Feinberg/Whitman Box 12 Folder 8 General Correspondence "K" Miscellany Sept. 1856 - Nov. 1891 & undatedSir I have had the good fortune to read your poem "Leaves of Grass" -- I have read nothing hitherto in which in a large sense I recognized my nationality - this Poem could not have been written but on the [??] of North America nor by any other than one of her new race of men - its surpassing worth to me is in its broad conception of our thought and action; - it fires our advance in these - in it we recognize ourselves - It was a matter of little importance that Longfellow translated for us the poetic thought of the German - or that Bryant continued his labours in the English School - or that Poe produced his perfect Poem - these things we had before - Carlyle also wrote before Emerson - but this is our own - I thank you for it - I have not been able to procure a copy of it here, nor can I discover whether it has been privately printed as I gauge from the title - if not may I ask ou to designate to me whereit may be procured- I am very respectfully To Walt Whitman Esq Charles S Keyser Sept 16 1856 33 So 5th Philada Walt Whitman, Care Fowler & Wells New York City [*Charles S Keyser 33 So. 5th St Philadelphia Sept 15 '56 about Leaves of Grass*] Three Cents Dec 5 Baltimore MDPUBLIC SCHOOL No. 13, A.G. KNAPP, PRINCIPAL. Rochester, N.Y. March 25, 1883 Walt Whitman My old time friend Do you ever think of the boy that you found sick in the winter of '62 in Ward A of Judiciary Sqr. Hospital in Washington? If so, in memory of [all] old Washington experiences together will you send me a volume of your "Leaves of Grass" with your name written in it I shall be very glad to hear from you Cordially Sebut T. KnappIf not delivered in 10 days return to A.G KNAPP ROCHESTER, N.Y Walt Whitman author of "Leaves of grass" Camden N. J. Ro[?] Mar [?]6 8[?] N.Y. U.S.Postage Three 3 CentsCAMDEN, N.J MAR 27 9AM RECD.315 E 14th St New York April 8th 1887. Dear Mr Whitman I intended writing to you to wish you good bye, but have just heard there is a chance of my seeing you next week at Madison Square Theatre, so of course, I shall be there. Will there be any chance of my getting to speak to you? If there are to be you, like rain upon a grand old oak. I remain proud to cll myself your admiring friend Geo Herbert Kersleyany people on the platform by you, & you could get me a place. I should feel the honour greatly. I sincerely hope your jaunt to the theatre with us, by breaking the monotony, did you good. Ernest Rhys has written to me for a little news about you & to ask me to see him in town to report all I know. How beautiful the New York harbour is! I greatly enjoy seeing the in-coming & out-going ships bathed in the clear spring sunlight. I have much to thank you for - your works give me hope & joy, while the time spent with you was the most gratifying spent in this country. I intend to write to you from England, & at all times, if I can do anything for you, it will most willingly be done. Praying to God that He will send his blessings upon8, WEST KENSINGTON TERRACE, WEST KENSINGTON, W. London June 13/89 Dear Sir, From a perusal of your delightful book, "Specimen Days in America," recently published in England - I learn that you had seen Charles Dickens, among other notables who frequented Broadway. I am preparing for publication a work entitled "Dickens portrayed by pen and pencil," an important feature of which will be (as the enclosed prospectus shows), several unpublished reminiscences of the or critical character, in relation to Dickens, will be most highly esteemed by Yours faithfully Geo. G. Kitton great novelist, including recollections and impressions of his personality, furnished by his most intimate friends. I venture to ask if you will lend your valuable aid in promoting the success of my scheme by favoring me with a record of your recollections and impressions of Dickens. So many of his friends having willingly acceded to my wishes in this respect, that I feel justified in entertaining a hope that the nature of the subject may induce you to do likewise. I need hardly say that anything from your hand, whether of a personal[*Fred. G. Kitton*] Walt Whitman Esq Camden New Jersey U.S.A. Lond[?] Ju[?]3 87 5d 5d Postage & RevenueNew York Jun 24 Camden NJ Mun 25 6AMSECOND PROSPECTUS. A New Work relating to Charles Dickens, ENTITLED Dickens Portrayed by Pen and Pencil. BY FRED. G. KITTON, AUTHOR OF "JOHN LEECH, ARTIST AND HUMOURIST," "DICKENSIANA," ETC. THE principal features of this work, as already stated, will