Feinberg/Whitman Box 17 Folder 20 General Correspondence "T" Miscellany June 1872 - Feb. 1892 & undatedLondon) have definitely answer'd the question as to whether they were going to republish it in the negative. You say that you never received any thing from [More] the publishers on account of that selection. But do you think that a profit was made? From the manner in which Mr. Rossetti writes in the preface, I should think it very possible that it was a 'labour of love' on his part to bring the book out, and that he neither hoped for [not] nor got any gain excepting the knowledge that he had done his best to make your works better known in England. That is how it seems to me - I know nothing. But many in England are anxious that there should be a good selection of your poems in a popular form, so that all may gradually get knowledge of them. I who wrote to you am young (26) and inexperienced, I have lately abandoned my intention - half-formed - of trying to earn my living at the bar -- and I am uncertain Goldsmith Building, Temple. January the 20th Dear Sir In December I received from you a post-card, under date St Louis Misouri Nov 20, saying that you had been detained from home by illness but would soon return, when you would send to me the two books (Vistas & Memoranda) which I wrote to you for back in the fall. Since that I have not heard from you - this makes me rather anxious to know that you are still getting on towards recovering your health - I am very glad indeed that you have had such a "good time" in the West of the States - but it would be sad if [it laid] you were to be ill for long as a consequence of your travel. I have now sent you a post office order for 21 shillings - This is for your second volume of the complete Edition of 1875 ("Two Rivulets")I have a very dear cousin Ethel Thompson - who lately became 21 years old. That is an occasion for rejoicing and congratulating people over here - I don't know why. I think people ought to be condoled with, rather. Anyhow, it is also the practice to cheer them up with presents - and, as I believed that your "Leaves of Grass" would give my cousin more pleasure than anything else I could give her, I gave her that book. But her sister - another woman who is dear to me - Honora Thompson - had thought just the same and gave her the same book! So I have taken back "Leaves of Grass" and am going to keep it as a loan copy. That is a copy to lend to those who know little about your poems and want to know more. And I am going to give to Ethel Thompson "Two Rivulets"- so that she will be the gainer by two of her friends' having determined to give her Whitman as a birthday present. I want you, if you will, to write in the book "Ethel Thompson from Joseph William Thompson, December the 15th 1879" and, having written this, to sign it with your own name and the actual date of your so signing. Do you mind doing this for me and then sending it off by post to - Ethel Thompson Charles Thompson - esquire -- Preswylfa near Cardiff England. I shall be very grateful to you - but not so grateful as I am for your having written what you have written. (in your book, I mean) Honora Thompson tells me that she was not able satisfactorily to answer two questions which you put to her about the selection of your poems made by Mr. W. M. Rossetti, I can tell you. The book is out of print and the publishers - Messers Challo and Windus (of Piccadilly -2 certain what work I shall do. But some work, some good to the world, I will try to do. Amongst other things if it is not done before I can put my hand to it, I will, if you will give me leave, make and bring out a selection of some poems and sell it at a cheap price. People will not give 10 dollars - or 5 - for that of which they know nothing. And thus you remain an unknown writer to the great needs of Englishmen and Englishwomen. I hope that, come time, I shall write to you for some permission - At present, I cannot undertake this work - I want to have a more thorough knowledge - such knowledge as the digesting by time can alone give - of your poems, and I need not add that if it came in my path to come to America to see you, it is a chance which I could very eagerly grasp at. That address (Goldsmith Building, Temple, London) and let me know what I owe you for it. Mr. Carpenter's copy of the book (1867) was prob. by the American News Company - but I have seen it spoken of as being published by J. S. Redfield - in 1871. Perhaps that is a later edition. I am, dear sir, Yours affectionately, J.W. Thompson Walt Whitman Camden, New Jerseymay possibly happen in the [autumn] summer of next year. I do not know. Meanwhile, a Mr. Lewin of Birkenhead, who edits a small quarterly magazine called "Papers for the Times" seems to wish to reprint here the "Preface to [the] Leaves of Grass" which you have omitted from all your later editions -- May I ask you why you have omitted it? I know that you have practically embodied some of it in your other poems - but not all of it. I myself do not know whether your preface is in reality a preface -- something good to prefix - [and] or itself a poem just as much as the other poems are - I have thought that that might be the reason for your no longer printing it as a preface. I have told Mr. Lewin that I would ask you as to your wishes with regard to its being reprinted -- I must tell you that Mr. Lewin or whoever should undertake it would in all probability have no margin of profit, but (probably) a margin the other way -- But if I, personally, had anything to do with the publishing, I should make it a condition that any profit that there might be should be handed over to you. I am afraid that my letter is growing to a much-too-great size, but there is one more topic. Mr. Edward Carpenter has been so kind as to lend me Mr. Burroughs's "Walt Whitman as Poet and Person" which I have read with very great interest. Mr. Child (I think his name is) [as] at Trubner's (the publisher's) says that he believes you have the remaining stock of these books. Is this so? If [you] so, will you kindly send me a copy, to thishow ill you were. He is a good soul & as I listened to his reminiscences I felt anew that the future ages will be helped and quickened by your life and thought to broader sympathy and deeper love for justice and Humanity. I do most fervently trust that the pain of body is somewhat less and I am comforted by knowing that you are surrounded by some friends out of the many who would deem service to you an honour, & that their love is some recompense for the sufferings of a sick bed. I am My dear Brother Gratefully, & lovingly yours Saml. Thompson Chapel House, Rivington, Lancs. England 25 Feb 1892 My dear Friend I send you just a few lines to thank you for your very great kindness in sending me your Book, a kindness I shall never forget. I have not seen you in the flesh but yet I feel that I understand you, & be assured, it raises within me a psalm of thanksgiving to know that there is a man (yourself) whose thoughts, feelings, actions have from first to last been of the purest, noblest, best; whose life stands out in all the perfect symetry and perfect beauty of self-sacrifice. I feel in thorough sympathy with the aim you have ever kept in view, to elevate humanity & to bring all men together as brethren. Nature and Humanity must have a common centre and to raise the ideals of life to their highest, everything must be seen as sacred. This you have done & in time an increasing influence will flow from your life & example that will bless the world. Strong in faith and hope that the soul is immortal your words will be sure helpers & friends to many in the valley of doubt, and bring consolation to the sorrowing. You say "Whoso touches my book, touches me", and with reverence I claim to take you by the hand, and, call you brother, yea, though you are also my Master. In imagination I have looked at you (as in reality I have often looked at the photos of you in the L. of G.) and seen you smile, and realized the greatness and the goodness that lay within. I have seen, strength blended with wisdom & a love for Humanity that broke down all barriers of creed, or colour or condition, and realize how well I loved you for it all. And now I see you broken, but unconquered, by the years and the circumstances of life; suffering from pain of body & the weakness of the flesh, but in mind & soul calm and serene and beautiful as a setting sun. I saw brother J. W. Wallace last night who told meCROSS-REFERENCE GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Tennyson, Hallam to WW, Jan. 26, 1892 See Verso GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Bucke, Richard M. Letters from Whitman to Bucke, Feb. 8, 1892 Box 7 Woodland California December 2, 1891 My Respected Sir: I hope you will not consider this impertinent, or unproper. The intention is good, and the purpose to do good and to do justice, I would like to review your late works. I would not ask a press copy were I able to buy them. I am certain if you will send me one or more of your late books I can by review and personal attention and effort return more than value received. I have often given personal mention of yourself and books, and will continue to do so. It would be a very great pleasure to receive from you a personal copy of such books as you would care to send. You have grown in favor with our students and readers. Your courage, high-honor, fidelity and faith in