Feinberg/Whitman Box 8 Folder 29 General Correspondence Costelloe, Mary Whitall Smitch Dec. 1883 - Nov. 1890 & undated DCN 208Camden Dec 1 Dear friend Your father's kind note & yours recd -- Yes with pleasure - I'll be there by 6 Saturday Evng. Walt WhitmanPHILADELPHIA PA DEC 11 83 10 30 PM Miss Mary W Smith 4653 Germantown avenue Philadelphia WALT WHITMAN Camden New JerseyREC'D P G DEC 12 83 7 AMCamden Dec. 30 '83 Dear friend I send you the picture I spoke of -- it is an artist's proof & I mounted it myself. Happy New Years to you, & Alice & all. Walt WhitmanCAMDEN DEC 30 6 PM Miss Mary W Smith 4653 Germantown Avenue Germantown Philadelphia328 Mickle Street [*Mary*] Camden NJ July 27 '84 Dear friend Your letters have been rec'd & Alys's also - & have given me comfort - So full of living buoyancy & youth - I see these qualities - or the tally of them - are the important matter, & then the circumstances & happenings may be what ever may chance - The son of a friend of mine the proprietor of the paper here asked me to "help him out" in yesterday's paper - So I gave him the letter to print - I enclose you the slip - how well & off-hand it reads - - I am living here in my den in Mickle street the same as ever - A little episode - the 9-month-old baby grandson of Mrs. Lay (my housekeeper) was attacked with cholera infantum & brain trouble a week ago - the Doctor insisted on a change of locale - they lived in hot close rooms - So the babe & mother & two other children are here the past week - & the babe (an exceptionally fine one) is out of danger - but it has been a close shave - the Doctor comes twice a day - says it has been this house & back yard (very nice & breezy - we have had a hammock swing there) that has done most of the curing - Are you interested in the episode? I have been much - Love to Alys, Logan & all WWCAMBRIDGE NOV 13 12:41 MASS Walt Whitman 328 Mickle Street Camden New Jersey8 Berkeley Street Cambridge. Wednesday Nov. 12, 1884. Dear Mr. Whitman - Altho I am busy this evening, I must find time to send you word of how very, very much we enjoyed seeing Mr. Quincy Shaw's paillet pictures this morning. Your note I believe gained for Mr. Clifford permission to go and see them, and papa, Logan and I went with him. I hardly ever spent such a delightful morning, and the remembrances is almost as good as the reality was. And, best of all, Mr. Shaw invited Logan and myself to come overany time, and spend quiet, free hours among his beautiful collection. It [quite] added not a little to our pleasure this morning to be with a man who knew and loved the artist so well, and we all felt very grateful to you for the pleasure of the morning. Mr. Clifford showed us his sketch of you. We liked the cheery expression - but were not entirely satisfied with the picture. Logan and I will be home soon - for Thanksgiving. Papa said "What shall we do to celebrate your vacation and make you have a good time" - "Persuade Mr. Whitman to come over!" I said. Well, we certainly shall see you , even if the Daimon doesn't approve of your coming to Germantown - But I hope he will be in a complaisant mood! I had a letter from Mr. Costelloe (one of the Englishmen who came over with me to see you), and he asked me to tell you that he read the little book you gave him to the passengers on the steamer going home, and that both reader and audience enjoyed it sincerely, and were much enlivened and strengthened by the "wonderful faith and hope" that breathed through the poetry. You certainly do "blow grit" into people! But I must not make my letter longer - I shall look forward to seeing you soon, and I hope you will be well. With much love Mary W. Smith.Miss Mary Whitall Smith 4653 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia [*WALT WHITMAN*] Camden New Jersey*]PHILADELPHIA JUL 20 1895 PA Miss Mary Whitall Smith by R Pearsall Smith care of S Morgan & Co: Bankers London England WALT WHITMAN Camden New Jersey U S America328 Mickle St. Camden noon May 28 [*1885*] Dear friend Thank you & Dear Alys for the nice sheets & cases, which arrived yesterday, were immediately assigned to use, & will be of more direct & continued comfort to me than you think. I am well as usual, & in good heart. Got through those three hot days quite well -- Remembrances to all, especially Dear boy Logan - Walt Whitman Dark & raining heavily here as I write, but opportune & welcome to Mary Whitall Smith May 28. 1885 Thanks for [sheets?] & pillowcases presented to him --328 Mickle Street Camden New Jersey July 20 '85 - noon - Dear Mary Smith Your second letter (dated July 9) came an hour ago - welcomed & recd twice already - the acc't of the Toynbee? Hall doings & chat deeply interesting to me - I think much of all genuine efforts of the human emotions, the soul & body & intellectual powers to exploit themselves for humanity's good - the efforts in themselves, I mean (sometimes I am not sure that they are the main matter) - with out stopping to calculate whether the investment is tip-top in a business or statistical point of view. - These libations, ecstatic life- pourings as it were of precious wine or rose water on vast desert sands or great polluted river - taking chances for returns or no returns - what were they (or are they) but the theory & practice of the beautiful God Christ? or of all Divine personality?2/ We have had a week of furious hot weather here, and are having it yet - (seems to have concentrated in and around Philadelphia) - I keep pretty well, considering, don't go out at all till toward sundown, but get on the river two or three hours afterwards every even'g. - I [enclose] send in Phil. Press my last little piece - you must chew upon it a little - my inward idea in it being the least literary or poetical, & most physiological & scientific. - My last letter from Dr. Bucke spoke of his going off with a sick friend & relative to the Canadian Rockies, a jaunt of six or seven weeks - I have heard lately from John Burroughs - he has been writing quite a piece ab't Matthew Arnold, which I tho't at first I w'd send you, but I believe I won't - as it is not very clear or encouraging - rather discouraging -3/ Ab't myself & my own affairs there is nothing new or special to write, Mary Dear. My house-lady Mrs. Davis continues to be in every respect (handiwork & atmosphere) the very best and most acceptable that could have befallen me -- Hot as it is, & with several kind invitations away, I remain for the summer at my shanty in Mickle street - upon the whole it is best for me -- - Mary I hope your next letter will tell me of a visit to Mrs. Gilchrist - As I close it suggests itself to me that I [will] prepare one of the big photo (the one with hand up to mouth ) & send you to give to the Toynbee Hall folk - Love to you & all Walt Whitman328 Mickle street Camden New Jersey U S America Aug: 8 '85 Dear friend Your third letter, ab't the Tennyson visit, arrived to-day -- & has already been re-read with eager interest -- as was the Toynbee Hall one