consist-- First, of an Account of all the various Portraits of Charles Dickens, whether by painter, sculptor, engraver, or photographer, with illustrative anecdotes, memoranda relative to "sittings," and other interesting circumstances connected with the production of each particular portrait. Second, of a Series of "Pen-Portraits," or records of impressions produced by the personal appearance of Charles Dickens, as presented to the minds of friends, critics, and other noteworthy people who came in contact with him. Third, of Engraved Portraits representing the great Novelist at various periods, ranging from I835 to I870, and displaying in a graphic manner (more marked perhaps than we can recall in the portraits of any contemporary) the transitions from youth to manhood and age. Some misapprehension appears to exist with regard to the second feature of this work. A few of the author's correspondents evidently suppose he contemplates a work of a biographical nature; an intention which, cognisant as he is of the existing "Life" by Forster, he hastens to disclaim; nor has he the remotest intention of entering into competition with that admirable biography. This declaration he trusts will suffice to remove any objection on the part of [P.T.O.the few whose "impressions" would so materially enhance the interest of this work, but who have hitherto hesitated to supply such particulars as would constitute a "Pen-Portrait." if we could know Shakspere as we know Johnson much would be gained. To describe Dickens, and to record the impressions of those who have seen or known him, the writer hopes is to satisfy a laudable curiosity. That this may be done while opportunity remains is his sincere endeavour. In this attempt he has the satisfaction of acknowledging the sanction and kindly help of members of the Dickens family, the valuable assistance of those who have been co-workers with the Novelist, the cheerful co-operation of artist and other friends, besides promises of further aid which will be gratefully acknowledged in the proper place.* Some of the author's correspondents have expressed their inability to contribute to his work because they had no intimate acquaintance with Dickens, and had only met him on one or two occasions. He ventures to point out that personal intimacy is not absolutely requisite in forming a mental impression of the outward characteristics of an individual: that, in fact, mere contact will suffice for such a purpose. In such a case as that of Charles Dickens, the wonderful creations of whose fertile brain excited a laudable desire on the part of many of his readers and admirers to behold with their own eyes the magician himself, it is natural to suppose that such curiosity would induced them to critically examine his outward appearance, and to form an impression that would not soon be effaced. As a notable illustration of his meaning the graphic, terse, and vivid portraiture by Carlyle may be given. Having met "Boz" for the first time at a dinner, he thus described his impressions of the young writer:— ". . . . Nay, Pickwick, too, was of the same dinner party, though they do not seem to heed him over much. He is a fine little fellow—Boz, I think. Clear blue, intelligent eyes, eyebrows that he arches amazingly, large protrusive rather loose mouth, a face of most extreme mobility, which he shuttles about—eyebrows, eyes, mouth and all—in a very singular manner while speaking. Surmount this with a loose coil of common-colloured hair, and set it on a small compact figure, very small, and * He has much pleasure in being able to include in his list the names of the following special contributors;—Miss Dickens, Mrs. Perugini (Miss Kate Dickens), Mr. Charles Dickens, Jun., Miss Mary Boyle, Mr. E. L. Blanchard, Rev. E. Bradley ("Cuthbert Bede"), Mr. Percy Fitzgerald, m.a., Mr. W. P. Frith, R.A., Miss Margaret Gillies, Lady Jodrell, Mr. Charles Kent, Sir F. Leighton, Kt., P.R.A., Lady Helena Martin, Sir Arthur Sullivan, Kt., Mrs. E. M. Ward, M.A., Mr. T. Woolner, R.A., &c. dressed à la D'Orsay rather than well—this is Pickwick. For the rest a quiet, shrewd-looking, little fellow, who seems to guess pretty well what he is and what others are. . . ." John Forster thus records his earliest impressions:— "A look of youthfulness first attracted you, and then a candour and openness of expression which made you sure of the qualities within. The features were very good. He had a capital forehead, a firm nose with full wide nostril, eyes wonderfully beaming with intellect and running over