FEINBERG/WHITMAN Box 18 Folder 5 GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Wallace, J.W. Aug-Oct 1891see notes Aug 14 1891 Walt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden, New Jersey U.S. AmericaCAMDEN, N.J. AUG 14 9AM 1891 REC'D PAID L ALLAnderton, near Chorley Lancashire, England 4. August 1891 My dear Walt Whitman, I can only write a line or two tonight of loving remembrance & good wishes. I received a letter from Dr. Johnston this morning, written 3 days ago. He intended to write to you by this mail so that you will have fuller particulars than I can give you. I wrote to Dr Bucke last night. - Expect him here again about the 19th Weather here showery with occasional thunder. Days shortening rapidly. I intended to write to Traubel tonight, but cannot now do so. Love to him & his wife. A P.C. from you arrived at Johnston's on Saturday, but it was sent on to him without my seeing it. I understand it reported same condition continued. With a heart full of love to you always Yours affectionately J.W. WallaceWalt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey U.S. America JWW [* see notes Sept 21 1891 *]N, N.J. AUG 6 NEW YORK AUG 15 PAID J ALL ADLINGTON 8 AU 8 91 LANC.Walt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey U.S. America [* see notes Aug 28 91 *]CAMDEN, N.J. AUG 28 REC'D NEW YORK AUG 28 PAID J ALLAnderton, m Chorley Lancashire, England 7. August 1891 My dearest Friend, Yesterday morning I received a long & most kind & affectionate letter from our dear friend Horace Traubel. When I got to Bolton I took an opportunity of calling in at Johnston's & asked if the American mail had brought anything. Johnston hadn't returned (came back today) but his "locum tenens" shewed me your postal of July 28th & the parcel of photos &c (which I opened) & a short good letter from Traubel. I at once appropriated the tomb photo for myself. I have it here. I like the tomb itself very much--Its massive simplicity & woodland surroungings are perfectly fit & appropriate. But I cannot write the thoughts it arouses.--Too much love goes out to you, -you fill too precious & dear & warm a place in my heart- for me to think of it with equanimity. Of course i know; & rejoice in the knowledge that you will not enter it, but that .3 for you is only joyful "transfer & promotion." But alas! for us whom you will leave. You said in a letter to Dr. Bucke, which he gave us, that the response from Bolton "cheered & nourished your very heart." It was an inexpressibly deep & sacred joy to me to know that. but it is impossible for you to know how life giving & sacredly dear & sweet your more than paternal loving kindness & benefactions have been & are to me. They are my chiefest treasure, the supreme joy & blessing of my life. 4 May God bless you for all you have done for me. & for my friends. And how many myriads more will have cause to love & bless your name! I hope that our little band of friends in Bolton, may indeed prove a "church" united in brotherly love, & consecrated to the highest ends. May God help me. & help us all to realize that ideal more & more! And so may our love to you, our exemplar & dearest friend, increase & deepen as time goes on. For a long time back now I have not been able to continue my old work in & for "the College". 5 But I hope to resume my old place, & to do all I can to cement it more firmly together, & to advance your cause, & continue (within our little sphere) your work.--- I haven't seen Johnston yet, but I partly expect him here tomorrow. I know he will be proud & pleased to receive the portraits & that you sent him.---And thanks to you, from our hearts, from us all. You have added a new & deeper value to our friendships, you have given us new friends (Traubel, Dr Bucke Warry &c) 6 who amaze us by the cordiality & affectionate warmth of their friendship & kindness, you have given us new & brighter hopes for the future--(friends increasing & love deepening) & in your own love you have given us the supreme gift & blessing. I feel very full tonight as I think of it all. For my lot is not without troubles just now & it stirs me with deep thankfulness to think how divinely & wonderfully they are offset & recompensed. And thanks to you for it all, & to God through you.7 I cannot write any more tonight. I think of you sitting in your room, perhaps alone, unwell, with sacred & solemn thoughts about the future & memories of the past, & with love in your heart, deep & tender as a mother's, towards all your friends. I could Kiss you if I were there, & had only courage to do it! My best love to you anyway, & best wishes & prayers Yours filially J.W. Wallace Saturday after. A "Rose Festival" procession just passed here. Got up by the children of the village (assisted by older people). & composed almost completely of children. All kinds of disguises the most amusing, merry & pretty thing of the kind I have ever seen.