. 
 Shedd and in fact to all my railroad friends whenever 
 they enquire after me Dear son, I can almost see you 
 drowsing and nodding since last Sunday, going home late 
 especially as we wait there at 7th St. and I am telling 
 you something deep about the heavenly bodies and in 
 the midst of it I look around and find you fast asleep, and 
 your head on my shoulder like a chunk of wood an 
 awful compliment to my lecturing powers. All the talk 
 here now is either the war on the Rhine, or the murder 
 of old Mr. Nathan, or some other murder for there are 
 plenty of them I send you a couple of papers with 
 pieces about them. Say whether they come safe. I 
 believe that is all for to-night, as it is getting late. Good 
 night, Pete Good night, my darling son here is a kiss 
 for you, dear boy on the paper here a good long 
 one. Thursday \th I have been out all the forenoon 
 and until about 2 o'clock had some business in New 
 York, which I attended, then came back and spent an 
 hour and a half on the river, with one of the pilots, a 
 
 63 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 particular friend of mine saw the yachts, several of 
 them, including the America, out practising for the great 
 race that comes off Monday the Dauntless was out 
 yesterday and the Cambria went down three days ago 
 
 the America is the handsomest little craft I ever laid 
 eyes on I also saw Henry Ward Beecher and had some 
 talk with him I find myself going with the pilots muchly 
 
 there are several that were little boys, now grown up, 
 and remember me well fine hearty fellows always 
 around the water sons of old pilots they make much 
 of me, and of course I am willing. 10 o'clock at night 
 
 As this is lying here on my table to be sent off to-mor 
 row, I will imagine you with your arm around my neck 
 saying Good night, Walt and me Good night, Pete. 
 Friday morning, Aug. 5. All well fine weather and I 
 feel in good spirits. I am just going out and across to 
 to New York. We had a heavy shower here yesterday 
 afternoon 4th, the weather is not too hot here. WALT. 
 
 Ill 
 
 Brooklyn, August 7, [ 1870]. DEAR BOY PETE. It is a 
 beautiful quiet Sunday forenoon. I am feeling first rate 
 and have had quite a good day so far. After breakfast I 
 went out and sat a long while on the porch in front, reading 
 the Sunday paper, enjoying the cool and shade, and 
 besides some real sweet music A young widow next 
 door, a friend of mother's, has been in her parlor the last 
 
 64 
 
LETTERS OF 1870 
 
 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 
 right spot sings good old hymns and songs I have 
 enjoyed it greatly you would too It is now between 
 1-2 past 10 and 1 1 The distant bells are slowly ringing 
 
 otherwise it is pretty quiet The last two hours I 
 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. Pete, I have just taken out your 
 last letter and read it over again I 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, Q//Z, I 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 colored streamers, 
 etc. streaming over the green waters, beneath the sun 
 shine and bright blue sky a grand sight and the 
 beautiful yachts and pleasure boats, lots and lots of them, 
 with immense white sails, like great wings, tearing along 
 in the breeze the bay each side alive with people on 
 the boats 150,000 people they say the shores and 
 hills covered for miles too I was out again last night. 
 It was fine. Your welcome letter of the 8th has come 
 this morning, dear loving son, and has pleased me, as 
 always. That accident on the bridge was indeed terrible 
 
 65 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 that bridge is a disgrace to Washington, anyhow 
 Pete, I wish you to tell Mr. and Mrs. Nash and your 
 cousin, and all, I send them my best respects Also 
 Henry Hurt, also Andy Woolbridge on ;th St. Wednes 
 day afternoon, \Qth. Dear son. Yours of gth, came 
 this forenoon I feel quite unhappy about your bad luck 
 again reported by some damned fool, and taken off by 
 a worse damned fool But you keep a good heart, Pete 
 
 school will keep somehow I have no room to write 
 more at present Dear loving son, I want to keep writ 
 ing frequently. WALT. Just going out But just in the 
 nick of time before I sealed this letter as I had finished 
 dressing to go out, Mother sung out to me from the foot 
 of the stairs and I got your good welcome third letter. 
 Pete, you are doing first rate. I guess Pleasants was 
 after something stronger than Kissengen Tell Dr. Mil- 
 burn I don't find any place in N. Y. or Brooklyn to com 
 pare with his for the mineral drinks But I am living 
 more to suit me in the grub line, this weather not so 
 much meat mother's cookery, and quite a good deal of 
 fruit, etc. A lovely broiled steak and perfect coffee this 
 morning I wish you had been on hand, young man. 
 
 IV 
 
 Brooklyn, August 12, [1870]. DEAR SON. Yours of 
 yesterday nth, has just this minute come, and I wish to 
 write a few lines so that you may get them before Sun- 
 
 66 
 
LETTERS OF 1870 
 
 day. I have not time to write much, as it is now about 
 5 p. M. Dear son, I hope you will not feel discouraged 
 at the situation, even if it comes to the worst. It is now 
 thought that business generally throughout the country is 
 ready to revive as soon as the hot season is done, and 
 that everything will be brisker this fall than any time 
 since the war. 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 things do their 
 worst, and let Riker go to hell. You are better off 
 to-day to be what you are, than to be him with his 
 $ 1 0,000 a year poor thin-livered cuss that he is. My 
 darling son, I will send you $5 every Saturday, should 
 you be idle as I can easily spare that, and you can 
 depend upon it it won't go far, but it may take the edge 
 off. Many, many loving kisses to you, dear son for I 
 must close, or I shall lose to-night's mail. WALT. 
 
 Brooklyn, August 22, 1870. DEAR PETE. I have 
 not heard from you now for nine days. Your letter of 
 1 3th, (last Saturday week) in which you said the orders 
 were for you to go to work next day, was the last I have 
 received. I took it for granted that you went to work, 
 and have been at it since and I hope all is right with 
 you but why have you not written ? Dear son, if not 
 
 67 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 to work I wish to send you a little money. Everything 
 goes well with me that is, everything goes as well as 
 can be expected I am feeling first-rate I am down 
 the bay often, and sometimes spend nearly all day on 
 the sea-shore a few miles down. I am all sunburnt and 
 red, and weigh several pounds more than when I left 
 Washington. A friend who hasn't seen me for a good 
 while said this morning "Why Walt, you are fatter and 
 saucier than ever" but I will close by sending my love 
 to my darling son and to him I shall always be the 
 same old WALT. 
 
 VI 
 
 Brooklyn, August 25 [1870]. DEAR SON. I will begin 
 a letter for you to-day, and probably finish it to-morrow, 
 and send it off, so that you will have it by or before Sun 
 day. The heat is again upon us here, days but the 
 nights are pleasant. It is now Thursday afternoon, be 
 tween 3 and 4 and I am writing this in my room on 
 Portland Ave. Pete, one month of my leave exactly is 
 up to-day. I have been out quite a while to-day over to 
 New York, to the printing office, 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 the river 
 three times a fine breeze blowing. Then home took 
 a bath ate my dinner and here I am all alone most 
 stript, taking things as cool as possible, and writing this 
 letter. Pete, your letter of 23rd came yesterday, and the 
 
 68 
 
LETTERS OF 1870 
 
 one written partly that night and partly 24th came this 
 forenoon. Those are the only letters I have received 
 since the one of i3th telling me the orders were for you 
 to go to work next day (Sunday). I have been uneasy 
 ever since to hear. The letter received this morning 
 gives me the first definite information how things have 
 turned out. Dear son, I want you to try to cast aside all 
 irritating thoughts and recollections, and preserve a 
 cheerful mind. That is the main part of getting along 
 through the toil and battle of life and it is a good deal 
 habit. I was away a good part of last week down the 
 bay went away each time early in the morning, and 
 got home after dark. I am having quite jovial times. I 
 went to Wallack's theatre one night lately with a friend 
 who wanted to see a piece called " Fritz " a miserable 
 sickish piece. I was glad enough to get out in the open 
 air away from such humbug. I am still feeling gay and 
 hearty. I work several hours a day keeping things 
 straight among the printers and founders on my books. 
 They are being cast in electrotype plates.* I will tell you 
 more about it when we meet. Well Pete, I guess this will 
 do for to-day. I think of sallying forth soon as the sun 
 gets pretty well down, and crossing to New York to loafe 
 around two or three hours. Friday afternoon, August 26. 
 Well I went over to New York last evening up town 
 to see some friends come home about 1 1 just in 
 
 * These plates were used for the 187 1-'; 2 and '76 eds. of Leaves 
 of Grass. 
 
 69 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 time to escape a thunder shower. It is splendid to-day 
 I have been over all day working, quite busy and have 
 just got home, and had my dinner it is now about 4. 
 It is quite pleasant riding here in Brooklyn we have 
 large open cars, in good weather it is real lively I quite 
 enjoy it Pete, give my respects to Mr. and Mrs. Nash, 
 and to your cousin also to Jenny Murphy not forget 
 ting the boys on the road also Wash Milburn God 
 bless you and good-bye for this time, my own dear lov 
 ing boy. WALT. 
 
 VII 
 
 Brooklyn, September 2, 1870. DEAR PETE. I received 
 your welcome letter of Aug. 2yth and also 3ist, enclos 
 ing Ned Stewart's when you write tell Ned I am here 
 in Brooklyn, loafing around and that I send my love. 
 Pete, there is nothing particular to write about this time 
 pretty much the same story every day out on the 
 bay awhile, or going down to Coney Island beach and 
 every day from two to four or five hours in the printing 
 office I still keep well and hearty, and the weather is 
 fine warm through the middle of the day, and cool 
 morning and nights I fall in with a good many of my 
 acquaintances of years ago the young fellows, (now 
 not so young) that I knew intimately here before the 
 war some are dead and some have got married 
 and some have grown rich one of the latter I was up 
 with yesterday and last night he has a big house on 
 
 70 
 
LETTERS OF 1870 
 
 Fifth Avenue I was there to dinner (dinner at 8 
 p. M. !) everything in the loudest sort of style, with 
 wines, silver, nigger waiters, etc. etc. etc. But my friend 
 is just one of the manliest, jovialest, best sort of fellows 
 no airs, and just the one to suit you and me, no women 
 in the house he is single he wants me to make my 
 home there I shall not do that, but shall go there very 
 frequently the dinners and good wines are attrac 
 tive then there is a fine library. Well Pete, I am on 
 the second month of my furlough to think it is almost 
 six weeks since we parted there that night my dear 
 loving boy, how much I want to see you it seems a 
 long while. I have received a good letter from Mr. 
 O'Connor, and also one from John Rowland who is in 
 the office for me. Nothing new in office Well, Pete, 
 about half of our separation is over the next six weeks 
 will soon pass away indeed it may be only four, as John 
 Rowland told me he might wish to go away Good-bye 
 for the present, my loving son, and give my respects to 
 any of the boys that ask about me. WALT. 
 
 VIII 
 
 Brooklyn, September 6tti, 1870. DEAR SON. I see by 
 your letter of the 4th, that you are working as usual. I 
 sometimes fancy I see you and 14* and Mr. Shedd 
 
 * "14" was the number of the street car of which Pete was 
 conductor at this time and is used as a name for the car by Whit 
 man. Mr. Shedd was the driver on " 14 ". 
 
 71 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 going up or down the avenue or at the end at George 
 town or Navy Yard the old familiar route and 
 scenes the circle, the President's House Willards' 
 yth Street Capitol Gate the Hill, etc. etc. etc. I 
 keep pretty busy, writing, proof-reading, etc. I am at 
 the printing office several hours every day I feel in 
 capital health and spirits weigh several pound heavier 
 
 but, as a small drawback, and something new for me, 
 find myself needing glasses every time I read or write * 
 
 this has grown upon me very rapidly since and during 
 the hot weather, and especially since I left Washington 
 so I read and write as little as possible, beyond my 
 printing matters, etc. as that occupies several hours and 
 tires my eyes sometimes. We are having splendid fall 
 weather, both days and nights. Last night I was out 
 late the scene on the river was heavenly the sky 
 clear, and the moon shining her brightest I felt almost 
 chilly at last with the cold and so put for home. One 
 of the prettiest sights now is to see the great German 
 steamers, and other ships, as they lay tied up along 
 shore, all covered with gay flags and streamers " dress 
 ship" as they call it flaunting out in the breeze, under 
 a brilliant sky and sun all in honor, of course, of thfc 
 victory of the German Armies all the spars and rigging 
 are hid with hundreds and hundreds of flags a big red, 
 white and black flag capping all. Of course you may 
 
 * He was in his 52d year. The average age to begin wearing 
 glasses is about forty-five. 
 
 72 
 
LETTERS OF 1870 
 
 know that the way the war turns out suits me to death 
 Louis Napoleon fully deserves his fate I consider him 
 by far the meanest scoundrel (with all his smartness) that 
 ever sat on a throne. I make a distinction, however, I 
 admire and love the French, and France as a nation 
 of all foreign nations, she has my sympathy first of all. 
 Pete, I was just reading over your last letter again. 
 Dear son, you must try to keep up a good heart. You 
 say you do but I am afraid you are feeling, (or have 
 felt,) somewhat unhappy. One soon falls into the habit 
 of getting low spirited or deprest and moody if a man 
 allows himself, he will always find plenty to make him 
 so Everyone [has] his trouble, disappointments, rebuffs, 
 etc. especially every young and proud-spirited man who 
 has to work for his living. But I want you to try and 
 put a brave face against everything that happens for 
 it is not so much the little misfortunes of life themselves, 
 as the way we take them and brood over them, that 
 causes the trouble. About the "tiresome" all I have to 
 say is to say nothing only a good smacking kiss and 
 many of them and taking in return many, many, many, 
 from my dear son good loving ones too which will 
 do more credit to his lips than growling and complaining 
 at his father. WALT. 
 
 IX 
 
 Brooklyn, September 9, 1870. DEAR SON. I wrote you 
 a letter last Tuesday, 6th, which I suppose you have 
 
 73 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 received. The last I have from you is yours of Sunday, 
 4th. I am still here in Brooklyn, quite busy with the 
 printing. I have received a 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 letter he 
 means to back out of his bargain with me if so, it will 
 be a bad loss and inconvenience to me But I shall not 
 fret about it whatever happens. It is likely that this will 
 shorten my leave, and that I shall have to come back 
 and do . my work myself, about the end of the month. 
 Dear Pete, I hope you are having good times, and are in 
 good spirits. We are having quite coolish weather here. 
 The drivers wear their over-coats mornings and evenings. 
 As I sit here writing Friday afternoon, it is cloudy and 
 threatens rain. I am going over to New York in an hour 
 or so, and shall leave this in the P. O. and then go 
 around awhile possibly going to Niblo's Theatre, as 
 they play Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" to-night, with 
 Davenport and quite a bunch of stars in the piece. Son, 
 I am afraid I shall not make out much of a letter this 
 time, but you take it so hard when I don't write, I 
 thought I would send a few lines they would be better 
 than nothing. God bless you, my loving boy and fare 
 well for this time. WALT. 
 
 X 
 
 Brooklyn, September 15, 1870. DEAR PETE. Your 
 letters of roth and i2th have come safe, and are welcome 
 
 74 
 
LETTERS OF 1870 
 
 dear son, I see that you are hard at work and appear 
 to be in lively spirits I am glad to hear you practice 
 with the arithmetic I wish you to try and do a little 
 with it every day practice makes perfect you will see 
 how soon and how clear it will all come to you If you 
 have the Geography or Atlas, look into that a little too 
 one needs to have an idea of the world too. I am con 
 cerned to hear of the death of Amos Dye poor Amos 
 
 he was one of the first (I don't know but the very 
 first ) of the railroad men there I got acquainted with, and 
 rode with Pete if there is any further subscription for 
 Mrs. Dye, I authorize you to put me down for $5. I will 
 either send the money, or give it to her when I return. 
 I shall return in about three weeks. I am now in the 
 eighth week of my furlough it is seven weeks last 
 Tuesday night since we parted there at the corner of yth 
 Street. Well Pete, dear loving boy, I must now close for 
 to-day. WALT. Late Friday afternoon, September 16. 
 DEAR SON. I have time to add only a few words,, in order 
 to put it in the mail this evening. I am working a while 
 every day at my printing yet but I go around consider 
 able still go out in the bay and enjoy myself among 
 my friends here and in riding around, etc. The weather 
 is very fine, both days and nights I don't know whether 
 I told you how I stand now about the war suffice it to 
 say, that as things have gone on, and as the case stands, 
 I find myself now far more for the French than I ever was 
 for the Prussians Then I propose to take my first drink 
 
 75 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 with you when I 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. 
 
 XI 
 
 Brooklyn, Friday, September 23 [1870]. DEAR PETE. 
 Your letter of last Sunday and Monday came safe was 
 glad to see you so cheerful and feeling well, as seemed 
 plain by the tone of the letter. All goes right with me. 
 I am feeling well, and business matters move along as 
 favorably as could be expected, taking all things in con 
 sideration. The weather is elegant we had rain here 
 too last Saturday and Sunday and since then it has 
 been clear and bright I am out dashing around every 
 day fetch up home every night somewhere between 10 
 and i 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 of ships and sail craft for the 
 shipping interest 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. 
 