with humour and cheerfulness, and a rather prominent mouth strongly marked with sensibility. The head was altogether well-formed and symmetrical, and the air and carriage of it were extremely spirited. The hair so scant and grizzled in later days was then of a rich brown and most luxuriant abundance, and the bearded face of his last two decades had hardly a vestige of hair or whisker; but there was that in the face as I first recollect it which no time could change, and which remained implanted on it unalterably to the last. This was the quickness, keenness, and practical power, the eager, restless, energetic outlook on each several feature, that seemed to ell so little of a student or writer of books, and so much of a man of action and business in the world. Light and motion flashed from every part of it." Of a man so various there must be many portraits. The author has set about collecting with a view of presenting to his readers a complete gallery, displaying in infinite variety of touch and detail, by pen and pencil, the portraiture of the subject of his volume. He ventures to hope the nature of the undertaking, and the unusual interest of the subject, will induce those who have not yet enlisted in the service to favour him with their impressions recollections, or any reminiscences of our favourite writer. FRED. G. KITTON. 8. WEST KENSINGTON TERRACE, WEST KENSINGTON, W. I886.rest- I hear again the clear ring of your voice and feel the warm clasp of your true hand I feel ere the shadows of evening close around as if I must write to you if only to say God bless you and your dear ones-and give to you and them a happy most happy New Year. My children join me in love and good wishes. Sincerely yours Mrs Anna [?] Kerr P.S. "The dirge of the two veterans" is the title. IN ABBBA FETTT 510 Madison St Dec 30th /87 Dear Mr Whitman Many years have rolled by since I last shook hands with you in Fulton St Brooklyn I can see you now as you looked then tall and hearty in a grey woolen shirt, turned down collar - fare bronzed neck - bearded face crowned with a soft broad trimmed slouched hat - a supple active form holding a heart wide awake for whatever might betide Inn shines ar storm! In those days I scribbled sometimes for the Eagle over which you presided I loved to work what good I could for the Sunday School of Old St. Ann's for its missions and our city's poor- you were always ready to aid in such good work- I was young then and light hearted - I am a Widow now with a son 27- and two daughters younger Edith and Anna; Anna has been two years a student of Ellocution with Gabriel Harrison whom doubtless you will remember she has been wicked to recite at an entertainment given by "Winchester Post" at this annual installation of officers Jan 5th She will recite the first time for her your poem "The dirge of the two [?] musical accompaniment by T Ritter she will be accompanied on the organ by Professor Raphael Novarro an old Brooklynite She is now in the parlor rehearsing the piece with her sister Ah dear old friend as I hear from her young lips those soul stirring words of yours my heart strings thrill the past years are back again fresh and green and I feel old things areJacob Klein William E. Fisse Klein and Fisse Attorneys & Counsellors at Law Rooms 5, 6, & 7. No. 506 Olive St. Baxton & Skinner [?] St Louis St. Louis Sept 1st 1888 (ans'd) W. S. Kennedy Esq. Belmont Mass. My Dear Sir: In the Critic for June 2d/88, under the title of "Fraudulent "Leaves of Grass" you say that you believe Mr. Whitman still has a few set left of the two volume $10 edition. of the Leaves of Grass. from which I infer that the books are to be had from him. Will you kindly write me if this is so, and if you can, give me Mr. Whitman's address, as I wish very much 10 purchase a set of the books, and naturally would prefer to get them direct from Mr. Whitman if they are to be had from him. Yours very truly Jacob KleinJacob Klein Lawyer 506 Olive Street rooms 5, 6, 7 St. Louis Missouri+ cut myself off from the rest The strongest spirituality has been shown here in individualities in going direct to the heart of things + that is what you are helping is to know + to feel We have not heard any news of you for a long time but hope earnestly that your health is better My father joins me in heartfelt regards Very sincerely yours Sophia Kirk High St. Germantown Dec 30- 1888 Dear Mr Whitman, I trust the spirit may not be deemed intrusive which urges me to write + wish you a happy New Year + to thank you at the same time for the happiness