justice is being rewarded by all real and worthy students Will you let me have a word from you I hope my letter will be received in the spirit in which it is sent. Address all in my name. Truly Serelda G. Thomas Lit Ed Democrat To Walt Whitman Esq Camden N. J.DAILY WEEKLY OFFICE OF THE DEMOCRAT MAXWELL & LEE Woodland, Yolo County, California. SERELDA G. THOMAS, LITERARY EDITOR. Nov. 10, 1891. My Dear Sirs: --- In August, 1887, I took charge of the literary department of this paper and have absolute control of the same. I have devoted my time diligently to increase the purchase of good books, and have been well supported by the leading publishers. I am assured by my friends and persons interested in such matters, that there has been a marked improvement in the reading and ownership of good books, and quite a number of private libraries have been established and the purchase of good literature is daily increasing in number and quality. This is a quite widely reputed literary town; and outside of the cities is said to be one of the best in the State. And whether I receive the book reviewed from the publisher or otherwise taken from my own library or that of my friends, I never fail to call attention to the best current books. From now until the holidays, I am anxious to give as much time as possible to the review of children's books and magazines, believing that not enough attention and space is given to literature of this class. For the past two years the use of magazine literature has increased 50%. And during the course of next year, I desire to give condensed mention of the leading publishers of the United States, giving somewhat the history of the different houses. In this list I wish to include all publishers houses whose imprint is a guarantee of first-class and standard literature. To that end, I would be glad to receive from you any information which would assist me in preparing this series of articles. For the present, I will be glad to receive any popular, first-class publication for review. I consider quality and subject matter first, always desiring the best exhibit of the printers and publisher's art. This is a community of churches, schools, private libraries and literary clubs and is distinguished for its students and readers. I believe the following books would warrant a review in our columns, and if sent. shall receive immediate and careful attention and will be reviewed at length by me: All publications should be addressed personally to me, to insure prompt attention; such is the direction of the publishers. Yours Very Truly, Seralda G. Thomas, (Dictated) [*(over)*] New York Jul 6 630 PM D Newark Jul 9 [?] PM 91 N. J. United States Postage 2 Two Cents 2 Mr Walt Whitman Camden NJ [*Case Truth Seekers Co 28 Lafayette Pl N 3 please forward*]Camden, N.J. Jul 7 9am 1891 Rec'd If not called for in 20 days, return to J. W. Tennet, V. S. 3 King Street London, Ont. Walt Whitman 328 Mickle Street Camden New Jersey U.S.A. London Canada Sp 28 91Camden, N.H. Sep 25 4 PM 91 Rec'dNewark Friday July 3d/91 ch v Acts 3.6. Matt - 11.28. also 25. to end - 12.18. to 22. - 20.9.16. Joel - 2.28.29.32. John 4.14.23.24. - 6.40.63. - 17.25. - 12.24. To all appearence the trees and plants are dead in winter but are they don't they all become bright and green in The Spring. Psalms 42. Psalms 116. - 48. - 117. - 113. E L Townley 115. 123 Arlington St. Newark NJCROSS-REFERENCE GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Taylor, William H. to WW, June 15, 1891 See Verso GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Bucke, Richard M. Letters from Whitman to Bucke, June 16, 1891 Box 7Swanpool Falmouth Cornwall England March 9 1891 [*Book sent March 24*] Dear Sir My friend Mr. Gleeson White (who called on you in November). I think mentioned my name to you as one fond of reading your books - & he sent me a floryou had picked with a message of love besides. Perhaps you have forgotten the incident but he also tells me, if I send you 25 shillings (or 6 dollars) you would send me the complete edition of your works, with perhaps a little autograph wrote in the fly-leaf. This I should like above all other things + send the money in Faith. I cannot tell you what a blessed thing it was to me when I found your poems, & I could say the same of several other young Englishmen I know- Believe me, though we can probably never meet, affectionately yours, Henry S. Tuke Mr. Walt Whitman Camden New JerseyMr. Walt Whitman kindness of Mr. Tranbel3301 Haverford st. Philadelphia March 8. 