---Very cleverly done, too Walt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey U.S. America JWWCAMDEN, N.J. AUG 19 4 PM 91 REC'D PAID C ALL54 Manchester Rd Bolton Lancashire, England 11 August 1891 My dearest Friend, My birthday today. 38. A time rousing many memories, solemn thoughts, & forward reaching anticipations. Most of all, thoughts of my dear mother---"buried & gone, yet buried not, gone not from me" How strongly I have felt that today! I feel somehow that there is indeed obscure & deep communion between us, not be put in words yet vital & real. "Of all earth, life, love to me the best"---I pledge her dear memory---sacred & precious to me evermore with you--the supreme lover, my dearest friend, exemplar, & benefactor---as with one who also loves his mother's memory above all else. May God in due time reunite us there in love deeper & more stainless than of old. How life deepens with advancing years! Miraculous & wonderful beyond all speech, pierced through & through with shafts of light as from heaven itself---a deep & mystic love revealing & unfolding itself more & more."Praise the Lord for his goodness!"---That old time ejaculation of psalmist David is true in every generation-- & may be ours today in even greater measure. Deep gratitude from my heart to you---dearest of all friends--for all the light & joy & blessing you have bestowed on me during the last twelve months. You little know all you have done for me! But you have my dearest love evermore. Not only directly, but perhaps even more indirectly, you have deepened the channels of my life, & filled it with courage & joy. Old friendships you have deepened, & new & blessed ones have come to me through you. I have had touching proof of this today. From a full heart I pray God to bless my friends, & you their chief. This morning I received a letter--short, sweet, & delicate, from our dear friend Johnston enclosing a bank note for £20 sent me by "the College"- to start me to you. (I cannot come yet, but they mean that I shall come when I can.) Along with it a letter from Johnston in his own behalfwarm & friendly & an illustrated copy of his "Notes"--similar to the one he sent to you. Letters, too, from other friends---swelling my heart with emotions almost painful-- my dear old friend Fred Wild for instance--& Wentworth Dixon & others. Greenhalgh sent me a book, too, with a note in which he says---"I am indebted to you for more than I can say. You have--- unconsciously to yourself--answered questions of eternal importance to me." Letters, too, from children-- two very sweet & loving from Dixon's little girls. "I'm a proud man the day" and I tell you about it, dear friend & master, because I owe so much of it to you. God bless you & reward you. Some of the friends should have come to Anderton to tea with me-- but business & other engagements intervened. Johnston however came, and as he had to return soon to his surgery, I came to Bolton again with him, & write this while he is professionally engaged. Very soon I shall have to start off for the last train home. We were very sorry to see in tonight's paper thatyou have had a spell of terrible heat in the States--- 96 degrees at Philadelphia. We are very much concerned on your account. We shall await reports anxiously. My life becomes more & more intertwined with yours. God grant that in the future it may grow worthier, & that I may be enabled to devote such energies & powers as are left me more & more to your cause. I cannot write any more now.---But today--- even more than usual--my heart goes out to you with love, & blessing & deepest gratitude & honour. God bless you J.W. Wallace Anderton, near Chorley. Lancashire, England. 14 August 1891 My dear Walt Whitman, It is too late for me to write much tonight. — But I must thank you heartily for your kind postcard of August 2nd & 3rd. It pains me that though you report "fine weather" you are not able to go out in it & enjoy it, but "lie on the bed a good deal of the time.";— even though "all goes fairly enough with you."— God bless you!— What else can I say? That you exert yourself to write to us, & that you send your best love to us, is characteristic of you, & wins responding love from us.