also. I now anticipate the one ab't your meeting Mrs. Gilchrist. -- Thanks dear girl for the past, & thanks for those to come -- Since you left we've had over three weeks of extremely hot weather -- it affected me badly, caused some fits, unconsciousness, falling &c -- I can't go out, which is quite a cross -- but no doubt in due time things will return to their usual routine. I am sitting here down stairs by the window in the little front room, writing this -- Mrs Davis has just brought me a beautiful perfect middling sized sunflower -- it looks like a curious golden face turning toward me from its jar on the window sill -- Fine day this for the Grant funeral show in New York which is going on as I write -- O I nearly forgot to mention the cyclone & destruction, brief but terrible, of last Monday -- they did not touch these premises -- but came very near.Well Mary dear girl I am making out a stupid letter - but I was determined to write something -- -- Affectionate remembrances to Alys, the Father and Mother, Logan, and to Mr C - Walt WhitmanMiss Mary Whitall Smith by R. Pearsall Smith care of S Morgan and Company Bankers London England [*Walt Whitman Camden New Jersey US America*][*33 Chancery Lane w.l.*] Miss Mary Whitall Smith by R Pearsall Smith & Co: Care [J.S. Morgan Bankers London England] 33 Chancery Lane W.C. [*WALT WHITMAN Camden New Jersey U. S. America*][*print only*] Mrs. Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road Westminster London S W England [*Walt Whitman Camden New Jersey US America*]Old Age's Ship & Crafty Death's. From east and west across the horizon's edge, Two mighty masterful vessels sailers steal upon us: But we'll make race a-time upon the seas -- a battle-contest yet! bear lively there! (Our joys of strife and derring-do to the last!) [*extra*] Put on the old ship all her power to-day! Crowd top-gallant and royal studding-sails! [*5/*] Out challenge and defiance -- flags and flaunting pennants added, As we take to the open -- take to the deepest, freest waters. Walt Whitman. [*February Century*]Universal Postal Union Union Postale Universelle UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Éstats-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road Embankment Westminster London SW England 328 Mickle Street Camden New Jersey - US America June 1 '86 - Best love & greeting to you, & to Mr C—also to Dr Bucke— Best love to your father, mother & Logan I to-day enter on my 68th year I have rec'd Dr's good letter, with your good note enclosed—Nothing new with me—I am ab't as usual—fine sun and air to-day no very warm weather here yet—Am sitting here by the open window—great bunches of roses, pinks & mignonette near me WWUniversal Postal Union Union Postale Universelle UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Éstats-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road Westminster London England SWCamden - Aug: 15 Sunday afternoon Nothing particular to write about - but I tho't I would send you a line - Am standing the hot season pretty well so far - have written several pieces (the war Hospital article for Century among the rest) which have been accepted & paid for - will send them to you when printed - Alys's letter rec'd - heard from Dr B yesterday. W WUniversal Postal Union Union Postale Universelle UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Éstats-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road Westminster London England328 Mickle Street Camden New Jersey US. America Sept: 10 '86 - The summer in drawing to a close but we are having a warm s'pell here - (now the fourth day of it) - I am ab't as usual in health - my locomotion however giving out pretty fast - I shall be looking for Logan before long - Love to you, Alys, & all - Walt WhitmanUniversal Postal Union Union Postale Universelle UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Éstats-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England SWCamden New Jersey US America Sept 27 '86 Yours from Etretat rec'd & welcomed warmly - Also the picture - Logan and Alys have arrived - I have not seen them, but shall soon no doubt - I remain much as usual. - I drove out a long jaunt Sunday - Yes, dear M, I have no objection to your writing or collating the "reminiscences" you speak of - actual occurrences, anecdotes, conversations, delineations, personalities, plus - criticisms minus - W Wthee sees him soon, for the paper he sent me. I am glad he succeeded in getting the appointment, & I think the Phila. Academy is to be congratulated. I shall await with the greatest interest the copy of "November Boughs". Will it be on sale at all in England? I have an accumulation of 20 letters to write today -- so I must make my first one short. With love, thy friend, Mary Costelloe. P.S. Father & Alys & two of her friends start on a driving trip from Wales to London tomorrow. Logan is at Oxford. October 21st 1886 40 Grosvenor Road, Westminster Embankment S.W. Dear Mr. Whitman- Thy card of the 4th greeted us on our return home from Wales last night. How I wish that it contained really good news it is dreadful for thee to have to keep thy room so long! I am sending thee Mr. Summers' account of his delightful visit to thee. I am so grateful to thee for seeing him -- I suppose it was my letter he presented? He is a curious man, with first ratepolitical ability, but extraordinarily lazy. He has been a very intimate friend of my husband's since their College days, but I do not know him very well. I often see him hovering on the outskirts of a crowd at large parties, but he seems too lazy to talk to anybody. If he were more energetic he could rise to be one of the Liberal Leaders, but he has been cursed with a comfortable income, & has never been forced to work. The parable of the Camel & the Needle's Eye is not confined to the Kingdom of Heaven. We have returned to a sea of work. Frank & Sam both going as delegates to the great Liberal Convention at Birmingham— where we are to read modest papers on political subjects. The great event will be Mr. Gladstone's speech—wh. is to be phonographed! We have all had a delightful summer together in Wales. Father's health is quite restored, &, in spite of the loss of one eye, he is able to read & drive & follow his usual course of life. Little Ray gets more enchanting every day. She can say over 50 words by this time, & she is beginning to take an interest in dolls. She has a perfect temper & robust health. Please thank Mr. Gilchrist, ifUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Ètats-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London EnglandCamden Jan. 3 '87 -- PM Henry Norman of the Pall Mall Gazette has sent me £81 over in a very kind & good letter -- enclosing some printed slips from paper one written by you abt my Camden entourage -- very satisfactory & right to me -- In the Reminiscences stick as much as possible to personal descriptions, anecdotes, & sayings -- & don't make me too good -- I am no angel by a long shot