1891 Mr. Walt Whitman , Dear Sir : In Montreux, Switzerland, a year ago, I had the great pleasure of meeting Clifford Harrison, an English "musical reciter," artist, poet, musician and gentleman ; who, after expressing his warm admiration and affection for yourself, mentioned that he had heard Tennyson speak in much the same way. My husband ("J. C. T. Jr") casually mentioned this in writing to a friend who [knew you] at once replied saying he had a friend who knew you, and asking that we get from Mr. Harrison a more definite statement of what Tennyson had said. Our friend believed that you would be gratified by such a message. I had then gone to Italy, but I at once wrote Mr. Harrison and soon received from him a very charming letter, expressing not only what he remembered of Tennyson's words, but also his own very deep feelings toward you, and giving me permission to forward the letter to our friends for you, which of course I did, and I have always understood that you received it ; but I am surprised to see that in Lippincott's (foot-note to p 381) you quote, instead of this, from my husband's letter to our friend (it was from not to, J. C. T. Jr.) ; and I therefore cannot help questioning whether you ever received Mr. Harrison's letter to me, which must have given you far more pleasure than my husband's very dubious applause, which indeed he never dreamed would meet your eye, still less that of the public. I value Mr. Harrison letters and have been comforting my soul with the idea that you prized the one I refer to, so much that you wished to keep it; but I cannot understand why you did not quote directly from it. Is it possible that in all the delightful chaos of your home, Mr. Harrison's letter has been lost sight of ? He is a man whose natural refinement of both mind and temperament makes his love and praise a thing to be grateful for, even by so great a poet as yourself; he used to say that your poems alone "took him out of doors," and though keenly susceptible himself to the beauty of rhythm, he used to smile compassionately when we objected to what we called the "rockiness" of your verses. We intensely enjoyed Mr. Harrison's "musical recitations," in which he accompanied the spoken words with chords and melodies, always reminding me of walking alone through the woods and hearing the wind in the branches of the trees, which to my fanciful imagination, whistled merrily, or moaned sadly, according to my thoughts. Unfortunately Mr. Harrison's ill-health prevents his continuing his work or coming to America as he had hoped to do. He made me feel that we, your neighbors, were unappreciative and stupid when he sang your praises and said that one of his first pleasures upon arriving in America, would be to try to be admitted to your presence. I even planned silently to myself that after I returned home I would go over to Camden and pass your house in the hope of seeing you at your window. But your message to me -" stranger, if you passing meet me and desire to speak to me, why should you not speak to me ? And why should I not speak to you ?" Emboldens me to ask whether my husband and I may not call upon you someday at your convenience. It would be a great treat to us and we will promise not to bore you. Yours sincerely Lucy L. Trautevino The Truth Seeker Company, Booksellers and Publishers, 28 Lafayette Place. New York, Jan 31. 1891 [*book sent by mail Feb: 3*] Dear Sir The Ingersoll-Field Discussion is out of print in paper. We have copies in cloth at 1.00 Will you please send to Mr J. Nicolay, Minier, Ill. 1 complete works by Walt Whitman 1 Vol. Octavo, hp. cloth [also] McKay says this book is owned by Mr Whitman & that he can only give us 20% on it. Hope you can do betterthro Mr. Whitman, as this book is to be sold again, and we will have to give Mr. McKay a discount. Please send to him the cheapest way & send us bill. Yours Truth Seeker Co.see note sept 2, 1888 Boston May 25 12pm 1882 mass Walt Whitman Camden New JerseyNew York May 26 4 30pm Transit Camden, NJ May 27 Recd[*see notes 9/16/90*] UNITED STATES POSTAL CARD. NOTHING BUT THE ADDRESS TO BE ON THIS SIDE. CAMDEN, N.J. NEW YORK SEP SEP15 R 16 430PM 6AM R 1890 90 REC'D. Mr Whitman, Camden, N. J.A day of small things You were a "nurse" in 1861. You are the biggest of humbug poets of this or precedent generations G. Turell 164 Willis Ave New YorkTo Walt Whitman, Esq. "Leaves of Grass" - I have read them! Thanks for writing them, whose pages glitter so with pregnant drops of such noble, grand Naturism -scarcely diluted with a stain of super-naturalism -so comprehensive - the many, the One to be - Us all! O Walt! O Bruno! Many will yet thank you. Walt Whitman Class may I not join it - thy pupil be - till time with us is no more? till then - Truly Yours O. W. True. Farmington, Me., 9-1-'89books "Specimen Days" and "Leaves of Grass" They are both moral tomes [of] in their joyous healthiness and seem to me