 76 
 
LETTERS OF 1870 
 
 Nash also Father Boyle (By the bye, Pete, I have 
 taken a great fearful drink of whiskey, in honor of the 
 news that arrived night before last of Victor Emanuel 
 entering Rome I couldn't wait.) Later afternoon 
 It is now between 3 and 4 I have been pitching in 
 heavy to a great dish of stewed beef and onions mother 
 cooked for dinner and shall presently cross over to 
 New York and mail this letter shall probably go to 
 some amusement with a friend this evening most likely 
 Buckley's Serenaders. Pete, dear son. I hope this will 
 find you all right, and everything lovely It will not be 
 long now before I shall be back till then, take care of 
 yourself, my loving son. WALT. 
 
 XII 
 
 Brooklyn, Friday afternoon, September 29 [1870]. 
 DEAR SON. I am sitting here in my room, having just 
 eat a hearty dinner with my mammy, ( who has this month 
 entered on her 76th year, but to my eyes looks young and 
 handsome yet). It is a dark and cloudy day and the 
 rain is just now pouring down in torrents. It is a great 
 disappointment to many, as Farragut's * funeral celebra 
 tion was to come off to-day, and all the military, and de 
 partments here, and hundreds of societies, orders, schools, 
 etc. had prepared to turn out and most of them did 
 
 * David Glasgow Farragut, the celebrated American admiral, b. 
 in Tenn. 5 July 1801, d. Portsmouth, N. H., 14 Aug. '70. 
 
 77 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 turn out this forenoon, only to get soaked with rain, and 
 covered with mud I saw one crack battalion , all so spruce 
 and handsome, with white pants, and silver gray coats, and 
 everything so bright and trim when they marched down 
 and an hour and a half afterwards, they looked like draggled 
 roosters that had been pumped on we have had weeks 
 and weeks of the very finest weather up to early this morn 
 ing and now it is the worst kind to be out in. Still we want 
 rain so very much, one don't feel to complain. Pete, I 
 received your last letter, the 26th it was a good long, 
 lively letter, and welcome you write about the Signal 
 Corps Allen deserves credit for persevering and 
 studying and I hope he .will do well and think he 
 will too for he is sober, and tries to get ahead any 
 how he is a young man I like Thornett is a very intel 
 ligent manly fellow, cute, plucky, etc. he has one fault, 
 and a bad one that is he will drink, and spree it 
 which spoils all True it is none of my business, but I 
 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 I think of your joining the Signal Corps? 
 But are you proficient enough in studies ? I heartily 
 advise you to peg away at the arithmetic do something 
 at it every day arithmetic is the foundation of all such 
 things ( just as a good stone wall is the foundation for a 
 house ) become a good arithmetician first of all and 
 
 78 
 
LETTERS OF 1870 
 
 you surely will, if you keep pegging away a little every day 
 how much leisure you have after all, that might be used 
 for study I don't mean all your leisure, but say one 
 hour out of every three then keep looking over the 
 Geography when I come back I will bring a little 
 pocket Dictionary with 15 minutes writing every day, 
 and correcting by the dictionary I would warrant you be 
 coming a correct speller and real handsome writer in a 
 year or less and when one is a fair arithmetician and 
 spells and writes finely so many things are open to him. 
 As things stand at present I expect to be back by or 
 before next Sunday. WALT. 
 
 79 
 
BEHOLD this swarthy face, these gray eyes, 
 
 This beard, the white wool unclipt upon my neck, 
 
 My brown hands and the silent manner of me without charm ; 
 
 Yet comes one a Manhattanese and ever at parting kisses me 
 
 lightly on the lip with robust love, 
 And I 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 and sea, 
 We are those two natural and nonchalant persons. 
 
 Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892), p. 105. 
 
 80 
 
LETTERS OF 1871 
 
 BROOKLYN, /<f 21, 1871. DEAR PETE. I 
 arrived home last night between 1 1 and 1 2 all 
 safe and sound found mother up waiting 
 for me It was dark and stormy, as rain 
 had set in about 9 had quite a pleasant journey 
 took a chair in the reserved seat car, 50 cents extra 
 plenty of room and a very easy riding car thought 
 while I was sitting up here now in my room waiting for 
 dinner I would write a line to boy Pete. Thursday 
 forenoon. The weather is very fine now here plenty 
 cool enough I went over to New York yesterday aftei- 
 noon and evening took a ride up and down Broadway 
 am now laying off and taking it easy in my room 
 find it very pleasant here fall just as natural into 
 habits of doing nothing lie on the sofa and read the 
 papers come up punctually to my meals sleep a great 
 deal and take everything very quietly. Friday Pete, 
 I will finish this scribbling letter, and send it off so you 
 will get it for Sunday I am feeling well and enjoying 
 myself doing nothing, 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 is lovely I believe that is all this 
 
 81 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 time Love to you, dear son, and you must keep a 
 good heart through all the tribulations and botherations, 
 not only of railroading but life generally. I find that 
 Foster the " Car assassin " is an old driver and conductor 
 that I knew quite well he was a very good man, very 
 respectable, only a fool when drunk it is the saddest 
 case I know. He has three fine children the public is 
 down upon him savage and I suppose no hope for him. 
 WALT. 
 
 II 
 
 Brooklyn, July 7, 1871. DEAR PETE. Well here I am 
 still, pretty much the same thing, doing nothing and 
 taking things easy. By your letter I see that you too 
 are jogging along about the same, on your car, with an 
 occasional let up. Often in my jaunts around the City, 
 or on the bay, I wish you were with me, as you would 
 enjoy it much. I have seen Mr. Hart, formerly of the 
 Chronicle he is about the same in appearance as 
 formerly. Pete, I will not write much this time, as I am 
 feeling somewhat dull and stupid this forenoon. We 
 had a fine shower last night, and there is some breeze 
 but it is pretty warm and oppressive Pete, here is a 
 loving kiss for you, dear son, and much, much love for 
 you, as ever, from your affectionate comrade and father. 
 
 WALT. 
 
 Ill 
 
 Brooklyn, Friday July 14 [1871.] DEAR PETE. It is 
 pretty much the same with me, as when I wrote my 
 
 82 
 
LETTERS OF 1871 
 
 former letters still home here with my mother, not 
 busy at anything particular but taking a good deal of 
 comfort It has been very hot here, but one stands it 
 better here than in Washington, on account perhaps of 
 the sea-air I am still feeling well, and am out around 
 every day. There was quite a brush in N. Y. on Wed 
 nesday the Irish lower orders, Catholic, 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 but 
 you have seen all about it in papers it was 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 I saw a big squad of prisoners 
 carried along under guard they reminded me of the 
 squads of rebel prisoners brought in Washington, six 
 years ago. The New York police looked and behaved 
 splendidly no fuss, few words, but action great 
 brown, bearded, able, American looking fellows, (Irish 
 stock, though, many of them) I had great pleasure in 
 looking on them something new, to me, it quite set me 
 up to see such chaps, all dusty and worn, looked like 
 veterans Pete, dear son, I received your two letters, 
 and was glad to get them. Mother has been quite sick, 
 and I have been sort of nurse, as she is here alone, none 
 of my sisters being home at present she is much better 
 this morning, under my doctoring. Pete, I see by your 
 letters that everything goes on right with you on the 
 
 83 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 road give my best regards to my friends among the 
 drivers 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. 
 
 IV 
 
 [Sunday, 16 July, 1871.] By the sea-shore, Coney 
 Island, Sunday 3 /. m. DEAR PETE. I will write you a 
 few lines as I sit here, on a clump of sand by the sea 
 shore having some paper in my haversack, and an 
 hour or two yet before I start back. Pete, I wish you 
 were with me the few hours past I have just had a 
 splendid swim and souse in the surf the waves are 
 slowly rolling in, with hoarse roar that is music to my 
 ears the breeze blows pretty brisk from southwest, and 
 the sun is partially clouded from where I sit I look out 
 on the bay and down the Narrows, vessels sailing in 
 every direction in the distance a great big black long 
 ocean steamship streaking it up toward New York and 
 the lines of hills and mountains, far, far away on the 
 Jersey coast, a little veiled with blue vapor here 
 around me, as I sit it is nothing but barren sand but I 
 don't know how long I could sit here, to that soothing, 
 rumbling murmuring of the waves and then the salt 
 breeze. Friday, July [21]. DEAR SON. I wrote the 
 
 84 
 
LETTERS OF 1871 
 
 preceding nearly a week ago, intending to finish and send 
 it then Nothing very new or special with me Mother 
 has been quite unwell, gets better, then worse again I 
 have applied for a few days' further leave The weather 
 here remains nearly perfect we have had but three 
 or four uncomfortably hot days the past five weeks 
 every day a fine breeze smelling of the sea. Pete, if 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 
 needn't send it, as I can get along otherwise I am doing 
 well, both in health and business prospects here my book 
 is doing first rate so everything is lovely and the goose 
 hangs high Your loving comrade and father. WALT. 
 
 V 
 
 Brooklyn, Monday forenoon, July 24 [1871]. DEAR 
 PETE. I received the $50 to-day all right, and a real help 
 to me I have money but I cannot have the use of it 
 just now so this comes first rate. I spent yesterday 
 down on the sea-shore, was all by myself, had a splendid 
 good day, took my dinner with me 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 indeed staid a long while in the water 
 
 85 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 weather perfect Mother is better to-day she has 
 been pretty sick, with several ups and downs I am as 
 well as a fellow can be eat and sleep tremendous 
 shall stay here a week or so longer shall be back first 
 part of next week if nothing happens Well Pete, I 
 believe that is all this morning Good bye, my darling 
 son, and a long, long kiss from your loving father. WALT. 
 
 VI 
 
 Brooklyn, July 28 [1871, Friday^. DEAR SON. I shall 
 return on Monday next, in the 12.30 train from Jersey 
 City ( the train I usually come in ). Pete, I have received 
 your letter of 26th. Mother seems to-day full as well as 
 usual I continue all right I have been on to New 
 Haven, about 75 miles from here a former friend of 
 mine is in a dying condition there from consumption, and 
 expressed such a strong desire to see me, that I went on. 
 I thought he would die while I was there he was all 
 wasted to a skeleton, faculties good, but voice only a low 
 whisper I returned last night, after midnight. Well, 
 bub, my time here is short I have had a good quiet 
 visit the best in some respects yet and I feel satisfied 
 
 My darling son, we will very soon be together again, 
 your loving comrade, WALT. 
 
 86 
 
LETTERS OF 1872 
 
 BROOKLYN, 107 North Portland Av., Feb. 
 1 6, 1872. DEAR PETE. Dear, dear son. 
 We are having a very cold spell here, the 
 severest of the winter freezes 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 Saturday, 
 on time quite a pleasant trip Mother is very well, 
 full as well as usual I am having quiet good times, home 
 with mother stay in the house more than usual on ac 
 count of the bitter cold (but go out two or three hours 
 during the day). I will only write this very short letter 
 to you this time, but send you my love, my darling son 
 I think about you every day, dear son will write more 
 soon here is a kiss for you, dear loving son. WALT. 
 Pete, I am making out a poor scraggy letter to you this 
 time I feel pretty well, but don't seem to feel like writ 
 ing Good bye for to-day, my loving boy. Your true 
 Father and comrade always. 
 
 II 
 
 Brooklyn, Friday noon, Feb. 23 [1872]. DEAR SON. 
 Your letter received this morning speaks of the mild 
 
 87 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 weather there but it has been and remains very cold 
 here so much so that I don't go around half as much 
 as I would like. My cold hangs on, though not so bad as 
 at first. The state of the weather, and my cold, etc., 
 have rather blocked me from having my usual enjoyment 
 here, so far but I expect to make up for it by and by. 
 Dear son, I see you are off * I take it by your letter 
 that you are feeling well in health, and having as good a 
 time as the law allows I wish we could be together 
 there, some of these moonlight nights but here it is too 
 cold for comfort (the water pipes here froze again last 
 night, causing trouble) I go out a couple of hours 
 middle of the day, but keep in nights I have got the 
 new edition of my book under way and it will be satis 
 factory I think It will be in one volume, and will make 
 a better appearance than any of the former ones Do 
 you go up to the Debates in the Senate ? I see by the 
 papers they are having high times Senator Schurz 
 appears to come out ahead of them all he is a real 
 good speaker I enjoy the way he shakes them up, 
 (very much like a first class terrier in a pit, with a lot of 
 rats). Pete, I send you $10 enclosed, as you may need 
 it Should you want more, you write, as I have plenty 
 I am writing this up in my back room, home have had 
 a nice breakfast of hot potatoes and first-rate Oregon 
 salmon, with the best coffee that's made home-made 
 
 * /. e. off work. 
 
LETTERS OF 1872 
 
 bread and sweet butter everything tip-top get along 
 well enough 'you must try to do the same so good 
 bye for this time, my own loving boy WALT. 
 
 Ill 
 
 Brooklyn, Monday evening, March 4 [1872], DEAR 
 SON. I am sitting here in my room home, alone it is 
 snowing hard and heavy outside and cold and wintry as 
 ever there has not been one mild day here for the past 
 three weeks two thirds of the time spiteful 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 reckon I have said enough on this point. 
 
 Pete, I cannot write anything interesting to you as I do 
 not go anywhere nor see anything new I have attended 
 to the bringing out the new edition of my book, but as 
 the plates were all ready before, it is not much of a job 
 I am home every night ( and half the days also ). Tues 
 day noon. I am afraid this letter is not destined to be 
 very cheering I was attacked last night with sore 
 throat, pretty bad still I make out this morning to worry 
 down a fair breakfast the weather has been so infernal 
 
 last evening towards sundown, begun the spitefulest 
 wind and cold I ever 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, so thick the hard wind 
 didn't dissipate it in the least this lasted about half an 
 
 89 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 hour, and was about the highest old weather exhibition I 
 ever witnessed snow fell two inches thick in fifteen 
 minutes. Dear Pete, how are you getting along? how 
 about Sailer and the R. R. ? I suppose slow and aggra 
 vating enough by what you said in your last. Dear 
 Pete, I don't think I shall stay here as long as I originally 
 intended I shall be back, by, or before, the end of this 
 month I am writing these lines home in the kitchen 
 mother is sitting in the rocking chair sewing something 
 and Eddy * is grinding some good coffee in a coffee mill 
 it smells good (I have retreated to the kitchen for the 
 hot fire here now I am not like I am in Washington 
 you would laugh to see me hovering over the fire ) My 
 darling son you must keep a good heart don't get dis 
 couraged love to you, baby, I enclose $10. and can 
 send you whatever you want WALT. 
 
 IV 
 
 Brooklyn, Thursday forenoon [March 7, 1892]. DEAR 
 SON. Well, I am still here, Pete, kept in pretty close 
 quarters by the weather but it seems to be something 
 of a let up this morning. There is nothing special to 
 
 * 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 
 for his maintenance in his will. But Eddy died in 1892 only a few 
 weeks after W. W's. own death. 
 
 90 
 
LETTERS OF 1872 
 
 write about but I thought I would send you a line this 
 morning. I sent you a letter two days ago with $10. 
 (the second $10 I have sent) write me whether you 
 received it all right. I hope you are not discouraged by 
 the way things work on the road It won't be very long 
 now before I shall be back with you Give my love to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Nash tell Wash Milburne I wish him 
 success in the "graduate of pharmacy" line, and every 
 thing else give him my love. Pete, I believe that is 
 all this time, dear baby, WALT. With a kiss from your 
 loving father. 
 
 107 North Portland Ave., Brooklyn, March 15 [1872]. 
 DEAR SON. I will just write you a line, as you may be 
 looking for word from me Saturday. The weather has 
 let up a little, but it is cold enough yet I have been 
 to the Italian Opera twice, heard Nilsson both times, she 
 is very fine One night Trovatore, and one, Robert, with 
 Brignoli both good. I expect to return in about two 
 weeks I am writing this here in the kitchen, home, 
 I have deserted my own room this visit, as it is so cold even 
 with a fire Mother had a bad spell three days, com 
 mencing Sunday last but is about as usual to-day and 
 yesterday We have splendid buckwheat cakes for 
 breakfast sometimes I fry them myself I wish you 
 could just be here and eat breakfast I think my 
 mammy makes the best coffee in the world, and buck- 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 wheats ditto mince-pies ditto. My new edition* looks 
 best yet it is from the same plates as the last only in 
 one Volume bound handsomely in green cloth my 
 books are beginning to do pretty well I send you the 
 publisher's slip. Well, Pete, I believe that is all this 
 time. Remember me to any of the boys on the road that 
 may inquire for me also Adrian Jones, that works in 
 the theatre it is now after ten, Friday forenoon, clear, 
 cold, and windy and I am going over. to New York to 
 have a lot of my books sent to England by tomorrow's 
 steamer. Dear son, I send my best love, as always. 
 We will soon be together again, dear son. WALT. 
 