which I have had in reading "November Boughs" Christmas brought me a copy the result of a special petition to Santa Claus + now I can look back through all the wisdom and beautyof its pages + forward to a long intimacy with them such as one has with one's own few books I am so glad you took that backward glance It will be precious to all lovers of your poetry + stand as the truest + most upright answer to its critics Perhaps you do not know how great a pleasure it is to those who love poetry to see their poets again- Burns Shakespeare + the rest - with a poet- It is like going through a galley of paintings with an artist And your notes on Elias Hicks a figure whom I might never have met elsewhere were full of interest to me It is very true that note on The United States today + so far as decline of spirituality is implied in that of definite beliefs it is deeply to be regretted and yet amid such varied elements one way say- is perhaps even more bound to say than in other parts of the world- I will not accept a part for the whole join one group of my fellow beingsSophia Kirk PHILADELPHIA G DEC 31 88 1 15 PM Mr. Walt Whitman 328 Mickle St. Camden New JerseyCross Reference GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Kenaga, D.H to Whitman, Apr. 9, 1889 See Verso LITERARY FILE POETRY FILE "Last Words, " 1889 A.MS. drafts DCN 98. Box 27Cross Reference GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE See Verso LITERARY FILE POETRY FILE "Last Words" 1889. AMS. drafts DCN 98. Box 27Cross Reference GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Kelley, Louis to Whitman, Oct. 1, 1889 See Verso GENRAL CORRESPONDENCE Buckle, Richard M. Letters from Whitman to Buckle, Jan 18, 1890. Box 616 Melrose Terrace West Kensington London England Feb 22, 91 Dear Sir- You will help me to prove that I am in the possession of tragic powers far greater than Irving's, if you can see special merit In a new great teaching in the norse play "Madansena", I will make your findings known I post you a copy with this. Clara JECKS and acte[d?] Buchanan's "PSYCHE" of its power in greatness> WAUGH, who reviewed MORRIS as a poet in Murray's magazine January '91 writes that he has read it "with much interest." One of our leading poets whose name is not known to me "liked very much" a poem of mine on the Colosseum which in a minor London magazine was called "a marvel of word fantiz[?]" to publishers do not care to buy the play, I cannot get [a] into public notice. I am now approaching 85 & have power of a great order as a Shakespearean act[?] Fechter's LAERTES was exceedingly excited when he gave me the first lesson 9 or 10 years ago. To my great amis in life are PRO BONO PUBLICO, you may find it in your heart to say a POTENT thing or two in my behalf. Kindly T A Y ACT II se3 first. Yours Sincerely Margrave KenyonThe agent H. S. TAYLOR 1193 Broadway New York has doubtlessly received 12 of my books within the last few days to "PLACE" amongst managers - BARRETT, [Nodjsska?], Fanny Davenport &c - but the lope is exceedingly - "SMALL" unaided by a great man is "SAY."Margrave Kenyon FE 23 91 W. HAMMERSMITH 7 30 FE23 91 W. POSTAGE AND INLAND REVENUE ONE PENNY POSTAGE & REVENUE ONE HALFPENNY Walt Whitman Esq (POET) Camden New Jersey U. S. A. CAMDEN,N.J. MAR 5 6AM 1891 REC'D. NEW YORK PAID MAR A [4?] ALL 91Cross Reference GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Kocherspager, Harry C to Whitman June 27, 1890 See Veoso LITERARY FILE POETRY FILE "Sail Out for Good, Eidolon Yacht!" 1890-91 A.MS. S. drafts & uotes. SCN 113 Box 29 Calvin B. Knerr M.D. N.E. Corner Spruce and Twelfth Streets Dear Walt Whitman Philadelphia May 12 1891 I hand you my check for the precious book into which you have put so much of your dear self and consider myself forever your debtor You kindly asked me to come again which I will be glad to do on condition that you will not find me tiresome You trusted me and I thank and love you for it Cordially Yours Calvin B. KnerrMoses King Corporation Boston, Mass Nov 14 1891 Walt Whitman Esq Camden N.J. Dear Sir: I have taken great pleasure in sending to you as one of the most notable men this country has produced a complimentary of "Kings' Handbook of the United States" a little book that aims to give an outline of the glorious things of this country; but as you will readily see it fails to do anything like justice to the vast subject although it is the result of the best efforts of 2 1/2 years' of the most laborious and painstaking work with great esteem I am sincerely yours Moses King