just the antidote that is needed to all the morbid self analysis and sickly sentimentality of the present age. I never read them without feeling more strongly than ever what a beautiful sane thing human life is. I wish, as I am a woman, you had told us more of your views about us, I wonder what your ideal of woman is. I should not have ventured to write to you only I see you are "alone" and that is a word wh: always touched me Girls' Grammar School Maryborough Queensland Australia. Sir, You have had, I do not doubt, many a letter of warm appreciation from people of eminent talent, but I am only what I think in America you call a 'school ma'am" and of no "eminence", but I expect its the average intellect you most want to touch as they form the bulk of the living beings. I have only had the pleasure so far of reading two of your specially now, when as an English Teacher in a new land I am without one friend near me. A thousand thanks my dear Walt Whitman for all you have written, I shall always be your debtor Jessie E Taylor Paid all S.N. Oct 8, 1883 Walt Whitman Esqre Camden New Jersey United States, AmericaMARYBOROUGH X AU 7 88 QUEENSLAND BRISBANE A AU 10 88 QUEENSLAND F NEW YORK PAID OCT E 5 ALL 88 CAMDEN, N.J. OCT 6 6AM 1888 REC'D. Lieut Percy W. Thomperx U.S.A. "Wallace" Portland, MaineU.S.S. "Dallas," Portland, Maine, June 13, 1888. Hon. Walt Whitman. Dear Sir: As a constant reader & ardent admirer of your poetry, will you kindly send me one of your autographs? Very truly yours, Percy W. Thompson, Lieut. U. S. R. M. from Ellen Terry Walt Whitman Camden NJ Chicago Ill Jan 9 830 pm [*see notes March 30 1888*]Camden Jan Grand Pacific Hotel Honoured Sir -- & Dear Poet -- I beg you to accept my appreciative thanks for your great kindness in sending me by Mr. Stoker the little big book of poems - "As a Strong Bird" etc., &c - Since I am not personally known to you I conclude Mr. Stoker "asked" for me = it wasgood of him - I know he loves you very much. God bless you dear Sir - believe me to be with much respect Yours affectionately Ellen Terry - Chicago = January 4th 88=CROSS-REFERENCE GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Thompson, Percy W. to WW, Jan. 15, 1887 See Verso NOTES & NOTEBOOKS NOTES - - REFERENCE Hindoo poem, [Jan. 1887?] Box 42 Mr. Walt Whitman Mickle Street Camden New JerseyCamden 4 pm 18 rec'dCoombe Edge Blue Ridge Summit Penna July 30 1886. My dear Mr Whitman - I send you Alys' circular letter and will you please mail it to Miss Nicholson after you have read it. Alys must be having a delightful time, besides going through a most interesting experience - I am spending my summer among the Blue Ridge mountains in a place that belongs jointly to my Mother and my aunt Mrs Pearsall Smith - The country is beautiful, and it is always quite cool. I don't know whether you remember a young man whom you met at my Uncles several times Tom Worthington by name -Alys he and I came over to see you once last winter - Both he and I want you to know that we are [to be] engaged to be married - I still intend to continue my course at Bryn Maur College which will be three years longer and then I shall most likely be married - My brother Bond, who is engaged to Miss Edith Carpenter one of Mariechen's Smith College friends expects to be --- married on the 13th of October, and he and Edith intend to live in Millville New Jersey - I hope, Mr Whitman that you have not been sick this summer, but I have been afraid that these last few hot days have been hard for you ; if you ever have time I wish you would let me know how you are, but then I shan't expectyou to do, because I know how over run you are with letters, so I shall have to wait till I come to Philadelphia next October and find out for my self. Tom Worthington is spending the summer with us and he wishes to be remembered to you, he is just as this moment writing a letter to the nation on the labor question which has been on his mind for some time. Hoping a gain that you are better I am, very sincerely your friend Mary Grace Thomas. Blue Ridge Summit Franklin Co Pa - Marion Thrasher, A. M., SUPERINTENDENT OF EDGAR PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Edgar, Neb. Dec 6th 1885 Mr Walt Whitman My Dear Old Friend . For years, I have known you intimately, through your poems. The people of the "Great West" would like to see you - as they cannot come to you, could we not persuade you to come to them? Am known extensively over our State - as a lecturer before "Teachers Associations" and can arrange for you to give ten readings of your poems, in ten of our largest cities (you, East, would call them towns) at $50 per night -- total $500.00 -- your expenses need not be more than $100, to and from your