 VI 
 
 Brooklyn, Friday forenoon, March 22 [1872]. DEAR 
 PETE, I received your letter yesterday. Pete, you must 
 be quite steady at work, and no time to spare. Well, 
 perhaps it is just as satisfactory considering all things. 
 The cold weather has just kept on here, as before cold 
 enough all the time and then a spell of damned bitter 
 stinging cold every now and then extra not one single 
 mild warm day since I have been home six weeks I 
 am middling well, go out some every day, but not much 
 Best thing is my eating and sleeping I fall back on 
 them altogether I sleep splendid, have a good bed, 
 plenty of cover get up pretty early though and make 
 
 * *'. <., the '72 edn. of the " Leaves." The '71 edn. was issued in 
 pale green paper covers the '72 in dark green cloth. 
 
 92 
 
LETTERS OF 1872 
 
 the fire, and set things agoing, before mother comes out 
 
 she has had some bad times with rheumatism, etc. 
 one hand and arm quite disabled still she is very 
 cheerful, looks well in the face, and does more work 
 cooking, etc., than 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 I fall back upon sleeping and eating, (as I said) 
 
 Should be glad to see Parker Milburn hope he 
 will call to-day I send you a paper by mail. Well, 
 Pete, I believe that is all, this time. Good bye, my 
 darling son So the new shirts turn out a success do 
 they? I have a great mind to be jealous Give my 
 love to Wash Milburn, Adrian Jones, and all the R. R. 
 boys. Your loving old WALT. 
 
 VII 
 
 Brooklyn, Friday afternoon [March 29, 1872.] DEAR 
 BOY PETE. I have received your letter, and the paper 
 with the account of Mr. Huntington's death it seems a 
 sudden and sorrowful thing Pete, I shall continue here 
 another week I see you are working [it] appears quite 
 steady I continue pretty well Mother is middling 
 This last two days the weather has been real pleasant 
 I have been out most of the time It is now between 4 
 and 5 I am writing this up in my room, home am 
 * i. e. his mother and himself. 
 93 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 going out, and over to New York this evening Nothing 
 special to write about Pete, my darling boy, I have 
 been writing some long letters on business, etc. and 
 feel very little like writing (so I will just dry up for this 
 occasion), here is a good buss to you dear son from your 
 loving father always. 
 
 VIII 
 
 Brooklyn, Friday forenoon, April 5 [1872]. DEAR SON. 
 I expect to be back in Washington next week some 
 where in the middle of the week. I am well Mother 
 is pretty well I received your letter three days since 
 Pete, things must be going on about the same as ever. 
 As I write it is pleasant weather, and I am going out 
 to get the good of it Pete, take care of yourself till I see 
 you, dear boy. WALT. 
 
 IX 
 
 Brooklyn, 107 North Portland Ave., June 14 [1872]. 
 DEAR SON. I got home all right Saturday night and 
 have been having quite a good time. There is nothing 
 very new Mother is well as usual. I shall print my 
 College poem* in a small book it will be small and 
 
 *The poem referred to was read by W. W. at "Commencement," 
 Dartmouth College, N. H., 26 June, '72, on 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. In the 
 current Leaves (1891-2) it will be found, p. 346, under the heading: 
 " Thou Mother wih thy Equal Brood." 
 
 94 
 
LETTERS OF 1872 
 
 is intended as the beginning of a larger one I am hav 
 ing it set up at the printing office will send you one in 
 ten or twelve days. Pete, how are you getting along? 
 I suppose on 1 4 the same as when I was there I see 
 by the papers that the head men have mostly migrated 
 from Washington, and that it is said to be hot and dull 
 enough there. Do you see anything of Mr. Tasistro?* 
 I received the letter he sent to the office for me I am 
 writing this in the house in Portland Av. we are having 
 a showery afternoon Good bye, my darling boy and I 
 will try to write again soon (and a more interesting 
 letter) WALT. 
 
 X 
 
 Brooklyn, June 18, 1872. I>EAR PETE. I am having 
 a better time here than I had my last visit. The weather 
 is very pleasant pretty hot during the middle of the 
 day, but mornings and nights perfect No moonlight 
 walks out beyond Uniontown here but I go on the 
 river and cross to and fro in the pilot house. Last night 
 was beautiful Saturday I spent at Coney Island went 
 in swimming Mother is only middling has some 
 pretty bad spells with rheumatism will break up here, 
 
 * Count Michael Tasistro, of French-Irish parentage, came origi 
 nally to this country with a hunting party of French noblemen. He 
 remained here permanently and, becoming poor, supported himself 
 by teaching French and by literary work. He died while engaged 
 in the translation of the Comtede Paris' History of tke Civil War. 
 
 95 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 and go with my brother George to Camden, N. J., in 
 September. I suppose you got a letter from me last 
 Saturday, as I wrote you the day before. Pete, dear 
 son, if you should want any of your money send me 
 word. It is either $120 or $130 (I am not sure but 
 I have a memorandum in my desk at Washington) I 
 am feeling real well, and I hope you are too, my loving 
 boy. WALT. 
 
 XI 
 
 Hanover, N. H., Thursday, June 27 [1872]. DEAR 
 SON. I will write you just a line to show you I am here 
 away north, and alive and kicking. I delivered my 
 poem here before the College yesterday. All went off 
 very well. (It is rather provoking after feeling un 
 usually well this whole summer, since Sunday last I 
 have been about half sick and am so yet, by spells.) I 
 am to go to Vermont for a couple of days, and then back 
 to Brooklyn. Pete I received your letter, that you had 
 been taken off write to me Saturday 3oth, or Sunday 
 direct to usual address 107 Portland Ave., Brooklyn. 
 I will send you the little book with my poem, (and 
 others) when I get back to Brooklyn. Pete, did my 
 poem appear in the Washington papers I suppose 
 Thursday or Friday Chronicle or Patriot ? If so send 
 me one (or one of each). It is a curious scene 
 here, as I write, a beautiful old New England village, 
 150 years old, large houses and gardens, great elms, 
 
 96 
 
LETTERS OF 1872 
 
 plenty of hills every thing comfortable, but very 
 Yankee not an African to be seen all day not a grain 
 of dust not a car to be seen or heard green grass 
 everywhere no smell of coal tar. As I write a party 
 are playing base ball on a large green in front of the 
 house the weather suits me first rate cloudy but no 
 rain. Your loving WALT. 
 
 XII 
 
 Brooklyn, June 30 [1872]. DEA'R BOY. I received 
 your letter of Tuesday last, and was glad to hear every 
 thing was going on all right. I am well, and still enjoy 
 ing myself in a quiet way I have been home every 
 evening since I come but out quite a good deal in the 
 day the weather is splendid here plenty cool enough. 
 This has got to be a great place for boating all the 
 rich men have their yachts, and most every young man 
 belongs to a boat or yacht club sometimes of a 
 pleasant day, especially Sunday, you will see them out all 
 over up and down the bay in swarms the yachts look 
 beautiful enough, with white sails and many with white 
 hulls and their long pennants flying it is a new thing 
 to see them so plenty. 1 1 o'clock, Friday forenoon. Pete, 
 I am sitting in my room, home, finishing this have just 
 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 shall walk down, as it is a very pleasant 
 forenoon. When you write tell me if you have read 
 
 97 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 Charles Reade's novel of " Foul Play " if not, I have 
 one here I will send you Dear son, I believe that is all 
 this time I send my love, dear son, and a good loving 
 kiss I think of you every day Give my best regards 
 to all enquiring friends, and inform them I expect to be 
 back in about three weeks Good bye, my darling boy, 
 from your comrade and father. WALT. 
 
 XIII 
 
 Brooklyn, July 12 [1872]. DEAR SON PETE. I have 
 been sick but am feeling better now, and soon expect 
 to be all right. Mother too is unwell. I expect to re 
 main here ten or twelve days longer. Pete, I will only 
 write a short letter this time Love to you, dear son. 
 WALT. 
 
 XIV 
 
 New York , Friday afternoon, J uly 19 [1872]. DEAR 
 BOY PETE. I received your letter yesterday nothing 
 very new with me am better than I was when I wrote 
 you before shall return to Washington next week, 
 somewhere about the middle of the week. Pete, you 
 must try to keep good heart Perhaps this will find 
 you at work again if not, you must keep up a cheerful 
 heart all the same. I have just been spending a couple 
 of hours with Joaquin Miller I like him real well. $10. 
 enclosed. WALT. 
 
 98 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 I 
 
 [1873]. DEAR PETE. I have been very unwell 
 but am better again at least at the present moment. 
 I am stopping at Mr. Ashton's, 1202 K St. next door to 
 the southwest corner of K and i2th* come up and 
 see me I wrote you a line two days ago, to Milburn's 
 Did you not get it ? WALT.| 
 
 II 
 
 Camden,\ May 31. [1873]. I expect to return Mon 
 day^ 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 sickness no worse. 
 WALT. 
 
 * In Washington. 
 
 t This note was probably written between ist and 26ih Jan. '73. 
 Between it and the next letter in this volume intervene Letters in 
 Sickness (26 Jan. to 1 6 May, '73) written to his mother and printed 
 in In Re Walt Whitman, pp. 73-92. 
 
 \ Walt Whitman left Washington the 2oth 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 letter of 28 Aug. '73. 
 
 99 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 III 
 
 322 Stevens St., Camden, N.J. Wednesday forenoon, 
 June 18 [1873]- DEAR PETE. It has been a good move 
 of me coming here, as I am pleasantly situated, have two 
 rooms on 2nd floor, with north and south windows, so I 
 can have the breeze through I can have what I wish in 
 the grub line, have plenty of good strawberries and my 
 brother and sister are very kind It is very quiet, and 
 I feel like going in for getting well There is not much 
 change so far but I feel comparatively comfortable since 
 I have been here and better satisfied My brother is 
 full of work (inspecting pipe manufactured here at the 
 foundries for water works and sewers in northern cities) 
 he is in splendid health a great stout fellow weighs 
 more than I do he is building a handsome new house 
 here, to be done latter part of August. Thursday iqth. 
 Nothing very new I have had some bad feeling in the 
 head yesterday afternoon and this morning but it will 
 pass over no doubt It is 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 wrapper with 
 a one cent stamp. (I enclose some, for fear you haven't 
 any). Friday 2oth. Pretty hot weather here and needs 
 rain badly I am about the same feel 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 rate 
 try to. Give my respects to all enquiring friends tell 
 
 100 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 them I expect to return to Washingfjfo? >n about a, couple 
 of months tell me who you;ifteet, and every little, tfring, 
 and who asks about me, etc., as frVi!! "interest me*. - * t 
 have made a raise of some new summer clothes, real 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. 
 
 IV 
 
 \Camden^\ Tfiursday evening, June 26 [1873]. DEAR 
 PETE. I received your note to-day. I send you a note I 
 have written to Mr. Edmunds, first take it to Mr. Noyes, 
 (to whom it is enveloped,) and get an additional line I 
 have requested from him and then, if you conclude to 
 try for the carrier's place, go up and take it yourself to 
 Mr. Edmunds. I must tell you another thing. I have 
 written (wrote yesterday) a short note to Mr. Dubarry, 
 your superintendent, asking him if you couldn't be better 
 placed when the changes of the Baltimore connection 
 are made. It may not amount to anything but I took a 
 notion to write it. Pete, I 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 I am a little 
 easier, and have been out a few steps. But I keep up a 
 good heart, dear son and you must too. WALT. 
 If you conclude not to try for the carrier's berth, let the 
 letters go. 
 
 JOI 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 '^24^ tivejts'^$t,'Ctim4n, JV. /., Monday, [July] 7 
 [1873]. DEAR SON. I am only able to write the same 
 old story since I last wrote, I have had some pretty 
 bad spells suffered at intervals all last week, and 
 yesterday, with the strange and painful distress in the 
 head, I have had so much of But I feel better to-day 
 Every time I feel better, I find myself much encouraged 
 
 I still stick here, as I don't dare to trust myself in a 
 strange place, if I can help it. I received your letter 
 telling me you was too late to get any chance for the 
 letter carrier's position and about Mr. Noyes' friendli 
 ness Are things just the same, as far as you and your 
 crew are concerned? I think about you every night 
 I reproach myself that I did not fly around when I was 
 well, and in Washington, to find some better employment 
 for you now I am here, crippled, laid up for God 
 knows how long, unable to help myself, or my dear boy. 
 I do not miss anything of Washington here, but your 
 visits if I could only have a daily visit here such as I 
 had there I go out very little here there is not much 
 convenience here, for me to go out one car line passing 
 about two squares off, consists of four cars, running 
 semi-occasionally and another line, about 3}^ squares 
 the other way, has I believe 6 or 7 cars I get out and 
 take a ride in them sometimes my best jaunt is going 
 in them to the ferry, and crossing on the boat to Phila- 
 
 102 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 delphia, to and fro, several times But a great portion 
 of the time I do not feel able to go out alone fortu 
 nately I do not have any dizzy spells, nor any symptoms 
 of them, so far, so I am not worried about that when I 
 am out As I write this it is a very pleasant cool after 
 noon and I am sitting here by the window in a big easy 
 chair. Pete, I hope this will find you feeling well, and 
 in good 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 the Park, 
 with your lead pencil I send you an envelope also 
 some one cent stamps. Love to you, dear boy keep 
 up a good heart I do yet though it is a long and 
 hard pull sometimes with me lately. WALT. 
 
 VI 
 
 Camden, Tuesday afternoon, July 15 [1873]. DEAR 
 PETE. There is nothing new or different with me I 
 am no better in any respect, don't know what is going to 
 come out of it all We are having pretty hot weather 
 here just now, but it does not affect me much it is not 
 near as oppressive here as the Washington heat I re 
 ceived your letter, my dear son with the paper I will 
 write more to-morrow. Wednesday afternoon. Pete, I 
 have little to write to you about, as I remain anchored 
 
 103 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 here in the house nearly all the time. As I write I am 
 sitting in my mother's former room, in her old arm 
 chair. Spend a great deal of my time here, as I haven't 
 felt like going out lately half a block tires me. Pete, 
 my darling son, I still think I shall weather it but time 
 only can show Mother's death is on my mind yet,* 
 time does not lift the cloud from me at all I want much 
 to get to the sea-shore, either Long Island or the Jersey 
 coast, and shall make a start if I get strong enough It 
 is not so hot here to-day. So long, my darling boy. 
 WALT. 
 
 VII 
 
 Camden, Thursday noon, July 24, 1873. DEAR SON 
 PETE : It is still the same old story with me the best 
 I can say is that I don't seem to get worse, even if I 
 don't get better. Your letter came, and the Star, with 
 the item about Tasistro. If must be very hot there in 
 Washington, but you stand it better than most any one I 
 know. I too never used to think anything of heat 
 or cold, from 20 to 50 but last summer I felt the heat 
 severely, for the first time. Pete, as I have told you 
 several times, I still think I shall get over this, and we 
 will be together again and have some good times but 
 for all that it is best for you to be prepared for some 
 thing different my strength can't stand the pull for 
 ever, and if continued must sooner or later give out 
 
 * Mrs. Whitman died May 23, 1873. 
 104 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 Now Pete, don't begin to worry boy, or cry about me, for 
 you haven't lost me yet, and I really don't think it is 
 likely yet but I thought it best to give a word of 
 caution, if such a thing should be I am quite comfort 
 able here and have everything I want I went out at 
 y 2 past 5 yesterday afternoon, and rode in the cars here 
 to the ferry, and crossed the Delaware from Camden to 
 Philadelphia four or five times very pleasant. To-day 
 is burning hot, but I am feeling as well as usual. Friday 
 25///, 4 o'clock. Pretty hot again to-day here, but not 
 so oppressive to bear as in Washington I am feeling 
 about as usual to-day shall try to get out a few steps 
 after I send this Good bye for this time, dear loving 
 son. WALT. 
 
 VIII 
 
 Pete you must read this over Sunday, as a ten minutes' 
 talk like, about all sorts of odds and ends. 
 
 Camden, Friday afternoon, Aug. i [1873]. DEAR SON. 
 Your letter is received to-day, and enclosed I send you 
 $20. I want you to write soon as I shall want to 
 know if it reached you safe. I 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 to-day it has mostly let 
 up have been out to-day, and over to Philadelphia it 
 is hard work, especially as I have no one to go with me 
 
 105 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 but I put a bold face on, and my best foot foremost Is 
 Wash Milburn there in the store ? or has he gone on his 
 vacation in the country? answer me in your next I 
 think of writing a few lines to him Hot weather here, 
 but I don't suffer much from it though I think it is bad 
 for me, and I hope much more from the cool season, if I 
 get through this Pete, I too see quite a good deal of 
 Railroad, and hear more some 70 rods off is the great 
 depot of the Camden and Amboy, bells and whistles and 
 trains rumbling continually, night and day, and lots of 
 R. R. men living near, around here if I only felt just a 
 little better I should get acquainted with many of the men, 
 which I could very easily do if I would. I should much 
 like to 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 every thing wanting (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 I write it is 4*^ o'clock 
 Friday afternoon I am sitting here alone, in the 2nd 
 story front room every thing quiet here I received 
 the other letter, and Sunday Chronicle When you write, 
 tell me who you see, and everything. I like such letters 
 far better than the formal ones some send me I had a 
 visit from a good, kind-hearted, rather queer old fellow 
 
 1 06 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 named Ingram, from Philadelphia he said he see* in 
 the Philadelphia paper I was laid 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 
 I was keeled up, and hard up, and he came to offer help 
 he has been a great traveler, is English by birth I 
 found him good company, and was glad to see him he 
 has been twice so you see there are good souls left 
 Pete, when you see Judge Fisher tell him I shall yet be 
 back all right one of these days, and in the mean time 
 tell him I 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 I do, though it is pretty glum around and over 
 me sometimes. WALT. 
 