Walt WhitmanUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Ètats-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England328 Mickle Street Camden New Jersey -- U S America Dec. 13, '86 -- Here I am still Dear friend, & nothing new or special -- the last week I was quite ill again, but am on the mend yesterday and to-day -- your good father comes to see me often, & Logan paid me a nice visit yesterday -- your letter of Nov. 12 has been read & re:read & quite gone the rounds -- much admired -- I send you "My Book & I" in print -- Walt WhitmanUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Ètats-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England S WCamden U S America Nov. 23 '86 -- 2 pm -- I am ab't as usual -- took a long drive by myself midday yesterday -- basked in the & drove slow -- Have just had my dinner & enjoyed it. --Your las re'd yesterday -- (a sweet newsy, cheery letter, Dear M)-- Your father comes occasionally -- is well & hearty -- so you are at the reminiscences are you -- Heaven help you. Love -- W. W.Walt Whitman 328 Mickle Street [*3*] Camden New Jersey U. S. America [*from Mary Costelloe Jan 17 '87*]Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London Englanda while. I am very grateful for thy little slip anent Tennyson's latest, although I don't agree with it at all. Tennyson struck me as a man [with] great in spots, and the cracks filled in with inferior stuff. I think this latest outburst of cynical pessimism comes from one of the gaps in the greatness of his nature. Perhaps thee will think this the hasty & impulsive judgment of youth. I will begin to reconsider it when I find thee issuing a latest edition of Leaves of Grass with all the optimism 40, GROSVENOR ROAD, January 17th '87 THE EMBANKMENT.S.W. Dear Mr. Whitman, Many thanks for thy card of the 3rd which came on Saturday, just too late for me to catch the return mail. I am afraid by a curious fatality all thy biographers want to make thee out too good for thy liking! Has thee never thought of [continui] expanding the Specimen Days into Autobiographical sketches? Then thee could tell the world thy wickedness to the full, whichthy friends are so uncomprehending as not to see! I wonder if thee knows Mr. Norman personally? He is a charming fellow, very clever and full of American pluck. He is always so busy that one seldom gets a chance of seeing him in the seething side of affairs in this great city, but I am going to make my husband look him up again, now that I know he is a friend of thine. We have had nothing here but a succession of thick fogs, and today when I saw the flush of the real sun in the sky, I thought it was a fire! In pursuance of the course of reading I wrote to thee about, I have begun to take Greek lessons and to read Plato's Republic. In our spare moments (which are alas! none too many) we are working out our idea of the ideal State, as a sort of supplement and corrective to Socialism. But life rushes along too fast here to give one time for many wayside reflections, I am afraid, and too often I find whole days filled up with things— thoughts being crowded out. Perhaps it is good to live an intensely practical life for working it out to this disheartening issue. But I am disobeying my doctor, who has forbidden long letters for the present. It is always a temptation to chat with thee— I only wish I were near enough to do it really. Thee can't think what a refreshment to soul and body it is to read Leaves of Grass, or even to think of thee, in the midst of this artificial town life. I hope thee is well and cheerful; I am always silently sending thee good wishes across the ocean. Thy friend, Mary Whitall Costelloeand faith and kindliness left out. I should have been glad to die before I had left such a message as my last utterance, the final outcome of a long life of experience and thought. I can't join with thee in thanking him for his "Sixty Years After"! [But] I judge people by different standards from those which one uses towards Nature, for I think the gulf between natural evolution & moral responsibility is infinite, and if the present poems of Tennyson are the result of his point of view all along, then I think he [has delibratel] is responsible for taking such a point of view for UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS THIS SIDE Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London, EnglandCamden N J -- America March 1887 -- I am under the weather again these days -- (inaction, indigestion &c) but it will probably pass over with the week -- Havn't seen anything of any of your folks for [ov] many days -- Logan however has just sent me a great parcel of reading matter by express -- Walt WhitmanUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Ètats-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London EnglandCamden -- Feb. 11 '87 Nothing very new or special with me -- As I write toward latter part of afternoon the weather is warm & dark & wet here. I go out hardly at all the roads [we] so bad --(the winter will soon be beginning to break) -- I havn't heard from you now in some time -- Dr B writes often -- I am to be taken over to the contemporary club Phila. in a few evenings to talk to them -- Best love W WWalt Whitman At Home on Thursday Evening, April 14th, 1887. Westminster Hotel, N. Y.Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England WALT WHITMAN CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY U.S. AMERICACamden Monday June 13 5½ P M Dear Mary Costelloe I will write you a few lines without any thing to say, but because the spirit moves me & every thing is so beautiful & peaceful in the nearly declined but dazzling sun—The little children are playing out on the walks, a mocking-bird is singing over the way, & a young just-bursting magnolia blossom, (sent me an hour ago by the grocery woman at the corner) fills the room with its spicy fragrance, from its glass of water on the window-sill—I have been somewhat under a cloud physically the last week, but feel better to day—& the best of it is a sort of consciousness (if it don't deceive me) of being better for good—at any rate for the time, wh. is as much as could be asked for— --I have written & sent a poem to Lippincotts— wh. has been accepted, & I have got the money for it, (& great good it does me, coming now)—Herbert Gilchrist is here—he is drawing & painting my portrait to-day —Sidney Morse has modelled a large (colossal I suppose) head of me—I think perhaps the best thing yet—Love to your father, yourself & Alys, the baby dear, & all—as I end, after my supper, (mostly strawberries) I see glimpses of a fine sunset in the west & the boys out in Mickle Street are playing base ball — Walt Whitman(1887)P.99 #1560 VOL.4. W.W.CORRES. MABY SMITH COSTELLOE JUNE 13, 1887Mrs: Mary Whitall Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London S W England WALT WHITMAN CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY, U.S. AMERICA.328 Mickle Street Camden New Jersey U S