home here - netting you $400 for a fortnights work. You will confer the greatest favor on your many Western friends by accepting. If the Winter be too severe, could you come in the Spring -- say, May? Trusting to hear favorably from you - I am - Sincerely yours Marion Thrasher Will furnish you the highest references.Marion Thrasher, A.M., Superintendent of Public Schools, Edgar, Nebraska Edgar 7 Walt Whitman Camden New Jersey Proposed for Western Course of Readings Dec. '85 Marion ThrasherCamden, N.J. Dec 11 8am 1885Box 3366, Boston, May 25, 1882 Mr. Walt Whitman, Dear Sir, I am a stranger to you, but have long been an admirer of your writings. Perhaps you have heard of me as at one time editor of the "Radical Review," which published J. B. Marvin's admirable essay entitled "Walt Whitman." The action of the Massachusetts authorities and the cowardice of the Osgoods prompt me to write to you. I am ashamed of the whole business. What do you propose to do? Some steps should be at once taken for the republication of your book, from the same plates, in the same locality where it has been struck down. Is there no one that will undertake it? With able counsel to conduct the case I do not believe a jury could befound in Massachusetts to send the publisher of "Leaves of Grass" to prison. At any rate the question ought to be tested. If I had the means, I would gladly, with your permission, put your book on the market advertised as the suppressed edition, and invite the authorities to dispute my right to do so. What I will do is this, if nothing better can be done. If you will find parties to furnish the means for republication from your plates, advertising the book, and defending it in court, I will become the responsible publisher, and go to prison if necessary. In case the verdict should be against me and I should be fined, I should decline to pay the fine. It seems to me highly important that the people of America should know exactly how far they can safely indulge in the expression of their opinions. What do you say? If you desire to know anything about me before replying to so important a question, you may inquire of S. H. Moose, Quincy, Mass., the sculptor, whom you know, and who has long been one of my intimate friends. He does not know of my design in this matter, but he will tell you that I am thoroughly reliable, and no notoriety-hunter or anything of that kind. Yours indignantly, Benj. R. Tucker.[*Wm H. Taylor 201 Elm Street Newark N.J. *] [*(sent p.card April 24 '72 )*] 201. Elm St. Newark New Jersey June 21st 1872 My Dear Friend Your Letter & papers came duely at hand. But I did not know that you had been Sick until I received your Letter. But I hope you are improving, and will finally get all right again. I left New York in Oct 1868 and Me and My Brother started A Milk Depot there and we had A [?] until the Spring of '72, when we separated and I commenced to 'Paddle My own Canoe.' I have A Small Route And keep A Depot. And am making A fortune very Slow indeed. So Slow that I shall never get rich;Business is very slow here at present And there is much opposition in the milk trade and A great reduction in the price from 10 to 6 cts per quart. While the Wholesale prices remain about the Same You speak about your old friends in New York. Since I left there I have Seen But few of the old Drivers. Henry Taylor alias (Sag Back) William Baun alias (Bawlky Bill) and old pop Rice is the only ones that have Been over to See me Taylor was over last week And he was speaking About you He is an Agent for Sewing Machines And lives at [?] 61 Coles [?] the war cleared out A good many of the old veteran drivers, And now I hear they have got the patent Boxes in all the Stages which will drop off A few more Young Walter is growing very fast And Begins to notice things in general, And has never Seen A Sick day So far. And all the rest of us are in our usual good Health. I Should very much like to come and see you But my time is pretty much Ocupied. But should very much like you Come and See Me at any time you feel able. Enclosed you will find A card which my friends Say resembles your Humble Servant very much You will please write Soon And send me any papers You like when convenient. I suppose this is your last production. My Best Wishes from your friend William H. Taylor So LongCROSS-REFERENCE GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Tiffany, W.L. to WW, Jan 29, 1878 See Verso LITERARY FILE PROSE "Cremation," [Jan. 18 78] A. MS. draft, Box 33 CROSS-REFERENCE GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Taylor, Hannah L. to WW, Dec. 10, 1880 See Verso LITERARY FILE PROSE "Poetry [To-day] in America," North American Review, 1881. A. MS. draft. DCN 66, Box 33