 IX 
 
 Camden, August 22 [1873]. DEAR SON. I received 
 your letter of last Saturday and Sunday and was inter 
 ested in reading all the particulars you wrote about the 
 R. R. etc., and the young man, your friend the fireman 
 poor fellow, it was indeed a sad fate There has been 
 great washing away and trouble with R. R. tracks here 
 about too for myself I never remember an August with 
 so much rain Write to me whether your road has 
 repaired damages, and is running through again also 
 everything you think of and see about people and Wash- 
 *Soin MSS. 
 107 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 ington, etc., that would interest me as 1 live a very 
 quiet life here. I am still about the same as when I last 
 wrote am no worse and not much better though I 
 perceive my general strength is at least as good as any 
 time since I have been sick my head still troubles me 
 with pain and distress a good deal of the time I hobble 
 out a little every day when not prevented by the rain 
 and console myself with thinking that everything with 
 me might be a great deal worse I can put up with all 
 but the death of my mother that is my great sorrow 
 that sticks affects me just as 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'Connor ? ( You know he is now Chief Clerk of the 
 Light House Board ) You must have had a sweet time 
 with Dr. Duncan and Dr. Blake, ( though I must confess 
 I rather like the latter, I suspect he has some real good 
 points ) sometimes when one has plenty of time, I think 
 it very good, for a change, to let such fellows buzz you to 
 their heart's content, when you fall in with them think 
 of them as acting a part for your amusement how well 
 they do it if they could only do it on the stage, it would 
 make their fortune So Mr. Tasistro still lives he 
 deserves great credit for his perseverance and vitality 
 I hope he will come to the top of the heap yet I cut out 
 the piece below from a Philadelphia paper, thinking it 
 might interest you As I sit here in my arm chair, fin 
 ishing this, it is 3 o'clock Friday afternoon, it clouds up 
 
 1 08 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 again as if for rain, we had a shower last night it was 
 quite cool, but has been pretty warm here for two days, 
 and is now I am feeling as if I would and should come 
 out all right yet had a nice dinner Pete, dear son, 
 send me the Sunday Herald Aug. 24. don't forget 
 So long, dear son. WALT. 
 
 Camden, Thursday evening, [Aug. 28, 1873]. PETE, 
 DEAR SON. I am not sinking nor getting worse I have 
 had some very bad times, and have some pretty bad ones 
 yet, mostly with my head and my leg is about as use 
 less as ever still I am decidedly no worse, and I think 
 now I am even getting better it is slow and with great 
 alternations but I have the feeling of getting more 
 strength, and easier in the head something like what I 
 was before Mother's death I cannot be reconciled to 
 that yet it is the great cloud of my life nothing that 
 ever happened before has had such an effect on me 
 but I shall get well, yet, dear son, probably, ( of course 
 not certainly ) and be back in Washington this fall, and 
 we will be together again. I think I am now about as I 
 was the day you came down to Baltimore Depot with me 
 2 oth May, I think. Friday after dinner. I have 
 thought of you the nights of this week, the heaviest rains 
 here almost ever known, great trouble and loss to rail 
 roads was you in any tight spot ? that described in 
 your last made me feel a little nervous That was a fear- 
 lop 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 ful disaster of the Wawasset sad beyond description 
 So Tasistro is around yet The Chronicle came Mr. 
 Kldridge has returned to Washington from his month's 
 leave he stopped here and paid me a 3 or 4 hour's visit 
 
 John Burroughs has an article in the Sept. number of 
 Scribner's Magazine, just out, in which I am extracted 
 from Pete, it is now towards 3, and I am going to try 
 to get down to the Ferry boat, and cross to Philadelphia 
 
 so you see I am not altogether disabled but it is 
 awful tough work when the weather is cooler, (which 
 will be soon ) I shall be better off in Washington, as it is 
 very lonesome to me here, and no one to convoy me 
 I shall return there I want to get a couple of unfur 
 nished rooms, or top floor, somewhere on or near the 
 car route Pete, if you see Charley Toner give him my 
 love, and ask him to give you his address to send me 
 He works in the Printing Bureau ( M'Cartee's) Treasury. 
 Goodbye, my dear loving boy. WALT. 
 
 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 I had a bad spell this morning have 
 something of the kind pretty often still it seems certain 
 I am improving, generally, and that my general strength 
 is better, I am not near as bad as I was five weeks 
 
 no 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 ago have some hours in which 1 feel quite like myself 
 again keep up good heart nearly all the time and 
 you must too, dear son. So I see Beau Hickman * has 
 died of a stroke of paralysis in the paper this morning I 
 see a piece about his body being resurrected from Potter's 
 field. Pete, I see a collision of some trains on the B. & 
 P. road reported in the tunnel at Baltimore yesterday 
 morning early in which a brakeman named Hankinson 
 was instantly killed I was over to Philadelphia yester 
 day there is a large reading room, the Mercantile 
 Library, loth St. where I go occasionally it is quite 
 handy they have all the papers from everywhere have 
 the Washington Chronicle, Capital, etc. Then I took a 
 ride in the Market St. cars, and was caught in a violent 
 rain at ^ past 7 coming home the moment I got home 
 it stopt, and cleared off a beautiful moonlit night. It is 
 clear and pretty hot here to-day I am sitting here in 
 the front room, in the same big old mahogany chair I 
 gave mother 20 years ago, by the open window writing 
 this I am feeling better since breakfast. Pete, the 
 papers you sent came last Monday all right I have 
 received a letter from Chas. Eldridge and another 
 from Walter Godey, the young man who is working for 
 
 * " Beau " Hickman was a familiar character in Washington, a 
 decayed dandy, who made periodical visits through the Capitol and 
 the Departments, picking up a living from the contributions of con 
 gressmen and government officials, many of whom were his regular 
 patrons. 
 
 Ill 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 me as my substitute in the office all was going on well 
 in the office I send a couple of papers to-day noth 
 ing particular send the Herald. Did I tell you that a 
 doctor I have talked with here says my real disease is 
 the brain not being properly furnished and nourished with 
 blood? (it is a disease the doctors call cerebral anaemia) 
 the doctor says it has been long a coming, and will be 
 long a going says I will get over it though says the 
 paralysis comes from that, and that it (the paralysis) is 
 not very formidable I am following 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 here it must be 
 delightful down in Virginia the sun shines just warm 
 enough and there is a slight haze, which makes it just 
 right I have been out just a little but was glad to get 
 back I am feeling tolerable, but my leg still gives out 
 in a few minutes' walk I have had two or three quite 
 good spells this week, sufficient to arouse my hopes, but 
 am in a pretty bad way yet however, I am not without 
 some pretty steady small expectations, if not great ones. 
 I am enough better to be perceptible, and to make me in 
 hopes of being better still (but I have so many times 
 got a little better, only to fall back again as bad as ever, 
 or worse) I have just had my dinner, nice beefsteak, 
 
 112 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 potatoes, etc. My appetite still holds out and my 
 sister cooks very nice, gets me what I want. Pete, your 
 letter of Sept. i, came safe also the Herald and Repub 
 lican I send you Philadelphia papers. My brother Jeff 
 has been on here this week from St. Louis got in a car 
 in St. Louis, 6 Saturday evening, week ago, took off his 
 boots for easy shoes, and ( sleeping, he says, very well 
 and sound in his bed on the car, ) had his meals regular 
 and got in here at Philadelphia about 9 o'clock Monday 
 morning, in the same car, ( which went on to New York) 
 He is now out on a good yacht excursion, from N. Y. 
 out in the sound and sea, for a week quite a voyage 
 He only stopped here 3 or 4 hours but is to return last 
 of the month both my brothers are stout and hearty, 
 and full of business, and interested in it thoroughly and 
 doing well. I hear quite often from John Burroughs 
 he has bought a spot of land, right on the Hudson river, 
 about 80 miles from N. Y. and is building himself a house 
 there, right on a steep bank with the road on one side, 
 and the river on the other ( but sufficient space between ) 
 a 2 y 2 story stone house I have heard from Charley 
 Towner I got a very nice letter from him Thursday 
 he said you met him Tuesday and told him A long 
 while ago, I wanted to get a house in conjunction with 
 Charley and his family where I could have a couple of 
 rooms, and they could see to them and that was one 
 thing I wanted to write to him about, to see if we could 
 do it now but he tells me his wife is quite sick I 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 quite pricked up my ears to read the short interview 
 between Mr. Dubarry and you, and what he said about 
 the schedule, etc. I see you are a little nervous, Pete 
 and I don't wonder, nor blame you Still the true point 
 to attain is ( like a good soldier, or officer ), to keep on 
 the alert, to do one's duty fully, without fail and leave 
 the rest to God Almighty. I was reading the paper here 
 this morning, and I see a list of some new inventions 
 said to work first rate, among the rest this * for car coup 
 ling I wonder if there is anything in it It is awful 
 the way men are slaughtered of late years on the trains 
 there must be three or four hundred every year, take 
 the country through and the papers put 'em in in items 
 of three or four lines, down somewhere out of the way 
 such a thing as the killing of that young man Harkinson, 
 in the Baltimore tunnel, a grand magnificent young man, 
 no doubt ( while half the papers in the land have had 
 long obituaries and notices of the death of that rotten 
 old apple, Beau Hickman f ). Well, son, I have made out 
 quite a letter for you this time My brother and I have 
 been talking about the balloon splurge in New York 
 my brother is quite a balloonist, in his belief - believes 
 that something will yet come of it I see they advertise 
 to go yet, perhaps this afternoon but it is a wild under- 
 
 * Referring to a short newspaper article on " A New Car Coupler " 
 which he pastes in his letter. 
 t See note on page in. 
 
 114 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 taking (perhaps an advertising humbug ) anyhow. I 
 shall still remain here for the present everything seems 
 to be going on smooth in the office at my desk, from what 
 I hear from my substitute He writes me now and then* 
 does my work very well, and more work besides, Dear 
 Pete, I am much in hopes I shall be able to send 
 some news before long about my improvement for good 
 and something definite about my coming back to 
 Washington So long, dear son you must try to keep 
 up a gay heart and let the world wag on as it may. 
 WALT. 
 
 XIII 
 
 Camden, Friday afternoon, Sept. 19 [1873]. DEAR BOY 
 PETE. Your letter came all right last Tuesday. I still 
 keep the same no worse, and no better. It is the same 
 old story. I have a great deal of pain in my head yet 
 no let up. Dear son, I would like to write you a good 
 long amusing letter but I cannot to-day. We have had 
 a rainy night and forenoon but as I write the sun is 
 shining out again and I must get out and drag myself 
 around a little for a change. Farewell, my loving son, 
 till next time. WALT. I send a small bundle of papers. 
 
 XIV 
 
 Camden, Friday noon, zbth Sept. [1873]. DEAR SON 
 PETE. Your letter of yesterday came this forenoon 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 that was a rather serious runaway of cars in the tunnel a 
 week ago and mighty lucky to get off as you all did 
 Pete, I got a few lines from Parker Milburn he told me 
 you had a very bad sore on a finger of right hand they 
 are plaguey bad things I am in hopes yours will partly 
 make up in giving you a little resting spell. I sent you 
 "the Children of the Abbey," an old novel that used to 
 be all the rage did you get it ? To-day here is a great 
 turn out and dedication of the Masonic Temple in Phila 
 delphia -it is truly a handsome and noble building. A 
 rain last night here, and to-day is really perfect. The 
 Camden Free Masons marched by here this morning, 
 about 250, the finest collection of men I thought I ever 
 saw, but poor music, all brass, a lot of fat young Dutch 
 men blowing as if they would burst, and making a hell of a 
 hullabaloo Pete, I am about the same may be a little 
 improved in general strength had bad spells a good 
 deal all the earlier part of the week some very bad 
 but feel better yesterday and to-day I am making some 
 calculations of the cool weather think it may be favor 
 able to me did not go out any yesterday shall try to 
 get out this afternoon a couple of hours I don't know 
 a soul here, am entirely alone sometimes sit alone 
 and think, for two hours on a stretch have not formed 
 a single acquaintance here, any ways intimate My 
 sister-in-law is very kind in all housekeeping things, 
 cooks what I want, has first rate coffee for me and some 
 thing nice in the morning, and keeps me a good bed and 
 
 116 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 room all of which is very acceptable (then, for a 
 fellow of my size, the friendly presence and magnetism 
 needed, somehow, is not here I do not run foul of 
 any)* still I generally keep up very good heart still 
 think I shall get well When I have my bad spells I wait 
 for them to fade out I have got a letter from Charley 
 Towner I am finishing this by the open window still 
 in the rooms where my mother died, with all the old 
 familiar things but all drawing to a close, as the new 
 house is done, and I shall move on Monday. WALT. 
 
 XV 
 
 Camden, Friday afternoon, Oct. 3 [1873]. DEAR PETE, 
 DEAR SON. I received your letter the first of the week, 
 and was interested in your account of your week, of lay 
 ing off, and of the playing of the band under Schneider 
 and Petrola also about City R. R. men I send my 
 love and best respects to all of them I have had a bad 
 spell again this week for three days I have had a suc 
 cession of those blurs again only very much worse than 
 ever before last night I slept pretty well, and haven't 
 had any of them yet, to-day, but my head feels sore and 
 ready to have them, almost if I move across the room 
 I am sitting here, feeling pretty bad, my head unsettled 
 and dizzy I don't go out any more but am up and 
 
 *A nautical term="run up against." 
 117 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 dressed Still Pete, I do not get discouraged but think 
 it will pass over, and I shall feel better, and strong 
 enough to come back to Washington. Still I don't know, 
 I think it best to face my situation it is pretty serious. 
 I send you a card and if I should get bad, I will cer 
 tainly send you word, or telegraph I will write Monday 
 or Tuesday next We have moved into my brother's 
 new house I am up in the 3rd story room, fronting 
 south the sun is shining in bright it is beautiful 
 October weather here My brother had a large room, 
 very handsome, on second floor, with large bay window 
 fronting west, built for me, but I moved up here instead, 
 it is much more retired, and has the sun I am very com 
 fortable here indeed, but my heart is blank and lonesome 
 utterly. 1 1 o'clock A. M. sitting by the window ist floor, 
 I have just been talking with a ypung married R. R. man, 
 Thomas Osier, I fell in with he has a bad bone- 
 gathering on his left hand, a sort of felon, suffered 
 greatly with it 5 days and nights had it lanced yester 
 day, and is better he stood by the open window ist 
 floor, and talked with me, while I sat in an arm-chair 
 inside he is a regular R. R. man you could tell by 
 the cut of his jib, low collar, cap, clean shirt (for holi 
 day) dark complexion, and hard dark hands, I took quite 
 a fancy to him and, of course > I suppose he did to me I 
 believe he works on the locomotive Pete, you must tell 
 me how you put in the past week I like such a letter 
 as your last one written two or three different times 
 1 118 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 It gave me a good idea of what you are doing and also 
 of how things look in Washington I have written a line 
 to Col. Hinton and shall write a line to Eldridge. 
 
 3 o'clock P. M. My head is feeling very sore and 
 touchy and sensitive I don't go out I have re-written 
 my will What little I have to leave I have left mainly 
 to my lame brother Ed., poor man Pete, I have left you 
 $200. and my gold watch (but it will be much better 
 for us to spend the money together, and I have no doubt 
 we shall do so). This house is quite pleasant it is on 
 the corner fronts south side to west plenty of 
 light and air and view This afternoon I am quite in 
 hopes I am getting better of my spells to-day, as I have 
 not had any actual spells though I have felt pretty sick 
 all day. But I have been up all day, and eat quite a 
 bite for dinner Pete, I have written plainly, because I 
 want you to be prepared if anything should happen to 
 me but I tell you honest, I still think I shall pull 
 through and that I shall be able to write better news 
 early next week don't you be alarmed yet. WALT. 
 