America Sept 14 '87 Dear friend, I am pretty fair in health &c of late & now -- pleasant weather here for several weeks -- rainy of late -- y'r nice letter from Switzerland came yesterday -- one from your father also just rec'd, enclosing the J A Symonds' note in answer to Swinburne's article -- (the article was not worth answering at all -- I have not given it a thought) -- -- Dr Bucke has been here for five or six days -- leaves to-night -- he is well -- hearty as ever & much the same -- he has (in London Canada) one of the plaster heads & is quite enthusiastic ab't it -- I suppose the one I sent to y'r father has been rec'd before this -- I think it had better be donated to the Kensington Museum, if they will accept it & give it a fair place -- Morse is still here (in Phila) -- is at work on his statuette of President Cleveland -- H Gilchrist is here -- he is at this moment giving some final touches on his oil painting of me -- I like it -- Some think it too tame -- You will doubtless see it as G. leaves here NY on the 21st on the Germania -- -- Phila is all agog now for three days to come with the centennial of the Constitution (the idea is good, perhaps sublime, but the carrying out of it more or less tawdry & vulgar) -- I am sitting here in the great chair down stairs -- window open -- big bunches of flowers on the sill -- every thing all right -- had toast & a great mug of Whitman's chocolate & hot milk (excellent) for my breakfast -- love to Alys, to the baby, & to all -- Walt WhitmanSept 14. 1887UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Ètats-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary Whitall Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London EnglandCamden Sunset Aug: 4 '88 This has been the hottest day of the season -- but I have got thro' fairly with it -- & have just finish'd & quite enjoy'd my dinner Not yet left my room for down stairs ---- Walt WhitmanUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amérique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Whitall Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England postmark: CAMDEN, N.J. JUL 8 PM 88Camden N J U S America '88 July 13 pm Sometimes the best news to write is to send you have nothing to say -- I still keep pretty ill but no decided retrograde -- & have good prospect of rally -- Best love to you & Mr S & Alys & all -- the weather is good here -- remember lovingly to Herbert Gilchrist -- Walt WhitmanUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amérique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Whitall Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England postmark: CAMDEN, N.J. JUL 8 5 PM 88Camden N J America Sunday noon July 8 '88 Well here I am all alive yet -- but some thumps & bruises --but above board yet -- & (though perhaps not certain) count to rally in fair time -- It is now a month I have been confined to room & bed, -- hot weather &c, brain & stomach trouble -- a paralytic attack over four weeks ago --Best love to you & all Walt WhitmanUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amérique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary Whitall Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England postmark: PHILADELPHIA JUN 26 11 PM PAID postmark: CAMDEN, N.J. JUN 26 8 PM 88Camden New Jersey June 26 '88 -- U S America The doctor says I hold long substantially -- wh' is the best I can send you this day --- I have had a hard forenoon bad weakness &c. --but a little better & sitting up now --fearful hot weather here --- best love & remembrance to you & father-- I am a little apprehensive ab't him-- Walt WhitmanUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amérique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary W Coste[lloe] 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England S W [*Mrs Berenson return*][Camd]en -- U S America [March 6] '87 -- I am feeling [fairly in] health & every thing [com]fortably these days -- I [went] over to the theatre yesterday afternoon -- had a good ride & jaunt & performance "Clito" --Wilson Barret sent them for me --enjoyed the whole affair -- have not had any letter from you now for some time --- Walt WhitmanUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amérique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England post mark: CAMDEN, N.J. (?SEP)T 1? (?400) PM 87Camden New Jersey America Oct 10 '87 -- Yours from Scotland rec'd. Your father has been here twice & is evidently hearty & happy—Logan is coming home for good & the folks are most happy to have him—I authorize you to unbox the head—call in the help & advice of Ernest Rhys, (if you feel so inclined) & carry out the Kensington Museum project, if you like—I however hereby give you full power in the matter, & confirm what you do whatever it is—I am ab't as usual & go out riding frequently—pleasant fall weather here—I am sitting by the open window writing Walt WhitmanCross Reference GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Costelloe, Mary Whitall to Whitman, Aug 21, 1888 See Verso GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Bucke, Richard M. Letters from Whitman to Bucke, Sept. 3, 1888, Box 6Llwynbarried Rhayader S. Wales [44 Grosvenor Road Westminster Embankment, S.W.] 1st September 1888. Dear Mr. Whitman, I am writing this note to introduce to thee our friend Mr. William Summers, who is a Member of Parliament. He will be able to give theean interesting inside view of English political life, for he is Junior Whip to the Liberal Party. I am glad to take this chance to send warm rememberances from all of us & our hopes that thy health is standing the summer weather. Believe me, Thine sincerely, Mary Whitall CostelloeWalt Whitman 328 Mickle Street Camden New Jersey U.S.A.Llwynbarried, Rhayader, Wales. October 1, 1888. Dear Mr. Whitman, Thy welcome card came just as we were leaving London last week, after a very bad week with my cousin Saidee, whom thee may remember. She has been living for the last year & a half in Berlin, her husband being correspondent for the N.Y. Herald, & a few weeks ago the summons came for him to go back to New York. So they planned to stop in London for a couple of weeks on their way home, do their necessary shopping & say their goodbyes to all of us. Frank & I were in Scotland when we first heard of this plan, & we hastened to come down & meet them, full of all kinds of joyful anticipations. Saidee & I were most eager to compare, the great rivals, her little boy a year & a half old, & Ray her baby girl almost the same age. Besides little Charley, Saidee had another baby to show me, a dear little creature only a month old. Mother & Father lent their house - No. 44 - to them for their London stay, so that we were close together. When we arrived from Scotland, however, we found everything in confusion, The journey has been too much for them all; Saidee was ill in bed, both babies were ailing, & the youngest one dangerously ill. Mr. Nordhoff, Saidee's husband, had