— That, at least, will endure always. We have received copies of the "Camden Post" for August 1st from Traubel. His article about Dr. Bucke's visit here is very affecting to us in many ways. It seems so disproportionate in its references to us & to our reception of Dr. B— And Dr. B's own letters are generous & kind to an affecting degree.— But what appeals to us most is the fact that our doings should benoted at all.— They seem so small & futile compared with what is due to you, & with what will surely soon come. But as time goes on groups of friends will be drawn more & more to the study of your books, & to knowledge of you. I will find, as we have found, their friendships deepened, & new Whitmanic comrades added. Till myriads of men find themselves knit together— "brethren & loves as we are." It is a wonderful privilege to us to count you, & to Bucke, & Horace Traubel amongst out friends too. It seems as though God, himself, has come very near to us. My prayer is that it may bear fruit in our lives. But I am too sleepy to unite any more now. Weather here dull & wet. Cold for the time of year, & very little sunshine for some time past— since Dr. Bucke left us! With my heart's best love to you, & constant good wishes Yours affectionately J.W. WallaceWalt Whitman. 328. Nickle St Camden New Jersey MS. America Anderton, n Chorley Lancashire, England 22 August 1891 My dear Walt Whitman, I am prevented again from writing to you as I intended. As you will already know I am coming to Camden per SS. British Prince, sailing from Liverpool next Wednesday August 26th— I have had a busy time this week, & this afternoon my time is again take up. So I content myself with the briefest line, to convey my continued love & good wishes. I will try to write for next mail. Love to all your household. Yours affectionately J.W. WallaceINSANE ASYLUM LONDON ONTARIO Walt Whitman 328 Nickle St Camden New Jersey M.S. America1 INSANE ASYLUM LONDON ONTARIO 11 Septbr 1891 My dear Walt Whitman, How I wish that you were here just now!— The day perfect.— clear air, warm sunshine, with just felt breezes,—the beautiful park-like grands— & the homely hospitality of your old friend, & of his wife and family.— If only we had a Fortunatus-hat or wishing cloak to put at your disposal, we would instantly waft you here. I enjoyed the journey here immensely. The novelty of the luxurious Sleeping Car interested me to begin with, and everything was new & interesting. We2 turned in about 10 oclock, & both enjoyed a refreshing night's sleep. Morning clear & fresh & beautiful— the landscape & farmlands American!— Stopped for an hour & a quarter at Buffalo, where we had breakfast. Arrived at Niagara Falls (Canadian side), about 11.15 & had to wait for a train @ 3.—So, after the Custom House officers had examined our Baggage we took a conveyance to the Falls, took long looks at them from several points of view, silently absorbing. Sun shining gloriously, blue sky with light clouds here & there. I would attempt to convey my impressions of the Falls. Only that I was quite unprepared for their delicate & exquisite beauty. The effects of the ureathing spray were beyond description & unique. In coming to America I was indifferent whether I saw Niagara or not. Now 3 I am very thankful that I have seen it. But I did not care to stop too long as I only hold a pint & we came away while the impression was still fresh. We had a good dinner at the Depot, & then put in the time till pain came in—Dr. reading & scribbling. Then a 4 horns run to London—country beautiful all the time. "Blue Ontario' like a sapphire on our right for a time— snakefences, slumps of trees, homesteads, character of scenery, perfect loveliness of day—all of constant interest to me. Dr. visibly impatient to get home, his heart going out to his wife & family, & friends after his trip—silent & absorbed. At last— 1/2 an hour late—7:30 we arrived at London, & stepped out on platform—Drs son came up, followed4 by two of the Drs. here. Conveyance in readiness & at 8 oclock we arrived here. As we approached along the Avenue a band shuck up, playing by lamplight, the new moon shining over head. Mrs. Bucke & family all waiting in the verandah. I never saw such a homecoming & shall never forget it. Dr. moving about, shaking hands here, now there, & exchanging greetings. Everyone manifestly glad to see him back—talk & laughter, band playing all the time— now Home, Sweet Home, now "Should auld acquaintance be forgot.' tc tc.