 XVI 
 
 43 1 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. J. Thursday noon, 
 Oct. 9 [1873]. DEAR SON. Your letter of 8th, came 
 this morning you did perfectly right I believe you 
 are the greatest comfort I have, and if I get well our love 
 and attachment will be closer than ever. As I write it 
 
 119 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 is about noon, and I am sitting up in my room, with a 
 window open and the bright sun streaming in. I have 
 confused spells of the head, and have just had one, last 
 ing about 20 minutes they are not so bad and pros 
 trating as those of last week I have to just sit still and 
 wait till they pass over. I eat my breakfast with relish 
 this morning, salmon, graham bread and coffee, etc. 
 But did not rest well last night. John Burroughs has 
 been to see me, staid a day and night he has settled 
 up and sold out in Washington and left He is building 
 a home on the Hudson river, 75 miles from N. Y. has 
 10 acres of land on west side of river. I am feeling 
 quite bad to-day about a 13 year old boy, Rob Evans, I 
 know here, next door but one he has had his eye very 
 badly hurt, I fear it is put out, the doctor has given it up 
 by an arrow yesterday, the boys playing I thought 
 quite a good deal of him, he would do anything for me 
 his father was French, and is dead the boy suffers very 
 much and the misfortune is a very, very sad one. It 
 is now ^ after 12 and everything looks so sunny and 
 inviting out, I am going to try to get out on the walk for 
 a few minutes but I don't navigate as well as I did 
 before I left Washington. Friday afternoon, % past 2 . 
 Another beautiful day I enjoy it, but cannot go around 
 in it I went out yesterday, not far but was badly over 
 come before I got back. At present my head cannot 
 stand anything. Still, to-day I am feeling rather better 
 than usual I have eaten my dinner beefsteak and 
 
 1 20 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 potatoes, with pumpkin pie and a cup of tea I eat very 
 moderately but with quite a relish. Dear Pete, serious 
 as these spells are, ( and seems as if they will continue 
 to come on, ) I still have abiding hopes and trust of my 
 recovery yet though I don't want to be too confident, 
 and wanted you to be prepared for whatever might hap 
 pen. I shall write a line to-day to Charles Eldridge I 
 am glad you have got some acquainted with him I 
 know him thoroughly he is a thoroughly good and true 
 man has some ways and notions of his own, but the 
 main things are as solid as the hills Hinton too is a real 
 good, kind man Now, dear son, don't worry about me 
 I think in all probability we shall yet be together and 
 that I shall come round to be wholly or partially better 
 but whichever way it goes with me, it will be all right 
 your latest two letters have been first rate I read the 
 one before the last, many times, it is very dear to me. 
 WALT. 
 
 XVII 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, Oct. 16 [1873], 2 /. m. 
 Thursday. DEAR SON. I sent you a postal card yesterday 
 that the bundle had come all right, with the right things 
 I wanted. My condition is still what may be called fav 
 orable that is I still keep up without having any of 
 those decidedly bad spells blurs, as I call them, of a 
 while ago and in general I feel as well and as strong 
 ( such as it all was ) as before I was taken with those 
 
 121 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 spells. I go out again a little. Pete, I told you about a 
 young railroad man, Tom Osier, 26 years old, that I met 
 occasionally and talked with, that had a felon on his 
 hand I took quite a fancy to him and he to me Well, 
 he is dead, killed instantly (I have marked the piece 
 in the paper already sent) I went around yesterday to 
 where he lived, it is near here, he was married, leaves a 
 young widow, and a nice little two year old boy I saw 
 them his body broken and scalded, lay in the front 
 room. Whenever you have the Star or Republican, once 
 in a while you can send them (you can send two for a 
 i c. stamp ) I don't mind their being a little old I see 
 the Chronicle and Capital at the reading room I am feel- 
 ing full as well as usual to-day, and think of going out 
 and across the ferry it is so pleasant this afternoon. 
 Friday afternoon I went out yesterday afternoon 
 across to Philadelphia, and up to the Mercantile Library 
 Reading Room, I have spoken of. Yesterday, and yes 
 terday evening I felt better than usual but am not so 
 well to-day the worst of my case is these fall backs 
 But I have been out a little to-day. My walking does 
 not improve any at all. ( Then to make things more 
 cheerful, there are many deaths here about from paralysis.) 
 I quite miss poor Tom Osier. I am in the habit of sit 
 ting of the forenoon * by the first floor window, reading 
 the papers* and Tom would often stop a few minutes and 
 talk to me at the window, on his way to and from the 
 
 * So in MSS. 
 
 122 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 depot He would never come in the house, but seemed 
 to like to stop and talk that way with me. My boy that 
 had his eye hurt is doing rather badly too. About my 
 self, my general strength not only holds out, but I think 
 rather improves, which helps a good deal. Your postal 
 card came also a letter from Eldridge enclosing the 
 key. Good bye for this time, my loving boy. WALT. 
 
 XVIII 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N.J., Oct. 24 [1873], 
 Friday afternoon. DEAR SON PETE. I am still doing as 
 well as when I last wrote I have many alterna 
 tions, but upon the whole I have no reason to com 
 plain of the last ten days. My head has some bad spells, 
 and a touch or more nearly every day, and my locomotion 
 is still as clumsy as ever but for all that I am happy 
 in not having any of those spasms of three weeks since, 
 and indeed I have glimpses again of my real self have 
 had two or three such, of an hour or two each which I 
 felt very encouraging. Your letter came Tuesday, and I 
 wrote you a few lines on a postal card, which I suppose 
 you received next day. I went to Tommy Osier's, the 
 young R. R. man's, funeral last Sunday it was near 
 here poor fellow, he used always to stop a minute at 
 the window and talk off-hand and cheerful Pete, he 
 often made me think of you, dear son he was 
 your age and size he was an only son. I go 
 
 123 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 out now about every day, my strength is certainly 
 improving shall go out this afternoon. About one 
 hour ago the big Adams Express wagon drove up to the 
 door, with a box for me it was 2 doz 2 Ib. cans of 
 fresh Oregon salmon from St. Louis, from my brother 
 Jeff I am very fond of it for breakfast, can eat it every 
 day (my appetite is pretty fair, but I must have just 
 the things I want, can't eat any others) Pete, your 
 description of the old Evangelical alliances fellows, as if 
 they had just walked out of Noah's ark, made me laugh 
 heartily you just hit it I have just got a long letter 
 from Mrs. O'Connor she is in Massachusetts returns 
 to Washington in November How are Mr. and Mrs. 
 Nash, and Ed, and all ? give them my love tell Ed. I 
 shall yet want him to build me that small house I send 
 my love to Wash Milburn I am writing this up in my 
 room, 3 o'clock, pleasant weather, sun shining, window 
 open I am feeling quite fair to-day. Good bye for this 
 this time, my loving boy. WALT. 
 
 XIX 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N.J., Friday after 
 noon, Oct. 31 [1873.] DEAR BOY PETE. My condition 
 remains about the same I don't get ahead any to 
 notice but I hold my own, as favorable as I have 
 stated in my late letters, and am free yet from the very 
 confused spells of the head and spasms of three weeks 
 
 124 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 ago. Besides I think upon the whole, my general 
 strength is the best it has been yet for an interval 
 every now and then it certainly is. All very encourag 
 ing (But my disease seems to have such ups and downs 
 I have learned to fear to make calculations, almost). 
 The weather here is fine cool mornings and nights, 
 indeed quite cold at times but the bulk of the day 
 perfect I think the cool weather season is beneficial to 
 me. I am sitting here writing this with one of the win 
 dows wide open, and the afternoon sun streaming in. I 
 got a letter this morning from Mr. Eldridge that he had 
 paid Godey, my substitute, the money I sent out for his 
 October pay Washington must be looking pleasant this 
 fall. Write me how you are fixed, and I like to hear all 
 the particulars about your work on the R. R. Good-bye 
 for this time, my loving boy. WALT. It is now a little 
 after 2 I have had my dinner, beefsteak and potatoes 
 pumpkin pie and a cup of tea Don't you think that 
 is doing very well ? It is a glorious afternoon and I am 
 going down to take a trip once or twice across the Dela 
 ware in the ferry boat. It makes a pleasant little trip, as 
 the river here is most as wide as the Potomac from yth 
 St. wharf has two little islands in the middle, which 
 sometimes we steer between, and sometimes go round 
 Then these nights , Pete last night I was out, came home 
 about 8 the moon shining bright as silver I thought 
 of our old walks, dear son. 
 
 125 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 XX 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, JV. Jersey, Sunday after 
 noon, Nov. 9 [1873]. DEAR SON PETE. By accident your 
 usual letter was not sent to P. O. so that you could get it 
 Saturday which may have made you some uneasy 
 but you need not be, as I still continue to hold my own, 
 full as good as at previous advices I still remain clear 
 of any of those real bad spells of the head. I cannot 
 walk any better yet but otherwise am getting along 
 very favorably I received your postal card acknowledg 
 ing the* 10. I get out every fair day shall go out 
 about 4 to visit a family here, Col. Johnston, the jolliest 
 man I ever met, an artist, a great talker, but real, natural 
 first-rate off-hand cheerfulness and comical-sensible talk, 
 a man of good information too, travelled in Europe an 
 hour or two does me real good he has a wife, daughter 
 and son, all good I go Sunday evenings to tea Pete, 
 I send you a paper with a piece in about Richmond 
 affairs, manufactures, etc., I thought you might like to 
 look over Here there is great talk of the proposed 
 Centennial Exposition I will send you pictures of the 
 buildings soon. I am sitting here in my room 3rd story 
 We have had quite a storm but at present the sun 
 shines out, by spells I am feeling quite comfortable 
 I would almost think of coming back to Washington 
 but have learned not to make calculations too soon or too 
 
 *The $ omitted in MSS. 
 126 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 sanguine so I shall remain here for the present If 
 you see Col. Hinton tell him I am getting along favor 
 ably tell him Mr. Linton, the artist, has lately called 
 upon me tell Hinton to be sure and come and call on 
 me, should he come to Philadelphia Tell Wash Mil- 
 burn, and Parker also, I send them my love, and that I 
 shall be back to Washington this winter tell Parker I 
 was sorry to hear of his illness As I write the wind is 
 crooning and whistling around the house at a great rate 
 it is a music though I like to hear That is a bad 
 business, the shooting of Ryan and the three good fel 
 lows, in Cuba the Spaniards will probably just keep on 
 at their bloody tricks till the U. S. (and perhaps England) 
 steps in and kicks them out of Cuba which in my 
 opinion ought to be done without delay I suppose you 
 knew Ryan by sight, he was around Washington so much 
 Well, good bye for this time, dear loving boy. WALT. 
 
 XXI 
 
 43 1 Stevens St. cor West, Camden, Friday afternoon, Nov. 
 14 [1873]. DEAR PETE, DEAR SON. I am sitting here in 
 my room again writing to you there is no particular 
 change in the situation we are having some pretty cold 
 weather here I go out a little every day, but my walk 
 ing does not improve any I had a partially bad spell 
 yesterday afternoon, and did not go out, but it passed 
 over, and to-day I feel as well as I usually have lately 
 
 127 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 I shall get out this afternoon, and over to the Reading 
 Room in Philadelphia (Looking over the papers, I see 
 occasionally very interesting news about myself a paper 
 in Salt Lake, Utah, had me dead and the Philadelphia 
 Item, about the same time had me at a public dinner, in 
 Philadelphia, making a speech ). I received your last. I 
 suppose you got mine last Tuesday I have just had my 
 dinner, bean soup, boiled beef, and pumpkin pie, all good 
 so you see I might be doing worse It is now just 
 after 2, and I am feeling quite comfortable and hope 
 this will find you all right, my loving boy WALT. 
 
 XXII 
 
 43 1 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. ./., Friday afternoon, 
 Nov. 21 [1873]. DEAR SON PETE. Nothing very new with 
 me I continue about the same my general strength 
 the best it has been yet I go out a little most every 
 day, but it is very cold weather here I was quite non- 
 plus'd at that affair in Bergazzi's with Frank Rives who 
 is he ? Is he some one I know ? was he drunk or loony ? 
 tell me more of it what he said the exact words It 
 seems unaccountable to me from what I gather from 
 your letter you did exactly right. If I hadn't met with 
 some queer characters myself and been the subject of 
 such strange and unaccountable remarks I should 
 hardly think anything of the sort possible. I have occu 
 pied myself lately writing have sent a letter to the 
 
 128 
 
 " 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 Graphic describing the Capitol, which they have accepted, 
 and may publish Saturday or Monday. Have also writ 
 ten a poem which I have sold will send you one when 
 it appears. As I write this holding the paper on my lap, 
 I am sitting here in the parlor by the heater have had 
 my dinner drank quite a goblet of wine, which I believe 
 has flown into my head. (My brother West and another 
 friend here, have both sent me presents of good wine 
 and I drink it occasionally, half water but this time I 
 have taken a little extra) Pete, I thought I would send 
 you a couple of shirts so I have ordered them made 
 here, got as near the measure as I could they will be 
 done in some ten days, perhaps less, and then I will send 
 them. I like mine so well, I have had yours made like 
 them, with collars on. I have had no new togs made 
 this winter. I wear my old gray suit, and the old black 
 overcoat and when very cold or stormy my gray 
 shawl If you could see me now leaning against Mil- 
 burn's counter, you wouldn't see any difference from last 
 winter ( but my heart tells a different story ) I have 
 been in all day, and must get out a little the evenings 
 are the most tedious with me I can manage to put in 
 the days, but these long cold evenings. I think if I only 
 had the right quarters in Washington, my own quarters 
 and a good wood fire, and you with me as often as possible, 
 I should be comparatively happy. WALT. 
 
 129 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 XXIII 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N.J., Friday [Nov.] 
 2S//&, [1873] 2 p.m. DEAR SON PETE. Here I sit again 
 by the heater in the parlor, writing my weekly letter 
 I have just had my dinner, some cold turkey and a glass 
 of Missouri wine, etc. Had been out to the P. O. some five 
 or six squares distant but have to take my time Am 
 still getting along very satisfactorily ( for I am now satis 
 fied with things not being very bad with me ) and my 
 strength is undoubtedly better, which I hope will in time 
 bring improvement in my walking, and in my head, etc. 
 etc. The letter you spoke of about Penn. av. in the 
 paper was not by me * In the Graphic of Tuesday last, 
 Nov. 25, they print a portrait of my beautiful phiz, and a 
 criticism on my books, one of the best and friendliest I 
 have seen yet if you can get one in Washington you 
 will like it if not you may see it at Graphic office in 
 Washington I have not received any Also Monday's 
 Nov. 24 Graphic prints my letter about the Capitol 
 Your letter came Tuesday as I said before you seem to 
 have done what was unavoidable in the Rives muss 
 but I have a horror of bar room fracases and fights and 
 I know you have too As a general thing, I don't think 
 it necessary to resent the insults of drunkards or fools, 
 ( unless there is something unavoidable in the case ) 
 Did you get the Scottish Chiefs I sent ? Good bye, my 
 
 * i. e Was not written by me. 
 130 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 dear, loving boy I am doing quite well I hope this will 
 find you feeling well in health and jolly in spirits. WALT. 
 Pete, I will probably send the shirts early next week by 
 Express. 
 
 XXIV 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, Dec. 5 [1873], after 
 12 M. DEAR PETE. I am still holding on about the 
 same it is pretty certain I don't get behindhand, and 
 that's about the best I can say continue to get out a 
 little every day when the weather will permit but my 
 walking power is still very bad indeed Pete, I sent the 
 shirts this morning by Adams express they are envel 
 oped in a flat paper box about 2 feet long by i wide 
 I hope they will get there Saturday (but possibly may 
 not reach you till Monday ) ( you must pay the freight 
 there ) I hope they will fit the blue one, it wasn't done 
 till last night, is to wear over I got the stuff, it is first 
 rate Middlesex flannel, cost $5. (same as my summer 
 shirts are made of ) is not intended to be washed often 
 - but can be when necessary must then be washed by 
 seme one experienced in washing nice flannels I sent 
 Graphic with my portrait (as they sent me some ) also 
 my Capitol letter I received your good letter last Tues 
 day. Dear son, I send you $10 for your Christmas pres 
 ent perhaps you will need a pair of winter boots, ( or 
 some good cotton flannel for underclothes or some 
 thing) I received a good letter from Mr. Eldridge 
 Mrs. O'Connor was to come home last Tuesday I sent 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 a paper to Parker Milburn with my portrait also to 
 Charley Towner I hope you carried yours up to Mr. 
 Nash, as I know it would interest and amuse him and Mrs. 
 Nash give them both my love (I see just a line in 
 the paper that Mr. Nash had given some reminiscences at 
 a meeting of the oldest inhabitants ) I see the B. and 
 P. R. R. had a bad freight car accident last Wednesday 
 night at Patapsco, but no injury to human life or limb 
 I have not been quite so well in the head yesterday and 
 to-day but am around as usual, as it is nothing very 
 heavy We are having a mild spell here, this is the third 
 day, with partial rain and fog It is now just after i 
 I am sitting here writing this in the parlor by the heater 
 my dinner is about ready, and I am going Every 
 thing is very complete and correct here but O, I need 
 your dear loving face and hand and voice. Your old 
 WALT. 
 