not crossed with her, but was travelling in Germany with a changing address, so that he could not be telegraphed to, & soon after we came the doctor, contrary to all professional ettiquette gave up on the baby's case, & they did not know to whom to apply. So all our week we had been looking forward to as a happy reunion, was given over to anxiety & telegrams to doctors & nurses who all seemed to be out of town. At the end of the time, on Saturday, the baby died in his mothers' arms. The next day, Mr. Nordhoff arrived, & then we came away. As I was quite worn out with the responsibility & anxieties we have been resting here fora week now, &We have news that Saidee & the other child are better, & that they expect to sail on the same day that this letter begins its voyage across to thee. I had a welcome letter from Dr. Bucke giving good news about thy health, & from thy pen this month in the century are the army reminiscences which we have all enjoyed exceedingly. So I do not feel, somehow as if we were all the world apart, I can imagine myself tomorrow crossing the Camden Ferry & coming to find thee in thy den ready to talk as if I had not ever been away at all. I only wish it could come true! I wonder if Mr. Gilchrist is with thee now, & whether he has got his professorship in the art academy. He promised to write & tell me, but I have never heard from him. We are at work upon our belated philosophy, grinding out the first few chapters which we have long had in the shape of scrappy notes. I dont know whether I ever told thee our ambitions. We want to write a philosophy in terms simple enough for anyone to understand, explaining what Kant has done in the investigation of knowledge, & then going on to make use of the same critical method to find out what presuppositions lie at the basis of action. So that we hope to establish a method of studying ethics on the same secure basis which philosophers now have for the examination of knowledge. But it is incredibly hard to open the results of close thinking to people who do not care enough to take the trouble to think things out for themselves, & every time we try our Ms. on one of the uninitiated we are profoundly discouraged. I am using these days of leisure to mature a scheme of education for Ray, & enlarge my list of books for her. I want to begin her on the folklore of all the different nations for her fairy tales, & lead her on from that to an interest in the history & geography & government of those nations. Logan & Frank & I are also reading a little Greek together, & our spare time we give to play-UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London EnglandCamden N J U S America Nov: 22 '88 Keeping on ab't the same. Still in my sick room -- less well to-day but have had a fair fortnight. Clear & cold weather. I double=up here by the stove. --Suppose you rec'd the Nov. Boughs --I expect Dr Bucke before long. Walt WhitmanUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary Whitall Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England SWCamden NJ U S America Tuesday Evn'g Oct 23 '88 Still imprison'd in the sick room —but keep up spirits & occupy myself (or fancy I do)—Your kind good letter rec'd—so glad to hear f'm you, & all the particulars—H Gilchrist seems to be thriving & happy—I hear often from Dr Bucke—I will send you forthwith my little Nov: Boughs wh' comes out in two or three days—The big Vol. (Complete Works) soon— W W UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary Whitall Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London EnglandCamden NJ America Thursday Evn'g Oct 4 '88—Still keeping my sick room but fair spirits & no worse—great debility of legs & without body strength & control —Book printing has proceeded & sheets now at bindery—will send you a copy of Nov: Boughs soon—Herbert Gilchrist comes occasionally—is well. Dr Bucke is well—busy—writes daily —Cold here—I have a new wood stove—better—Love to you, to y'r father & all W WUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary W Costelloe Llwynbarried House Rhayader Wales via London EnglandCamden, NJ America Sunday Evn'g Sept: 2 '88 Your good letter just rec'd & here I am sending word back --still imprisoned in my sick room --non-rehabilitated yet but middling well for all that--my booklet November Boughs ab't finish'd--& a large vol. comprising all my stuff begun--I am here just at sunset --Love to you all old & young-- I sufficiently comfortable Walt WhitmanMrs: Mary W Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England January 25th. 40 Grosvenor Road, 1889. Westminster Embankment S.W Dear Mr. Whitman I am afraid it has been a long time since I sent thee a letter, although I have wanted to write every day. We have been, since the New Year, in the midst of the most interesting of all our political fights, which is the more interesting from the fact that it was successful. The London Council, of which Frank is a member, is practically a does not actually call himself a Socialist. We are greatly delighted over his return, for it seems, for the moment, an opportunity for even greater immediate usefulness than a seat in Parliament under a Tory Government would be. But then Frank is an incurable Optimist & always sees that things are "for the best." The work that this involves is of course immense, & I hardly see how he can manage it along with is legal work, but I suppose it will be fitted in somehow. I Parliament for the most important city in the world. London has never had municipal government, although with its 5,000,000 people it is almost a State in itself—but now the new County Councils Act has given the [ah] popularly elected body almost unlimited power. They can do practically what they choose—& it is here that the various forms of Socialism will be practically thrashed out—for the world to see. The men who are elected are in a great majority strong reformers & Liberal—"progressists" is the new word for them—& we all expect the tendency of their policy to be distinctly Socialistic. There is one noted socialist, John Burns, among them, but next to him I suppose Frank is the most "advanced"—Last night the chief of the "Fabians"—the most important Socialistic body—descended upon us to induce Frank to become the spokesman of their party, & it is quite likely that he may ultimately find himself in that position—though heI see from the American papers that you are having a mild winter. I hope thee has been able to go out a good deal. The regret that I cannot live near thee grows greater instead of less every year. It is dreadful to know so little of what thee is really doing. Now that the press is over, I hope to be able to write soon again. With best love, Thy friend Mary Whitall Costelloe am going into it heart & soul with him, [*40 Grosvenor Road, Westminster Embankment, S.W.