— Has quite a long time—half an hour at least. Then the band stopped (half of them patients) chorus of frogs still sounding, a few words of thanks from Dr.— dispersal— I then into the house. Tea n supper, a little talk & bed5 I noticed that early enquiries were made about you, & about Traubel & his wife.-- Immediately after breakfast this morning we had a drive down to town, getting back about 11. Since then I have loafed written letters &c. Mrs. Bucke notices a perceptible improvement in Dr's appearance, & he seems to be unmistakeably better for his trip— How I wish you could have one too. I wished it all the time we were out in Fairmount Park & Germantown. It was so beautifully fine.6 My dear old friend! My heart goes out to you more than ever now that I have seen you. In one thing you remind me so much of my dear mother. And in so far as I still felt a distance between us you have disillusioned me indeed, for you seem to me now as near & intimate as well as dear as my own Kith & Kin—nay, dearer. If I were not so helpless & stupid! I would gladly do something to please you, while I am over if I only knew what. I am glad to have seen Mrs Darris & Warry, & feel that they are more my friends than ever. And I am very happy to know Traubel & his wondrous wife. God bless them both. 7 Well, I think I will stop now. I feel sleepy & write stupidly & will rest a little— It is now 4 o' clock, & at 1/2 past Dr. B will come here & drive me round the grounds. Love to you, renewed and deepened, & my best prayers & wishes. And love to all. J.W. Wallace see notes Sept 21 1891 Walt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey U.S.INSANE ASYLUM LONDON ONTARIO 13th Sept 1891 Mr dear, dear friend It is now Sunday evening— 8-15— Dr. Bucke & I have recently finished supper, & I think I will write you a few lines. A beautiful day, clear, with warm sunshine. This morning I attended chapel—tallying in my own experience your "Sunday with the Insane"— sat afterwards for an hour and a half on a bench in the grounds have scribbling— the sun shining warmly, crickets shrilling, the lawn, flower beds & trees (some changing colour) beautiful in the sunshine.— In the afternoonI attended the Catholic service— As 5 oclock Dr. took me for a drive to town & round the country near. Enjoyed it immensely. Quite struck by the general air of comfort & prosperity, the neat houses with grounds or garden attached, the elbowroom & airspace enjoyed by each— the total absence of the overcrowding, smoke, dirt, & foul air with which I am familiar. The country— fertile & beautiful— has not the mellow domesticated character of English landscape, but retains a suspicion of wildness & unreclaimed Nature still. But, at every turn, it has its own changeful beauty, & always suggests freedom, expansion, healthful conditions, & room for growth. A beautiful & typical September evening, mellow, & golden, but with a cool air & a steely zenith that made it bracing & stimulating. The moon shining down added to its beauty. I shall not soon forget our ride, & our talks of you.— I find, as I expected to find, that Dr. Bucke grows upon me with further knowledge of him & is a worthy friend of yours.— I had quite a talk yesterday afternoon with Mrs. Bucke— about the Dr. & about your visit here 11 years ago. It seems that I occupy your room! Am not I a proud man? It gives an additional interest to the view from my window to know that you used to admire it. I write this in the Library— Dr B sitting to the right reading— Pardee on the other side of the table. Dr. shewed me a short time ago two books on Egypt that you used to read. By the way, Mrs. Bucke told me a short time ago that Rev. Richardson is coming here on Tuesday, & I hope to get him to talk a little about you.—This afternoon I read an article on Carlyle by Thoreau, & one sentence hit me rather hard. I said that many people went to see Carlyle who were not worthy to be seen by him. "That's me" In writing to you, & in coming to see you, I feel that I am not worthy of so great & dear a privilege. But it is said that "love is a present for a mighty King," & I suppose it is for a mighty poet too. And you have my love for ever, & more so as I know you better. And behind mine is the love of fellows who are affectionate & true & good. Love & honour to you from us all. My letters from home contain such sentences as these. "If you dare, give Walt's hand a grip for my wife & me" (Wentworth Dixon.) "I would very much like you to give him my love." (RK Greenhalgh). "Please give my love & best wishes to Walt Whitman" (W. A. Ferguson)INSANE ASYLUM LONDON ONTARIO