 XXV 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N.J., Dec. 12 [1873]. 
 DEAR BOY PETE. I felt bad enough to hear of the death 
 of Bill Burns and in such a sudden cruel way, poor 
 young man he has had a reckless unsatisfactory life 
 many deficiencies and very shiftless all of which I 
 understood perfectly well but I had an affection for 
 him after all Have I not heard that he had a wife and 
 child ? which ( if so ) he has left but was parted from 
 quite a while ago Pete, so your shirts came all safe, 
 and they fit you, do they ? good The blue shirt ( did 
 
 132 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 I write ?) is to wear over, loose it is made large for that 
 purpose I like the looks of them, the blue shirt collar 
 turned down low with a nice black silk neck handkerchief, 
 tied loose over a clean white shirt without necktie I 
 think they are very becoming to young working men 
 I sent 3 Graphics to Mr. and Mrs. Nash when you hear, 
 tell me if they came safe I send you some papers 
 to-day There is nothing new with me, or my condition 
 
 my principal malady is about the same, (no worse) 
 but I have had for three or four days a wretched cold in 
 the head, sore throat, most lost my voice for two days 
 everything bad enough am better rather to-day, begin 
 to speak so I can be understood shall be all right soon 
 
 As I write it is now between 1 1 and 12 a. m. Friday 
 
 it is very mild, sunshiny forenoon I am sitting here 
 in the parlor looks south, looks down a pleasant street, 
 West street, full view, makes quite a nice view for me to 
 sit and look out the letter carrier comes around in 
 about an hour from now, and takes my letters to P. O. 
 I have become sort of acquainted with most of the carriers, 
 ferry men, car conductors and drivers, etc. etc., they are 
 very good indeed help me on and off the cars, here 
 and in Philadelphia they are nearly all young fellows 
 
 it all helps along Well Pete, dear loving boy, I will 
 bid you good bye for this week. WALT. 
 
 XXVI 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor* West, Camden, N.J., 12 M., Friday 
 Dec. 19 [1873]. DEAR BOY PETE. Well, I am sitting herein 
 
 133 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 the parlor again writing my weekly letter as I write the 
 rain is pouring and it is a thick and dark day enough I 
 am feeling pretty bad, but it seems to be mostly from a 
 severe cold in the head any how I am having one of 
 my bad spells, of which I have gone through so many 
 had a bad night last night but have eat my breakfast 
 this morning, and have no doubt I shall feel better before 
 many days. Pete, I received your letter and the Herald 
 last Monday all right. Did Mr. and Mrs. Nash get the 
 3 Graphics I sent them ? I have been out most every 
 day the past week, and have been across the river to Phil 
 adelphia It has been a very pleasant week, and I have 
 enjoyed sailing across the Deleware, and the splendid 
 sunsets most every evening it is my greatest en joyment 
 
 Pete, all you write about folks and things in Washing 
 ton is interesting to me it will be read, everything you 
 scratch down, as I sit here a great deal of the time, ( and 
 time is dull and lonesome at the best ) My pieces I 
 have written ( I believe I mentioned about it ) have not 
 yet appeared in the Magazine but the money has been 
 paid me for them, and they are in type, and I have read 
 the proofs I will either send them to you, when printed, 
 or send you word, so you can get them yourself Did I 
 send you both my letters about the Capitol in the Graphic^ 
 
 I believe I did, but if not I can yet I send you to 
 day's Philadelphia Press nothing special in it Well, 
 good bye for this time, dear loving boy. WALT. Pete, 
 how about running on here to see ine for a day or two ? 
 
LETTERS OF 1873 
 
 Couldn't you come, convenient, say latter part of next 
 week ? If you can, I will fix the time. 
 
 XXIV 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N.J., Dec. 26 Noon 
 [1873], DEAR BOY PETE. I have been looking for you 
 the last two days and nights but I have about given 
 you up now. I have been kept in pretty close, as we 
 have had real winter here, snow and bad weather, and 
 bad walking I have been quite alone, as my brother 
 and sister went off to Delaware on Wednesday on a 
 Christmas visit, to return to-morrow Saturday I am 
 about the same my strength still keeps quite encour 
 aging I think is better than any time yet my walk 
 ing no better, and still a good deal of distress in the head 
 - but as I said in my letter of Monday last, ( did you get 
 it Tuesday ? ) I somehow feel a little more like myself 
 than any time since I was taken down Your last letter 
 was quite a treat so much about Washington, and 
 folks, one thing and another As I write I sit here in 
 the parlor we have had an awful time from the fire 
 going out in the heater, and making it up again there 
 is so much complicated machinery about one of these 
 heaters with all the late improvements give me my old 
 stove and wood fire yet It is snowing by fits here this 
 morning. WALT. 
 
A GLIMPSE through an interstice caught, 
 
 Of a crowd of workmen and drivers in a bar-room around the 
 
 stove late of a winter night, and I unremark'd seated in a 
 
 corner, 
 Of a youth who loves me and whom I love, silently approaching 
 
 and seating himself near, that he may hold me by the hand, 
 A long while amid the noises of coming and going, of drinking 
 
 and oath and smutty jest, 
 There we two, content, happy in being together, speaking little, 
 
 perhaps not a word. 
 
 Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892), p. 109. 
 
 '36 
 
LETTERS OF 1874 
 I 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N.J.,Jan. 2, 12 M. 
 [1874]. DEAR BOY. I am about the same consider 
 myself improving, if anything, though slowly enough 
 Pete, I will get you the Dictionary, I will see about it 
 soon. You spoke about the post of baggage master on 
 the through New York train and the appointment being 
 in Philadelphia. Who appoints them ? Tell me more 
 fully about it in your next. I got your last letter, and 
 several papers. To-day I have received a letter from 
 Charles Eldridge we have had a long rainy and dark 
 time here, but mild no snow on the ground now I 
 go out As I write, the trains are going by, about 400 
 feet off, ringing and smoking there are 20 a day in full 
 view from here. WALT. I send you a picture for your 
 New Year's. 
 
 II 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, Jan. 9 [1874]. 
 WELL PETE, MY DEAR LOVING BOY. I have just come in 
 from a 15 minutes walk outside, with my little dog it 
 is now ^ past i Friday afternoon the bright sun shin 
 ing, and the air and everything as pleasant as one could 
 wish ( after most a week of rainy, dark and disagree- 
 
 137 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 able but warmish weather ) I have the same old story 
 to tell, and thankful enough to have nothing worse to 
 communicate it is probable I am really slowly gaining 
 though I have occasional bad spells yet. Your letter 
 was received I was thinking whether something could 
 not be done about getting the position of through baggage 
 master and feel inclined to try for you (you know 
 there is nothing of that sort done without trying) Did 
 you get the story " Rolling Stone " I sent by P. O. ? I 
 have had a visitor from New York this forenoon an 
 old acquaintance, a printer and foreman, I knew 20 years 
 ago, very sickly and expecting to die, at that time now 
 quite lively and well, really jolly and magnetic, and good 
 company, and a good fellow, ( like Parker Milburn ) I 
 have an occasional visitor, but not many Pete, if you 
 see anybody coming to Philadelphia you think I would 
 like to see, give 'em my address I am glad to see most 
 any one for a change Your old WALT. 
 
 Ill 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N.J., Friday forenoon 
 \\y<2, [ i6/// Jan. 1874]. Well, son, how do you make out 
 this cold weather ? for I suppose you are having it there 
 as we are here we had quite a snow storm here three 
 or four nights ago, and since then it has cleared off bitter 
 cold, (thermometer at 10 above an hour ago, at our 
 west door ) Still I go out some, though very stiff and 
 lately some spells in my head rather bad and queer, what 
 
 138 
 
LETTERS OF 1874 
 
 I have said in former letters about my general strength still 
 holds good otherwise I am in a bad way yet, and don't 
 consider myself out of the woods, have not been so well 
 as usual the last week. If you come across the Weekly 
 Graphic just out get it, as I have commenced a series of 
 pieces about things just before and during the war. The 
 series is to continue through four or five numbers- Get 
 one for Mr. and Mrs. Nash Pete, I received the Golden 
 Grain also the letter, Herald, and Repub. send me 
 one of the latter, occasionally I had rather have it than 
 any (but you needn't put yourself out to get it ) As 
 I write the sun is shining bright and clear as can be 
 the ground is white with snow in all directions, it is not 
 melting anywhere as I crossed the river yesterday 
 toward dusk, the old fellow, the charge* of the ferry 
 house, told me that between 1 2 and 2 o'clock the previous 
 night over 30 persons crowded in there, poor houseless 
 creatures, to keep from freezing to death he keeps a 
 great stove red hot all night some were young, some 
 old, some evidently real respectable people the orders 
 are to not allow it, but he hadn't the heart to turn 'em out 
 God help the homeless and moneyless this weather. 
 WALT. 
 
 IV 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. Jersey, Jan. 19, 
 Monday noon [1874]. DEAR LOVING SON. I received your 
 * Intended for charge 
 139 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 letter this forenoon. Pete, I thought I would send you a 
 little change enclosed all I have by me to-day ( but 
 I have plenty at my command ) It is wet and foggy 
 to-day, and a glaze of ice everywhere so I am compelled 
 to remain in. I am feeling decidedly better the last 24 
 hours am surely getting through the winter very well 
 guess I shall come out with the frogs and lilacs in the 
 spring I keep a bully good heart, take it altogether 
 and you must too my darling boy. WALT. 
 
 43 1 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. Jersey, Friday, 
 i ^4 P.M. \Jan. 2$rd, 1874]. DEAR BOY PETE. Your 
 letter came Wednesday you must try to cultivate and 
 keep up a gay and cheerful heart, and shed off bothera 
 tions, and the impositions of employers, etc., as a duck 
 sheds water in a rain storm that's the best capital a 
 fellow can have through his whole life, I find. I am only 
 so so had a very bad night last night it's a tough pull 
 Pete still I think I shall come out of it. We are hav 
 ing it very mild here now after snow and cold the first 
 of the week too mild, like April to-day, cloudy and 
 some rain. I keep myself some busy writing * have a 
 piece in Harper's Monthly just out ( February ) shall 
 have another in the March number Can't seem to do 
 without occupying my mind through the day nights are 
 * i. f. I keep writing more or less. 
 140 
 
LETTERS OF 1874 
 
 worst for me I can't rest well has been so now for a 
 month But I must not fill my letter with my complaints 
 
 To-day is just a year since I was paralyzed ( 2jrd Jan. 
 '75 ) What a year it has been to me Good bye, my 
 loving boy write me all the news and gossip. WALT. 
 
 VI 
 
 431 Stevens St, cor. West, Camden, N.Jersey, Friday 
 afternoon, Jan. 30, 2 o'clock [1874]. DEAR PETE. I am 
 having another of my bad spells to-day but it will pass 
 over I have had a pretty good time most of the week 
 till last night thought I was getting decidedly better 
 (and guess I am yet, and that this will pass over). Every 
 thing goes on the same with me here. As I write this I 
 am sitting here alone as usual in the parlor by the heater 
 
 I have just been out, but it was so chilly and raw I 
 didn't venture off the block, but came back in 5 or 6 
 minutes the air feels like snow. The trains of the 
 Camden and Amboy are going by on the track about 50 
 or 60 rods from here, puffing and blowing often train 
 after train, following each other and locomotives singly, 
 whisking and squealing, up the track and then down 
 again I often sit here and watch them long and 
 think of you. I think I shall try again to get out, even 
 ing* sometimes it makes me feel better, after I get out 
 in the open air, and move around a little. 7.15 evening, 
 
 * In the evening. 
 141 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 Friday I am writing this over in the Mercantile 
 Library, loth St. Philadelphia I have felt better since 
 4 o'clock and have come out and crossed the river, and 
 taken quite a ride up Market St. 2 miles in the Market 
 St. cars. The cars are very nice, old style, cushioned, 
 fare 7 cents if you get a transfer you have to pay extra 
 the working hours are from 16*4 to 18 they have 
 the new alarm punch, every fare or ticket, rings a little 
 bell every time you punch I suppose you have seen it 
 they say it is quite a success, and they are introduc 
 ing them in other cities but it will get played out 
 Pete write how you are getting along and all about the 
 folks, every one I know I am feeling as well as usual, 
 as I finish this letter Good bye for this time my loving 
 son. WALT. Don't you get discouraged at work, or on 
 the road I feel that we shall yet be together, and have 
 good times, just being with each other, no matter how 
 poor. 
 
 VII 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. Jersey, Friday 
 noon, Feb. 6 [1874]. DEAR BOY PETE. Both your letters 
 came this week also one from my friend Eldridge, he 
 too speaks of meeting and talking with you. It is real 
 winter here, the ground all covered with snow, as I look 
 out not the least thaw to-day, as it is cloudy I rise 
 pretty late mornings had my breakfast a little while 
 ago, mutton-chop, coffee, nice brown bread and sweet 
 
 142 
 
LETTERS OF 1874 
 
 butter, very nice eat with very fair appetite I enjoy 
 my breakfast better than any other meal (eat a light 
 dinner pretty late, and no supper) Feel generally 
 about the same as before described no worse no better, 
 (nothing to brag of anyhow). I have mentioned about 
 my crossing the ferry from our house the cars run by 
 the next corner, (200 feet or less) a half mile or so to the 
 ferry the Delaware here is full three quarters of a mile 
 wide it is a noble river, not so wide as the Potomac 
 nor with fine banks like Arlington, but grander, and with 
 more style, and with powerful rushing tides, now great 
 processions of broken ice, many little and some great big 
 cakes the boats are very fine and strong, go crashing right 
 ahead, with a loud noise, breaking the cakes often a foot 
 thick and more I enjoy crossing these days it does 
 me good the ferry men are all very kind and respect 
 ful I have been reading a book Merrie England in the 
 Olden Time, a London book, with pictures, full of fun 
 and humor I have enjoyed it much There is an 
 awful amount of want and suffering from no work, here 
 about a young man was here yesterday had seen me 
 in Washington wanted help I gave him a little I 
 see the cars and locomotives skurrying by as I close. 
 WALT. 
 
 VIII 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor West, Camden, N.Jersey, Feb. 13, 
 2^ P. M. [1874]. DEAR PETE. Here I am yet in my 
 
 M3 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 big chair in the parlor I am up and around, but not 
 very well I am having a return, (though not so severe,) 
 of those old blurs that used to trouble me have had a 
 succession of them all day to-day so far begun yester 
 day but I have no doubt they will pass over. It is 
 cloudy and sulky here to-day, partially thawing and is 
 raining now I have been out, managed to walk around 
 the block, but had to return did not feel well. Pete, 
 there is nothing new I got your last letter have re 
 ceived letters from Mrs. O'Connor I have no doubt I 
 shall feel better my sickness comes and goes and my 
 relief spells the same I shall probably have to stay in 
 the rest of the day and evening, which is very dull and 
 stupid for me in fact quite dismal But I must not 
 write what will make you blue, would rather cheer you 
 up I am still continuing the pieces in the Weekly 
 Graphic (will be ended with one or two more) expect 
 to have a piece in next Harper (March), but am not cer 
 tain. Just as I close the carrier has tapped at the win 
 dow he brings me a letter from Boston, and in it a 
 check, paying a debt due me a long time, and which I 
 had quite given up which puts me in better spirits 
 good bye for present my dear, loving son your WALT. 
 
 IX 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N.Jersey, Friday 
 afternoon, 2 y 2 {Feb. 20, 1874]. DEAR BOY PETE. Well 
 Pete, dear son, I have just had my dinner (stewed chicken 
 
 144 
 
LETTERS OF 1874 
 
 and onions good) and here I sit again in the same old 
 chair, in the parlor, writing my weekly screed to you 
 Nothing to brag of this week have passed a dis 
 agreeable week mainly I suppose from a bad, bad cold 
 in the head have suffered badly from it, every way 
 but keep up and around and shall get through with it, 
 when the time comes Have not written any for publi 
 cation the past fortnight have not felt at all like writ 
 ing My Weekly Graphic pieces are about concluded 
 (the next week's, the 6th number, ends them I am 
 just reading the last proof to-day) I have a poem in 
 the March Harper* as I believe I mentioned in my 
 last, (I am told that I have colored it with thoughts of 
 myself very likely) Pete, I received your letter last 
 Monday and Herald I have not sent you any papers 
 or books lately but will, again As I sit here, con 
 cluding this, I am feeling quite comfortable. Take care 
 of yourself, my darling boy your old WALT, as always. 
 Pete, as I am a little in extra funds to-day I enclose you 
 $5. thinking (like Mrs. Toodle's coffin) it "might per 
 haps come in use sometime " 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. Jersey, Feb. 27 
 [1874]. DEAR SON. Nothing very different or new 
 with me I have had rather a hard week, (continued 
 
 * " The Prayer of Columbus" 
 145 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 from the former one) but still I don't get fiat am 
 often thankful to be as well as I am I received your 
 letter and paper. We too have had the same snow 
 storm I see you have had in Washington it is bright 
 and sunny to-day here, though middling cool I am sit 
 ting here in the parlor alone it is about i o I have 
 had my breakfast I amuse myself by seeing the locomo 
 tives and trains go by- I see them very plainly out of 
 the back window they are only 7 or 800 feet off they 
 go by constantly often one right after another I 
 have got used to them and like them Did you see my 
 last pieces in the Weekly Graphic? (the sixth paper, just 
 out, is the last) I sent you a couple of Philadelphia 
 papers yesterday I was glad you wrote me about Wash 
 Peddrick I have not heard from him in a long time (he 
 did me a good turn once in the office, just out of good 
 will, and I shall never forget it) Pete, write whoever 
 you see, and about anything in Washington I met a 
 young man here from Washington last night, Wm. Colein, 
 an engineer in the fire room Treasury * Love to Mr. 
 and Mrs. Nash and to Parker and Wash Milburn 
 and in short to all my friends your old WALT. 
 