*] for I think it is really important & worth devoting one's self to. Two women have been elected--but by a curious & very English-y muddle, it is quite uncertain whether they are really qualified to serve or not. A petition has been filed against Lady Sandhurst --one of the women--which will decide the matter before the Queen's Bench. Frank hopes to expend some of hislegal knowledge on the case - of course in favour of the women! Mother, father and Alys have been away from all this turmoil. We all spent all Christmas birthday in Normandy Luterhen and where in came have they went to Paris and then on down to the Riviera, and are now in Mentone enjoying the blue sky and warm air and the lovely, lovely scenery. Their pleasure is heightened by the reflection that the [ ] [ ] almust continuous since Christmas. I wish I could bring little Ray for thee to see. She is grown a big now and can actually say jam an fire consecutive words, and remember as far back as three days! She tells me at night everything anytime has done to her in the day. When I ask her "What did papa do?", she invariably answers "Papa bizz" (busy) - and it is not far from the truth. This election contest has [over? ]him with work.40 Grosvenor Road Westminster Embankment, S.W. P.S. Jan. 26. I have just been cheered by the sight of thy handwriting. Many thanks for the "Boston Transcript"—I enjoyed Mr. Rhys' London letter much. It is a beautiful Spring-like day today. I am going to take little Ray to the "Zoo" for the first time.UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amérique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary W Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England S W postmark: CAMDEN, N.J. FEB 18 8 PM 89 postmark: PHILADELPHIA FEB 18 11 PM PAID328 Feb: 18 1889 Mickle St: Camden, New Jersey U S America Nothing special or very different --continue laid up & imprison'd in in sick room--yr's of a week ago rec'd & welcom'd--I want to send over some copies of my big book (works complete) one for you of course, & think of enveloping them stoutly & sending by ocean express--(to be call'd for there, or perhaps sent by local express)--& may send the parcel if you are willing--congratulate Mr. C on his success Walt WhitmanUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amérique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary Whitall Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England postmark: PHILADELPHIA APR 20 11 PM PAID postmark: CAMDEN, N.J. APR 19 8 PM 89Camden NJ. U S America April 19 '89 Am still anchor'd here in my second story in Mickle street - not much different, yet every month letting the pegs lower - Have not sent the big books (complete ed'n) but shall soon. - Fondest love to little Rachel & the newcomer too - I rec'd the good letter f'm y'r dear father - also Mrs S'S card--Is his address still at 44? - I am preparing a new ed'n of L of G, & shall send you one. Walt Whitmanmore disinclined every year for the kind of amusement which society here offers - which is not amusement at all, but a struggle for notoriety. Little Ray has entered the enchanted land of imagination. She lives in "'tories" & "p'etends" & we are in terror of our lives from her deadly assaults as a "bear-lion". She usually eats her supper in the character of an "efelant" with a "long nose" & a "big mouff", & when she wakes up in the night I sometimes find her transformed 10 May 1889. 40 Grosvenor Road, Westminster Embankment S.W. Dear Mr. Whitman - I was very, very glad to get thy postal card & thy congratulations on the birth of our second little daughter, who is two months old today. We have just brought her back from the country, where we all had a most delightful Easter holiday. How thee would have enjoyed our drives! The fields & lanes were starred with primroses & daffodils, &the hedges were just breaking into bloom. The air was fragrant & warm & the birds seemed intoxicated with joy at the return of spring. The English country is so beautiful - It is different, too, from anything we can see at home. There is a mellow historical air brooding over everything - the old common lands, dating from Saxon times - which are beautiful even if they are not useful in an agricultural sense - the quaint old rambling villages with mossy thatched roofs, clustering about the gates of some lordly park, of whose castle or gabled Manor House one can catch glimpses through the [fine] magnificent trees - I do not say I approve of grand castles & dependent villages - or even of so much waste land. But I enjoy it even more than an Englishman would, I think, [for] since I don't feel responsible for its existence. We have come back again to work, political, legal, & social - & of these three the hardest is the social. I growinto a loudly purring "pussy-cat" or a wriggling "'nake." Her little sister is still in the mental attitude of an oyster--except that on occasion she can do what I believe no animal ever did-- laugh. But that is not quite true-- I can remember one animal who used to laugh--Antecellere-- the horse I had so many years. He used to laugh when I fell off--sometimes he laughed so hard that he would forget to run away.There is an English friend of mothers' who has long been a disciple of thine. She is going to America soon & is so very anxious to see thee that I ventured to give her a letter to thee. But I told her of thy ill-health & warned her that thee might not be well enough to see her— so thee will not feel in necessary at all, if thee doesn't feel like seeing her when she comes. I am just preparing a speech on "Sugar Bounties"— which I am to give soon at The Annual Meeting of the Women's Liberal Federation. It is one of the burning questions of the day, & is really the old contest between Free Trade & Protection, under a new form. I am on the Free Trade side, in spite of my American upbringing. I must close to get this in today's post. With love & always with sincerest wishes for thy health, I am, Thy friend Mary Whitall CostelloeMrs: Mary Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England S WMrs: Mary W Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road Westminster embankment London S W EnglandUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary Whitall Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England S WCamden New Jersey US America Oct: 15 '89–Feeling a sort of impalpable nudge I send a line but what for I don't know, for there is nothing to write ab't-- only the fact of writing to you if that is anything--Here I am in my den as for a year & a half, but not so much different or given out yet--My sleeping & appetite yet hold fair--you know I am along now in my 71st--Love to you all-- Walt WhitmanUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary Whitall Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London EnglandCamden Aug: 8 '89 Am feeling pretty well for me-- good weather here--was yesterday over to Phila: to Gutekunsts' to sit for big picture (at vehement request) --went in large easy cab--every thing river, ferry, Market & Arch streets, & the vehicles & people look'd so well & bright & prosperous & even gay-- --thank