 XI 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. Jersey, March 6 
 [1874]. DEAR BOY PETE. I was quite shocked to hear 
 
 **'. e. in the fire room of the Treasury Building. 
 146 
 
LETTERS OF 1874 
 
 of Parker Milburn's death he was never very rugged, 
 but he kept up so well, and always had some cheerful, 
 lively thought or saying I was far from anticipating this 
 I think he had very noble traits, and both you and I 
 liked him thoroughly Pete, I hope he is better off 
 I will try to write a few words to Wash Pete I have 
 received both your letters I go out often in the Market 
 St. cars past the West Philadelphia depot you speak of, 
 but never get out or go in there, as it is a great depot, 
 full of hurrying people, and hacks and drivers, and trains 
 coming and going continually and people rushing and 
 crowding too much excitement for me So you saw 
 Colein, in the Treasury I saw him only a few minutes 
 in a street car, but he could give you some report of me 
 from his own eyes, and that I know satisfied you better 
 I am feeling quite an improvement, or let up, the last two 
 days and nights on the bad spell I spoke of in my last 
 letters have slept better the last two nights. To-day 
 as I write here, it is cloudy and feels a little like snow 
 coming it has been very mild here too Pete, go up 
 sometime when you start out early in the afternoon and 
 see Mrs. O'Connor, 1015 O street near nth she will 
 be very glad to see you. I hope you won't fail to go. I 
 am feeling quite comfortable to-day as I write. Pete, I 
 sometimes think if I was fixed so that I had you with me 
 every day I should get well good bye for this week, my 
 loving son from your old WALT. 
 
 147 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 XII 
 
 43 1 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, IV. Jersey, Thursday, 
 5 ]/?, P. M. [March 12, 1874]. DEAR BOY PETE. I have been 
 in all day, I don't think I ever knew such long continued 
 gales of wind this is now the fourth or fifth day 
 night and day and as I write it is howling and whirl 
 ing just as bad as ever I havn't been out any to speak 
 of for three days the gales are too much for me. My 
 spell of let up and feeling more comfortable continues, 
 with some interruptions night before last, and for some 
 time yesterday I was in a bad way again but had a 
 good night's rest last night, and am comfortable to-day 
 I think I am decidedly more improving than going behind 
 hand I have thought frequently of Parker Milburn 
 all his ways and his good points come up in my mind 
 and now the news comes of the sudden death of Mr. 
 Sumner Your letter came Monday and the Herald. 
 Friday, March 13, 12 M. Not very well to-day To add 
 to my troubles a very bad cold in the head and all over 
 me, again this is the third attack this winter but 
 enough of grunting The papers are filled with Sum- 
 ner's * death, funeral, life, etc. The cold, dry gale con 
 tinues here. I get letters from Mrs. O'Connor. Don't 
 fail to go up and make her a call, when convenient. You 
 remember Arnold Johnson that used to live over on the 
 
 * Charles Sumner, anti-slavery statesman and United States 
 Senator from Massachusetts, b. at Boston 1811, d. 1874. 
 
 148 
 
LETTERS OF 1874 
 
 hill by the Insane Asylum well he has come back to 
 Washington, and is Chief Clerk again Light House 
 Board, and Wm. O'Connor has changed to a clerkship in 
 the Library Treasury. * I am sitting here alone in the 
 same old seat in the parlor writing. Good bye for this 
 time dear boy. WALT. 
 
 XIII 
 
 431 Stevens St. Camden, March 20, 4 ^ P.M. [1874]. 
 DEAR BOY PETE. Nothing particular or new in my con 
 dition I have been to the Doctor's to-day had quite 
 a long interview no great satisfaction I still have 
 pretty uncomfortable times and yet I keep up good 
 heart in the main. I will make out only a short letter 
 this time, I see. Good bye my loving son, I will try to 
 do better next week. WALT. 
 
 XIV 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N.Jersey, [March 26, 
 1874] Thursday afternoon 2 ^. I have just had my din 
 ner roast beef, lima beans, graham bread and sweet 
 butter, with a cup of tea, and some stewed cranberries 
 I eat quite a good dinner, and enjoyed it all. I still con 
 sider myself getting along very well. O, if this only 
 holds out, and keeps on favorably, even if ever so moderate 
 and slow But I seem to have so many of these gleams 
 
 * The library of the Treasury Department ? 
 149 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 that delude me into thinking I am on the way to re 
 covery, but soon cloud over again, and let me back as 
 bad as ever But every time I feel pretty easy, I still 
 keep thinking, now I am certainly going to get much 
 better this time. Pete, your short letter came to-day, 
 written on the cars dear son, come whenever you can. 
 As I said on my postal card, if you were here this week, 
 you would find me more like myself, (with the exception 
 of walking) than I have been for fourteen months 
 whether it will continue or not, God only knows but 
 we will hope for the best. As I sit here writing to you 
 to-day, it appears to me every way hopeful, and likely 
 that we shall yet have good times. Everything is quiet, 
 rather lonesome. My little dog is stretched out on the 
 rug at full length, snoozing. He hardly lets me go a 
 step without being close at my heels follows me in my 
 slow walks, and stops or turns just as I do. We have 
 had a most windy blustering March, but it is pleasanter 
 and milder yesterday and to-day (I saw the new moon 
 over my right shoulder a week ago, of coiirse a sure 
 sign of good luck) Will finish this letter and send it 
 to-morrow. Friday, March 27, noon. Pleasant and bright 
 weather have been out on the sidewalk in front, once 
 or twice, with my shawl around me walk slow and 
 quite feeble have some spells of bad headache Went 
 by the West Philadelphia depot yesterday afternoon, in 
 the Market Street horse cars saw plenty of R. R. men 
 and conductors about the place, lounging and waiting 
 
 150 
 
LETTERS OF 1874 
 
 their time thought if I could only see you among 
 them as I sit here writing I can see the trains of the 
 Camden and Amboy, in full view, some 40 or 50 rods 
 off makes it quite lively As I write, I am feeling 
 pretty comfortable, and am going out awhile after I finish 
 this but had a bad night last night. Hope this will 
 find you all right good bye for this time, dear son. 
 WALT. 
 
 XV 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, JV. Jersey, April 10, 
 12 M. [1874]. DEAR PETE. Nothing very new or 
 different in my condition, or anything else have hardly 
 been doing as well since I last wrote, as before but 
 still hope to pull up. Received your letter last Monday, 
 and the Herald. Not much of a letter this time, my lov 
 ing boy as I don't seem to be able to write much 
 though, as I sit here, I am not feeling any worse than 
 usual. Ashton has lost his little child : died last Thurs 
 day. I have just received two letters from Mrs. O'Con 
 nor. How does all go with you ? Pete, darling, shan't I 
 send you a little money ? WALT. 
 
 XVI 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. Jersey, April 16, 
 i P.M. [1874]. DEAR SON. I send you a letter a day 
 ahead this week Nothing new with me received the 
 letter of last Sunday also the Capital w&& the Herald 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 I had a day or two's visit, very acceptable, from John Bur 
 roughs last Saturday and Sunday he has built a house 
 on the Hudson River about 80 miles from N. Y. has a 
 little farm there, 9 or i o acres, very nice As I write I 
 am feeling comfortable, (but every day and every night 
 seems to bring its bad spell, or several of them) Some 
 how I still feel that I shall come round, and that we shall 
 be together and have some good times again but I 
 don't know. Your WALT. 
 
 XVII 
 
 431 Stevens St. Camden, N. Jersey, May i, 2 P.M. 
 [1874]. DEAR PETE. I have been out halting around 
 for a walk, as it is quite pleasant to-day But I believe 
 I have overdone the matter, as I have a pretty bad feel 
 ing the last hour or two both in the head and left side, 
 and as I sit here writing. So your limited express seems 
 to be a real success if it keeps up as well as it has 
 begun I have no doubt it will increase, and be patron 
 ized, and become a permanent institution (I had got 
 the idea, somehow, at first that the same crew went 
 through from Washington to New York, and so was some 
 in hopes of seeing you in Philadelphia) No change in 
 my condition or prospects the young man, Walter 
 Godey, still works as my substitute in the Solicitor's 
 office I haven't had any word from Eldridge in two 
 months, nor from Mrs. O'Connor in some time (have 
 you been up there ?) Do you see Hinton or Tasistro ? 
 
 152 
 
LETTERS OF 1874 
 
 My sister has just called me to my dinner so I will 
 close for this time. Your old WALT. 
 
 XVIII 
 
 43 1 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. Jersey. May 2 2 , 
 3^ P.M. [1874]. DEAR PETE. I hope you will be able 
 to come, as you said in your last If I knew when and 
 where you would arrive in Philadelphia, I would try to 
 meet you As I wrote you before, you must come to 
 Market St. ferry, Philadelphia, a mile and a half or 2 
 miles from R. R. depot, and cross over by boat to 
 Federal St., Camden (The Philadelphia horse cars run 
 Sundays run down to the foot of Market St. but the 
 Camden ones do not but it is not very far from the 
 ferry in Camden). I am very much the same my 
 being disabled and want of exercise for 16 months, (and 
 many other wants too) have saddled me with serious 
 dyspepsia and what the doctor calls gastric catarrh, very 
 obstinate, causing me really more suffering and pain 
 than my paralysis but though I have bad spells 
 enough, thank God I also have middling good ones 
 and as I write this have just had my dinner, nice salt 
 oysters, raw, fresh, and am feeling quite comfortable 
 Dear son, I shall look for you. WALT. 
 
 XIX 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, A^ Jersey, June 25 
 [1874]. DEAR BOY PETE. I have weathered it out pretty well 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 this week at present moment I am sitting here cover'd 
 with sweat, with nothing on but shirt and pants to-day 
 and yesterday the very hottest kind I suppose you have 
 it too. Pete, there is nothing new in my case, and no 
 prospect more than usual of anything sudden but it 
 seems pretty clear that there is no substantial recovery 
 probable, (hardly possible) for me how long it will last 
 this way it is of course impossible to tell I take it all 
 without growling things are steadily growing worse with 
 me But I must not worry you and may-be there is some 
 thing more favorable ahead I busy myself a little every 
 day writing I want to fix my books in a little better 
 shape, this summer partly busy with a new volume 
 so that they will all be comprised in two volumes ( not 
 very much really new matter, but some) So you don't 
 come on to Baltimore now, ( as I take it from your last ) 
 Love to you, dear son. WALT. Love to Mr. and Mrs. 
 Nash Do you ever see Mrs. O'Connor or Eldridge? 
 Is Tasistro still around ? 
 
 XX 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. Jersey -, July 10 
 [1874]. DEAR, DEAR SON. I am still here suffering 
 pretty badly have great distress in my head, and an 
 almost steady pain in left side but my worst troubles 
 let up on me part of the time the evenings are my best 
 times and somehow I still keep up in spirit, and, ( the 
 same old story ) expect to get better. I have been dis- 
 
 154 
 
LETTERS OF 1874 
 
 charged from my clerkship in the solicitor's office, Treas 
 ury, by the new Solicitor, Mr. Wilson. I think of laying 
 up here in Camden, I have bought a cheap lot and 
 think of putting up a little two or three room house for 
 myself, my darling son, you must not be unhappy about 
 me I hope and trust things may work so that we can 
 yet be with each other, at least from time to time and 
 meanwhile we must adapt ourselves to circumstances. 
 You keep on and try to do right, and live the same 
 square life you always have, and maintain as cheerful a 
 heart as possible, and as for the way things finally turn 
 out, leave that to the Almighty Pete, I shall want you 
 or Mr. Eldridge to see to the sending on here of my boxes 
 at Dr. White's I will write further about it I have 
 not heard anything from Eldridge, or Mrs. O'Connor, or 
 any of the Washington folk for quite a long time. Have 
 you been up to see Mrs. O'C. ? Pete, didn't you get my 
 last Saturday's postal card ? I wrote you one, I got yours 
 last Monday Did you get the Camden paper with my 
 College piece in ? I sent one. Very hot here yesterday 
 and to-day. I don't fret at all about being discharged 
 it is just as well I wonder it didn't come before How 
 are your folks at home? your dear mother and all write 
 about all and Mr. and Mrs. Nash, Wash Milburn, and the 
 R R. boys. Your old WALT. 
 
 155 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 XXI 
 
 431 Stevens St. Camden, Aug. 28 [1874]. DEAR PETE. 
 Nothing very new with me rather a mixed week some 
 suffering Pete, if you have a decided wish to go on the 
 Pullman car, and are pretty clear that it would be a good 
 move, I will let you have $100. Good bye for this time, 
 dear son. Your WALT. 
 
 XXII 
 
 Camden, Friday afternoon [Aug. 29, 1874]. DEAR 
 PETE. I still remain about the same, and with nothing 
 to write about in the way of my improvement, or anything 
 else but I thought you would want to have word. 
 Your letter of last Sunday came all right. The paper 
 has also come. I am no worse and continue to live 
 on hope fortunately I have been stocked with a good 
 plentiful share of it. It is pleasant weather here, though 
 hot we have frequent rains we have had one to-day, 
 about an hour ago, but now it is very bright and pleas 
 ant I am going to try to get out a little So good 
 bye for this time, dear son I hope to write more of a 
 letter next time. WALT. 
 
 XXIII 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. J., Oct. 13 
 [1874]. DEAR PETE. I want some things taken out of 
 my trunk, and put in a bundle and sent here by express. 
 
 156 
 
LETTERS OF 1874 
 
 I have written to-day to Mr. Eldridge and sent him the 
 key. I have asked him to go into Milburn's between 
 3.30 and 4 this afternoon, and meet you or if not con 
 venient for you this afternoon, to-morrow or next will 
 do just as well, as I am in no hurry you both go up 
 in my room and get them I want my old gray suit, coat, 
 vest and, (I think there are two pair of pants) my old 
 black overcoat that is laid away in the trunk. Black felt 
 hat (the smallest lightest one). The old buckskin 
 gloves. I think some big sheets of very stout wrapping 
 paper, and plenty of stout cord will do the directions 
 must be very plain and in two places If not convenient 
 to go to-day, go to-morrow afternoon, or next. I don't 
 want the freight paid, as I will pay it on delivery here. I 
 enclose a dollar as there may be some expense (some 
 little fixings). Pete, I received your letter this morning, 
 and it was very welcome, as always. I received the 
 Sunday Herald too. I am having a good spell so far 
 to-day (if it would only continue) The bundle will 
 come well enough, as it is a short straight route, if you 
 only do it up so they won't get loose, and put on plain 
 directions. WALT. 
 
 157 
 
CAMERADO, I give you my hand ! 
 
 I give you my love more precious than money, 
 
 I give you myself before preaching or law. 
 
 Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892), p. 129. 
 
 I 5 8 
 
LETTERS OF 1875 
 
 I 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. Jersey. Friday, 
 2 P. M. [1875]. DEAR PETE. Nothing special to write 
 you, about myself, or anything else, this week, your letter 
 and the Herald came last Monday. The time goes very 
 tedious with me and yet I think I am getting better, 
 (but don't know for sure) Still have frequent bad 
 spells. I stopt at the W. Philadelphia depot, Market 
 street, two or three evenings ago, in the general passen 
 gers' room, to rest, about i o minutes. Then took the car 
 for Market St. ferry, (a mile and a half or three quarters) 
 and over to Camden, home I get desperate at staying 
 in not a human soul for cheer, or sociability or fun, 
 and this continued week after week and month after 
 month So you met Johnny Saunders in Baltimore, and 
 he is flourishing. If you see him again, tell him to write 
 to me he is a young man I always loved, j^ past 2. 
 I have just had a nice oyster stew for my dinner it is 
 blustering weather, partly clear, partly cloudy, and one or 
 two little flirts of snow to-day. I send you a paper or 
 two, but nothing in them. I will try to stop in Phila 
 delphia and find that little dictionary I promised you 
 So long, my loving son, your old WALT. 
 
 '59 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 II 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N.Jersey, April 30, 
 noon [1875]. DEAREST SON, I saw the R. R. smash 
 the first thing in the paper in the morning, and run my 
 eyes over the account with fear and trembling and 
 only on reading it over a second time was I satisfied that 
 you were not in it poor souls ! for I suppose every one 
 that was in it, had some who heard or read the news with 
 pain and terror some parent, wife, friend, or child 
 poor Buchanan but I hope from accounts that he will 
 get up again, before long without serious damage The 
 papers here publish full, and I guess very good accounts 
 of the whole affair I liked what the Star said so plainly 
 
 that the cause below all others of such accidents, is be 
 cause they run such a route over a single track you 
 may remember my warning on the same point three years 
 ago in a talk with you. Pete, the spring finds me 
 pretty much in the same tedious and half way condition 
 I have been lingering in now over two years up and 
 around every day, look not much different, and eat pretty 
 well but not a day passes without some bad spells, 
 sometimes very bad, and never a real good night's sleep 
 
 yet still I have a sort of feeling not to give it up yet 
 
 keep real good spirits don't get blue, even at my 
 worst spells I am sitting here to-day as usual alone in 
 the front room, by the window feel pretty comfortable 
 
 the weather is bright and pleasant here to-day, but 
 cool for the season, and the most backward I have ever 
 
 160 
 
LETTERS OF 1875 
 
 known My sister is going away for some ten days to 
 morrow or next day, and I shall be quite alone in the 
 house wish you could come on and pay me a visit 
 Would you like to have me direct any letters or papers 
 to the American Hotel, Bait., or shall I just direct to 
 you at Washington as usual ? love to my darling son. 
 WALT. 
 
 Ill 
 
 43 1 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. Jersey, Aug. 6 
 [1875]. DEAR PETE, DEAR, DEAR BOY. Still here, pull 
 ing through the summer (I think the winter is better for 
 me) the hot sunny days are worst for me an extra bad 
 strange feeling every day in the head, (the doctor thinks 
 probably the result of an old sunstroke 2 o years ago 
 now the brain liable to it again in its sensitive condition) 
 otherwise not much different bad enough though. I 
 still go out a little (most always feel at the best, for me, 
 evenings, from sundown to 10.) Papers, etc., came. I 
 still keep a little at work there is a printing office here, 
 where I am doing my work they are young men of the 
 right stripe, and very kind and considerate and respectful 
 to me fix every thing in type, proof, etc., just to suit 
 me I am leisurely preparing my new volume. Mr. 
 Marvin, an Internal Revenue Clerk, a friend of mine, has 
 stopt and paid me a visit on his return to Washington. 
 Plenty of rain here hot but pleasant to-day What has 
 become of Tasistro ? Pete, you haven't made that call on 
 
 161 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 Mrs. O'C. yet. Come when you can, my darling boy. 
 Your loving old comrade and father. WALT W. 
 
 IV 
 
 43 1 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. Jersey, Aug. 1 4 
 [1875]. DEAR SON. I am not feeling very bright to-day 
 hardly capable of writing a cheerful letter and I 
 don't want to send you a blue one will feel better by 
 next time, your WALT. 
 
 Camden, Aug. 29 [1875]. ^ Y DEAR SON. Your letter 
 came all right last Monday, and the papers. Send me 
 the Herald tomorrow, ( with one blue stamp on ) you 
 needn't mind the other Sunday papers I send you 
 Harper's Magazine for September I am still holding my 
 own gain a little strength, and am certainly improving 
 though very slowly both head and leg are bad enough, 
 but general feeling is much better, most of the time I 
 have sent Philadelphia papers once or twice and may 
 again There is nothing in them, but I thought you 
 would know I was still around The weather here is 
 pleasant, and cool enough, favorable to me I get out 
 a little every day am going out when I finish this 
 Cannot write much to-day am having a bad head-ache 
 all day still I feel in good heart. So long, Pete, dear 
 boy. WALT. 
 
 162 
 
LETTERS OF 1875 
 
 VI 
 
 Camden, Nov. 3 [1875]. DEAR BOY. I have received 
 your letter, and enclose the $10. for you. I am still the 
 same am all alone in the house to-day, as my brother 
 has gone to New York and my sister has gone somewhere 
 visiting to spend the day. How I wish you were here 
 to-day. WALT. 
 
 VII 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. Jersey, Dec. 3, 
 noon [1875]. DEAR PETE, DEAR SON. I am getting over 
 my late bad spell I have been very sick indeed, the 
 feeling of death and dizziness, my head swimming a great 
 deal of the time turning like a wheel with much dis 
 tress in left side, keeps me awake some nights all night 
 the doctor says, however, these troubles, in his opinion, 
 are from a very serious and obstinate liver affection not 
 from head, lungs, heart he still thinks there is nothing 
 but what I will get the better of (and we will trust he 
 is a true prophet ) I wrote about like the foregoing to 
 Mrs. O'Connor, but was too sick to repeat it to you 
 and that was one reason I asked you to go up there,* I 
 havn't been out for three weeks, but ventured out yester 
 day for an hour, and got along better than I expected 
 and shall go out, or try to, to-day as it is very pleasant 
 
 * Had doubtless written a letter to Mrs. O'Connor and a post 
 card to Pete. 
 
 163 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 you must not be needlessly alarmed, my darling boy, for 
 I still think I shall get, at any rate partially well and 
 strong enough The doctor is quite encouraging 
 comes every day and I feel a good heart yet My 
 young fireman friend Alcott ( I think I mentioned his 
 sickness ) is dead and buried, poor fellow I send you 
 a bit of piece of mine about him from the paper I have 
 some spurts of visits, and company but very little that 
 goes to the right spot with me My brother George has 
 got a horse and light wagon and takes me out now and 
 then, I enjoy it much but I have been too feeble lately 
 Altogether pretty lonesome here, but might be much 
 worse Love to Mr. and Mrs. Nash, and to all inquiring 
 friends. Your old WALT. 
 
 164 
 
LETTERS OF 1876-1880 
 
 I 
 
 CAMDEN, N. J. [Wednesday,] Dec. 13 
 [1876]. DEAREST PETE. I ought to have 
 written to you before but I believe lazy 
 and listless fits grow stronger and frequenter 
 on me as I get older and then I don't do anything at 
 all, especially just the things I ought to do. But I 
 often, often think of you boy, and let that make it 
 up. I certainly am feeling better this winter, more 
 strength to hold out, walking or like, than for nearly 
 now four years bad enough yet, but still decidedly better 
 (my loving boy, I underscore the words, for I know they 
 will make you feel good, to hear). 
 
 I heard about the accident on the road at the time two 
 weeks ago and was uneasy enough until I heard 
 definite particulars such things seem the fortune of 
 R. R. travel, which I sometimes think more risky than 
 the "fortune of war," which the knowing ones know well 
 is more chance and accident (I mean the victory in 
 battles) than it is generalship. 
 
 Pete, I am sitting up here alone in my room 8 o'clock 
 p. M. writing this I am feeling quite comfortable I 
 stood the cold snap of the last three days very well 
 to-day has been moderate and nice here Nothing new 
 or special in my affairs I am selling a few of my books, 
 
 165 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 (the new, 2 vol., i o dollar, edition) from time to time 
 mostly to English and Irish purchasers it is quite funny 
 how many of my books are sent for from Ireland. Love 
 to you, dearest son. WALT. 
 
 II 
 
 431 Stevens Street, Camden, Dec. 27, '76. DEAR SON. 
 The money came all right, and I will keep it for the 
 present, and use it for myself but only to return it at 
 some future time when I am flush. Nothing very new with 
 me. I still feel pretty well, for me, (and considering the 
 past four years). Who knows ? May be after this winter, 
 I shall feel well enough to come on to Washington 
 and make out several weeks and we'll have a good 
 time together, my loving son, (no more long walks to 
 be sure but we can be happy other ways) Beautiful, 
 mild, sunny, thawing afternoon to-day I have been out 
 a little down to see a poor young man, an oysterman, 
 Jim Davis, very low with consumption, took him some 
 stewed chicken for his dinner then went to a nice read 
 ing room and library we have here, very handy then 
 home to my own dinner, stewed chicken and nice roast 
 potatoes and now (2 y? ) up stairs in my room writing 
 this, and feeling very fair O Pete, you get that arm 
 chair (with the broken arm) I left at Mrs. Nash's per 
 haps the broken arm is still there, if so get it put on 
 then take the chair home for you as a New Year's pres 
 ent, and for your mother to sit in and you afterwards 
 
 1 66 
 
LETTERS OF 1876-1880 
 
 you know I used the chair for, a year, and if I recollect 
 right, it is a good strong one, though plain I am glad 
 to hear what you wrote about your mother Everything 
 about fellows' old mothers is interesting to me Give 
 my love to Mr. and Mrs. Nash your loving old WALT. 
 
 Ill 
 
 1929 North 22nd street, Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 
 20, 1877. DEAR, DEAR BOY PETE. I am stopping here 
 now for a week or two in the house I believe I have men 
 tioned to you before, and where I wanted you to come 
 and see me (and still want you if you have a chance) 
 but I spend most of my time down at an old farm in 
 Jersey where I have a fine secluded wood and creek and 
 springs, where I pass my time alone, and yet not lone 
 some at all (often think of you, Pete, and put my arm 
 around you and hug you up close, and give you a good 
 buss often). 
 
 I am still keeping pretty well for me, have improved 
 much, indeed quite fat, and all sun burnt brick red in the 
 face, and hands as brown as nuts am pretty lame and 
 paralysed yet, but walk or rather hobble sometimes half 
 a mile and have no more (or hardly ever) of those bad, 
 prostrated, gone in, faint spells I used to have most every 
 day so you see I am doing pretty well, my dear I 
 still make my brother's house at Camden my head 
 quarters, and keep my room there, address my letters to 
 Camden always. 
 
 167 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 But my sister is not well, has not been for some weeks, 
 (is soon to be confined). Upon the whole am getting 
 along pretty well, and good spirits. The new edition of 
 my books I sell enough of to pay my way very nicely 
 so I get along all right in that respect (I don't need 
 much) How are they getting along at the Navy Yard ? 
 I send them my love (I haven't forgotten the pictures, 
 but they are a long while a-coming) When you see Mr. 
 Noyes tell him I should like to come on and pay him a 
 visit this fall And now good bye for this time, my own 
 loving boy. Your old WALT. 
 
 IV 
 
 Kirkwood, New Jersey, Monday, July 2, 1877. DEAR 
 BOY PETE. I still keep pretty well, and am again down 
 here at the farm in the country, for a couple of weeks, and 
 to stay over 4th of July. Nothing particularly new in my 
 affairs. 
 
 As I write this (Monday, 10 A.M.) it is a beautiful bright 
 breezy forenoon and I am going now down to the 
 creek and spring to take a bath it is about 90 rods 
 distant and I walk there and back. Love, love, love. 
 Your old WALT. I still make my headquarters in 
 Camden. 
 
 431 Stevens St. Camden, Sunday, Sept. 16, 4.30 p. M. 
 [1877]. DEAR SON. I will write you a line or two any- 
 
 168 
 
LETTERS OF 1876-1880 
 
 how ( it is so long since I have written anything in an 
 envelope ) Pete, if you was to see me to-day you would 
 almost think you saw your old Walt of six years ago I 
 am all fat and red and tanned. have been down in the 
 country most of the summer, returned the past week 
 feel real comfortable for me only I am still paralyzed 
 left side, and have pretty bad stomach troubles still at 
 times but thankful to God to be as well and jolly as I 
 am. I am all alone in the house to-day, and have had a 
 good time fine bright warm day been but twice for 
 short walks, (my little dog accompanying me) rest of 
 the time up here alone in my 3rd story south room 
 done up and sent off my two books to a subscriber in 
 England eat my dinner alone, wished you could be 
 with me then, and for a couple of hours, if no more Pete, 
 your papers all come regularly, and I am pleased to get 
 them About coming on I cannot say now, but / shall 
 come, and before long Love to Mr. and Mrs. Nash, 
 Love to you, my darling son, and here is a kiss for you. 
 W. W. 
 
 VI 
 
 431 Stevens St. cor. West, Camden, N. Jersey, Nov. 5 
 [1877]. DEAR SON. I think I shall try to come on to 
 Washington next Monday, in the noon train from here, W. 
 Philadelphia ( limited express ) Am feeling about the 
 same (bad enough at times but sort o' getting used 
 to it, ) WALT. As I understand it, the train I speak of 
 
 169 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 goes into your depot, 6th St. Must get in some time 
 before dark. 
 
 VII 
 
 Camden, New Jersey, (Friday?) Dec. 20, 1878. Letter 
 rec'd. (And very glad every way and thanks) I 
 think I am really better this winter The cold and snow 
 and ice keep me in the house else I should have been 
 over to the W. Phil. Depot it would have done me good 
 even to have a minute and a good hold of you once more 
 Nothing new in my affairs I am doing well enough. 
 Tell Mr. and Mrs. N. I want to come to Wash, once more, 
 and I have not forgot the pictures. W. W. 
 
 VIII 
 
 2316 Pine Street* St. Louis, Missouri, Nov. 5 [1879]. 
 DEAR PETE. You will be surprised to get a letter from 
 me away off here I have been taking quite a journey 
 the last two months have been out to the Rocky 
 Mountains and Colorado (2000 miles) (Seems to me I 
 sent you a paper six weeks ago from Denver) I got 
 along very well until three weeks ago when I was taken 
 sick and disabled, and hauled in here in St. Louis for 
 repairs, have been here ever since am fixed comfort 
 able still somewhat under the weather, (but have no 
 doubt I shall be well as usual for me before long) shall 
 stay here probably two or there weeks longer, and then 
 back east to Camden. Pete, this is a wonderful country 
 
 *The address of his brother Jeff, with whom he stayed in St. 
 Louis. 
 
 170 
 
LETTERS OF 1876-1880 
 
 out here, and no one knows how big it is till he launches 
 out in the midst of it But there are plenty of hard-up 
 fellows in this City and out in the mines, and all over 
 here you have no idea how many run ashore, get sick 
 from exposure, poor grub, etc. many young men, some 
 old chaps, some boys of 1 5 or 1 6 I met them every 
 where, especially at the R. R. stoppings, out of money 
 and trying to get home But the general run of all these 
 Western places, City and country is very prosperous, on 
 the rush, plenty of people, plenty to eat, and apparently 
 plenty of money Colorado you know is getting to be 
 the great silver land of the world In Denver I visited 
 a big smelting establishment, purifying the ore, goes 
 through many processes takes a week well they 
 showed me silver by the cart load Then in middle 
 Colorado, in one place, as we stopt in a mining camp, I 
 saw rough bullion bars piled up in stacks outdoors five 
 or six feet high, like haycocks so it is a few make 
 great strikes like the prizes in the lottery but most 
 are blanks I was at Pike's Peak I liked Denver 
 City very much But the most interesting part of my 
 travel has been the Plains , (the great American desert the 
 old geographies call it, but it is no desert) largely through 
 Colorado and Western Kansas, all flat, hundreds and 
 even thousands of miles some real good, nearly all 
 pretty fair soil, all for stock raising, thousands of herds 
 of cattle, some very large the herdsmen, (the principal 
 common employment) a wild hardy race, always on horse 
 
 171 
 
CALAMUS 
 
 back, they call'em cow-boys altogether I used to like 
 to get among them and talk with them I stopt some 
 days at a town right in the middle of those Plains, in 
 Kansas, on the Santa Fe road found a soldier there 
 who had known me in the war 15 years ago was 
 married and running the hotel there I had hard work 
 to get away from him he wanted me to stay all winter 
 The picture at the beginning of this letter is the St. 
 Louis bridge over the Mississippi river I often go 
 down to the river, or across this bridge it is one of my 
 favorite sights but the air of this City don't agree with 
 me I have not had a well day, (even for me) since 
 I have been here Well, Pete, dear boy, I guess I have 
 written enough How are you getting along ? I often 
 think of you and no doubt you often do of me God 
 bless you, my darling friend, and however it goes, you 
 must keep up a good heart for I do So long from 
 your old WALT. 
 
 IX 
 
 London, Ontario, Canada, (Saturday) July 24, 1880, 
 p. M. Am all right again for me was sick about three 
 weeks at times pretty bad was well taken care of 
 here the best of friends both Dr. and Mrs. B. (as 
 human as I ever met both) Monday morning next I 
 start on a long Lake and St. Lawrence river trip, 900 
 miles, (mostly by steamer, comfortable I reckon) gone 
 nearly three weeks, then back here May write you from 
 Quebec. Your papers come. W. W. 
 
 172 
 
WHEN you read these I that was visible am become invisible, 
 Now it is you, compact, visible, realizing my poems, seeking me, 
 Fancying how happy you were if I could be with you and become 
 
 your comrade ; 
 Be it as if I were with you. (Be not too certain but I am now 
 
 with you.) 
 
 Leaves of Grass (Ed'n 1892), p. n*. 
 
 173 
 
. fwnlcg. Hare jBooks. 
 California. 
 
 Wayland Hyatt Smith was a personal 
 friend of Whitman's; at one time 
 his attorney. Several of the Whitman 
 firsts in his library were inscribed 
 to him. 
 
DONE INTO TYPES AND PRINTED 
 FOR LAURENS MAYNARD AT THE 
 CO-OPERATIVE PRESS CAMBRIDGE 
 U. S. A. MAY MDCCCXCVII. 
 
USE 
 
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