Logan for his good letter & send this to him--H Gil: was here last evn'g & has taken the letter away Love to all Walt WhitmanUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary W Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road Westminster Embankment London EnglandCamden New Jersey U S America June 14 '89--Thanks for letters --& papers too--We are all (Dr. B particularly) more interested in movements & your fortunes &c: there than you suppose I am getting along the same, fairly. --get out daily in the wheel chair --write a little—keep up pretty good spirits --cloudy rainy warm weather--Love to you Alys, Mr S & all not forgetting the little girls. Walt Whitmanto all summer long. But thy remembrance reminds me not to complain, & thy example encourages me to keep sound in spirits-- "which is the main thing." Thank thee for writing. I will write from the Pyrennees in a few days--& I hope I shall not be so egotistic & gloomy. I am sure thee will have seen Alys by this time & that she will have told thee all our news. Gratefully & lovingly, Mary Costelloe. TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS, 26 October. 1889. FERNHURST, SUSSEX. FRIDAY'S HILL HOUSE, HASLEMERE Dear Mr. Whitman I think it must have been my guardian angel that gave thee the "impalpable nudge" to write to me. Thy card has come to cheer me just at a time when I am feeling unusually low in spirits & discouraged. I have been quite ill all summer—"over-work," "nervous prostration" & the rest--& in spite of many weeks of tedious "absolute rest," I am worse & not better, & now I have to go off for I don't know how long to the Pyrennees, leaving my husband & the two little ones in England. I start tomorrow. The one bright spot is that mother is going with me. But thy letter has really cheered me--it reminds me that absence is not the end of everything & it sings, without the definite words, [That] the "Song of the Open Road." My road has seemed so shut up-- I am laid aside in the midst of all the work I care for--fit for nothing--and oh! the horror of feeling one's mind, as well as one's physical powers, under an eclipse. I have not been able to read or study or write or do anything I cared UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary Whitall Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London EnglandCamden New Jersey US America Saturday Evn'g Dec: 7 '89--Finest sort of weather, sun, skies &c here days & nights--I was out last evn'g to supper and stopt my chair to have a good long look at the skies & full moon--Alys has been here to-day with a young woman chum--on their way to Milville--Nothing to write about but feel pretty well & tho't I w'd write. The news (the papers full) is of death of Jeff Davis--that ends it-or seems to--Love & respects to father & all, not forgetting the girls. Walt WhitmanMrs: Mary Whitall Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London England WALT WHITMAN CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY, U.S. AMERICACamden N J U S America Jan: 22 1890 Dear Mary Costelloe Sunny, cold, dry, very seasonable day, I continue on much the same--get out a little in wheel chair (but doubtful to-day--pretty sharp cold) --have quite rousing oak fire, & great wolf skin fur on my big-limb'd ratan chair--Alys was here Sunday, & I rec'd yesterday a nice letter f'm Logan--a day or two before the "Spectator" f'm thy father--(so I am not neglected or forgotten)--Give my best thanks & love to all--am writing a little (enclosed I fancy will be in Feb: Century)--three slips, one for thy father--one for Logan --Probably every thing in our great United States (now 42 of them) goes on well all in a monotonous & matter of fact way--"blessed is that country that has no history"--we have an unprecedently humdrum President & big men, but down in the myriad inner popular currents the moral & literary & pecuniary & even political flow & good flow are grand--we can console our hearts with that--on a great democratic scale the present & here are probably ahead & better than all time past, or any other land--& thats what America is for--& that satisfies me—that general unmistakable certain trend does--I dont mind little bothers & exceptions & some hoggishness--Love to you all Walt Whitman40 Grosvenor Road, February 3. 1890. Westminster Embankment, S.W. Dear Mr. Whitman- On coming up from a Saturday to Monday visit to Logan at Oxford, I have found the delightful surprise of a letter from thee dated January 22nd The enclosures, too, I have much enjoyed, & I am sending one of the proofs to Logan, with thy letter to read & return. We were talking a great deal in which perhaps thee will not agree with me, I think the "Saints" were quite right in attempting to free the spirit by torturing the body! Our chief political interest now is in watching, & assisting as far as we can, the spread of "Socialism"—It seems to be permeating everything. I cannot now imagine what life would be like with no interest in politics! And yet I used to be very happy in Germantown!about thee yesterday. There are a great many of the "coming men" there who are deeply influenced by "Leaves of Grass" & who find in the curious English mingling of tradition & freedom, history & change, the most appropriate setting to thy lines of Thought. Probably it is only the stress of urgent national crises, such as a war, or of equally urgent national reforms, of which there are many now talked about here, that make the masses of men really think freely & generously & act unselfishly-- As thee says--"all goes on well in the United States"-- and though one cannot wish for any lack of prosperity, seeing what miseries it entails upon the poor & defenceless, yet one realizes that it is not, as yet, the best condition for the appreciation of bright things. From another point of view, 40 Grosvenor Road, Westminster Embankment S.W. We had a most interesting visit to Logan. He is very busy, outside his College work, with a "Social Science Club," & also with an attempt to reduce the excessive expenses of Oxford, which make it impossible for any poor men to get educated there. As rich people have evidently no monopoly of brains, it is a great pity that all this splendid training is [only] [open] accessible only to them. Some day a Royal Commission or something like will thoroughly grow appalled to think of the awful volume of sound that daily arises from all the nurseries in London! This is a most unsatisfactory letter—but I feel as if the fog had got into my head. We are to have here tonight a meeting of the Westminster Women's Liberal Association. I am to take the chair, but I haven't yet thought of the necessary speech. I must begin now, so I will close this letter as I began it, with many many thanks for thy kind and most interesting letter. Mary Whitall Costelloeexpose the manifold inquities of that most delightful of all Universities—& perhaps things will be changed then. We spent all our Sunday discussing the desirable reforms of Oxford, but in spite of that we shall go again to visit it, even in its unregenerate state, as soon as we possibly can. Rukh– [him] mabai, my Indian friend was with us—her first visit to Oxford, and she was tremendously interested in it. I am sitting in the nursery to write, and the exigencies of the situation make it very difficult to pursue a connected train of thought. Ray is romping about with a huge stuffed monkey of belligerent tendencies, who beats us all unmercifully when Ray brandishes him in her arms. Karin is babbling on the floor, playing with blocks, & both nurses are adding a not insignificant share to the general babel. Outside there is a peculiarly disagreeable fog— Next door similar sounds from the nursery can be faintly heard through the walls, & IRefers to Mary Costelloe's letter of March 14, 1890 W.W. Correspondence, V., p.334UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (Union Postale Universelle) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amerique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Mary Whitall Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London EnglandCamden NJ US America Sunday Aftn: March 2 '90 Love to Dear boy Logan Only a line to say I am here yet & in buoyant spirits enough. Every thing much the same, allowing for wear & inevitable decay -- America is probably "taking stock" as the storekeepers call it - resting - having a lull (perhaps Dull) time - but every thing here inwardly active - laying in good foundation for better (moral & mental - physical too I hope) r'ates and times -Love to you to parents husband & children. Walt WhitmanMrs: Mary Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London EnglandCamden New Jersey US America Feb: 10 '90 -- It is near sunset after a bright winter day & I am waiting for my supper -- My young nurse is down stairs practicing his fiddle lesson -- -- I have just written three letters & here's a line to thee -- Love to the dear little ones too & Mr C -- Don't invest thyself too heavily in those reforms or women movements or any other movement over there -- attend to thyself & take it easy -- all going on with me as of acct's before -- have a bit in last Century -- Walt WhitmanCross Reference GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Costelloe, Mary Whtiall to Whitman, Mar. 14, 1890 See Verses GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Bucke, Richard M. Letters from Whitman to Bucke, Mar. 23, 1890. Box 6 Camden June 12 1890 Hope this will find you well & comfortable Alys must be with you by this time & perhaps Logan too -- I send best love to both -- Logan's letter rec'd & gladly -- With me slowly jogging along (down hill) -- easier the last few days of my third attack of grip, & get out either by horse & hansom or wheel chair almost every day -- love to get down by the Delaware & sit watching half an hour or more -- was there last evening at sunset -- suppose you rec'd the papers acct'ng my birthday supper (I am now in my 72d y'r you know) -- Dr Bucke is home in Canada at his Asylum busy as a bee -- is well -- I have heard of my lines & note ab't the Queen's birthday in the English papers -- my last poem was rejected by the Century -- & I now feel pretty well out in the cold, having been bluffed by all the magazines here & the Eng: Nineteenth Century -- but I am well used to it all -- have massage every day & get along fairly -- some very hot weather here -- the country seems prosperous -- good crops -- great census -- what I am afraid mostly ab't America is that we are too prosperous & too infernally smart -- Walt WhitmanUNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION Union Postale Universelle UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (États-Unis d'Amérique) WRITE ONLY THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road The Embankment London England postmark: CAMDEN, NJ. NOV19 6AM 90Camden NJ US America Nov: 18 '90 -- Seems a long time since I have heard fr'm or written to you -- Am still here (still holding out after a fashion) -- am writing a little, mentally -- (sort o') & good right arm -- I sent you my "Old Poets" essay, & shall send bits when printed -- Love to the childer & all Walt WhitmanKindergarten school every day. Frank & I are going to spend our Xmas holiday at Rome, if all goes well. Father is undergoing transformation into the "Country Squire" of fiction. He is wrapt up in "the place" at Haslemere, & spends most of his time there. Many thanks for all the papers, which greet me from time to time with a sight of thy hand writing. Loving thine, Mary Whitall Costelloe Nov.28.90. 40 Grosvenor Road Westminster Embankment S.W. Dear Mr. Whitman - Thy postal card of ten days ago has just come. It is so good of thee to write. I am ashamed when I think how long a silence I have kept - yet I have thought of thee very often I have been so busy -- "Facilis decensus" -- into politics! -- and when once there, it is hard to get out.Of course the one miserable thing occupying the political field is Parnells' incredible meanness. He has dealt the death blow to Home Rule in this generation, I am afraid. I feel so sorry for the many Liberals whose one cry and interest has been Home Rule. It is not so unhappy for me, because for several years all my work has been given to what seems to me infinitely more interesting than the machinery of politics - the reform of existing social abuses, such as the overwork & underpay & the generally wretched conditions under which the poor live - The collapse of Home Rule will bring these questions much more to the front, but I think it means a Liberal defeat at the next election, as the Party is not prepared. I feel quite in the vein of writing a volume of newspaper "leaders" on the subject, but I will refrain! We are all so well - children & all. Ray goes to a littleU.S. POSTAGE ONE CENT AUG 24 Miss Mary Whitall Smith by R Pearsall Smith [Care J S Morgan & Co Bankers] 33. Chancery Lane W.C. London EnglandMrs: BFC Costelloe 33 Chancery Lane London WC EnglandMrs Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road Westminster London England SE Mrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London SW EnglandMrs: Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Rpad the Embankment London England SEMrs BFC Costelloe 33 Chancery Lane London WC EnglandMrs BFC Costelloe 33 Chancery Lane London England WCMrs Mary W Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road The Embankment London EnglandMrs. Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road The Embankment London EnglandMrs: Mary W Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road The Embankment London England SWMrs: Mary W Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London EnglandMrs: Mary Costelloe 40 Grosvenor Road the Embankment London EnglandCross Reference General Correspondence Costelloe, Mary Whitall to Whitman, n.d. partial See Veoso General Correspondence Bocke, Richard M. Letters from Whitman to Bocke, Oct. 15, 1888 Box 6