I have had 2 or 3 drives with Dr B. round the extensive grounds here. Acres & acres of vegetables & fruits in first rate condition. Everything excellently arranged & carried out. Have spent some time too in his office-- looking over his collection of books &c, & his series of photos of you. All intensely interesting to me--too interesting indeed, for it affects my sleep. It is a great & wonderful privilege to me to be here in many ways, & I am thankful to Dr Bucke for his kindness & to God for his mercy. But I won't write any more now. With love to you, which only grows more tender, & with love to Mrs. Davis & Warry, & to Traubels J.W. WallaceWalt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey US [* see note Sept 21 1891 *]Insane Asylum London Ontario 16 Sept 1891 My dear Walt Whitman Pur friend H.L.T. set rather a bad precedent immediately after my coming here! For 3 days in succession he wrote each day to the Dr. & to me. But yesterday no letter came at all. Of course this was only what one could reasonably expect, but after so much pampering and indulgence one becomes unreasonable. And as he said in his last letter that you had reported a miserable day. I cannot help feeling anxious about you. However,2 the morning's mail will soon be here, & we shall perhaps hear something of you -- or, more probably this afternoon. I intended to write to you last night but hadn't a good opportunity. Yesterday morning was a little showery, but warm. Dr & I drove down to town, & amongst other things called at Edy's. The photo taken of Dr the other day was not a success (Dr had moved) so he had to sit again, & two negatives were taken. Yesterday afternoon the annual Athletic Sports were held here, on the ground in front of the Refractory Wards. The weather 3 turned out gloriously fine, & the sports were very successful & went off without a hitch. Quite a crowd of spectators, officials, employe's, patients, etc, & the whole scene was pretty & picturesque. The patients were entirely well behaved & all seemed more or less happy. The relationship between all classes entirely human, simple & kind. The Rev Mr Richardson had promised to come, & I had quite looked forward to meeting him as the chief event of the day for me. I knew that he had met you here -- is mentioned in Dr's book -- & hoped to get some reminiscences & facts from him. But I was disappointed. He was very pleasant & kind, & I had quite a long talk with him,4 but found at the close that I had got nothing of any importance. God speed him + good wishes to him! Quite a lot of people here to tea -- Revd. + Mrs Richardson, another Revd ("Short"?) -- Drs brother, W. J. Gurd, Mrs _ Miss Bucke from London, another niece -- also Miss Bucke -- + two or three little girls. Drs brother + W. J. Gurd had just returned from a month's "camping" in Muskoka + were quite enthusiastic about it. Some talk too of Canadian politics, English ditto, which I quietly listened to + voted. -- Later four of us drove off in carriage -- Dr calling in at Dr Sippi's -- I going on to town with5 his brother, + W. J. G. + afterwards driving back to Sippi's for Dr most lovely moonlight night -- Jupiter large, lushous, regal. Arriving at home Dr got his glass out -- could see three of Jupiter's moons -- one with the naked eye. This morning eventful to the household here. Pardee went away @ 8 o'clock for Toronto a youth from Toronto (Archie -- the Inspector's son) who has been staying here for 7 weeks along with him. Miss Gurd (Mrs B's cousin) to Sarnia Mrs B. with her for the day.6 Just as I had finished the foregoing Dr called for me to accompany him to town, & brought me two letters from Traubel. I was delighted to find that you had been out on Sunday with beneficial results. What a wonderful fellow H.L.T. is! That he should be a devoted son to you is not surprising; but that he should be so zealous, ardent, & affectionate towards us is astonishing! I wonder continually [where] how he gets time for all his work, & energy to support him through it all. But he is a true son of yours in his generous comradeship. He forwarded me a letter 7 from my old school chum, & dear friend always, Fred Wild. "Tell Walt," he says, "that I love him all the time." And that he means it, from the bottom of his heart, I know very well. I write this @ 1.30 pm. Day gloriously fine -- sky almost cloudless. -- I wish you were here to sit on the Verandah & to look out on the beautiful grounds in front, with their dappled shade & sunshine. But the messenger will be here soon, & as I want to write to Traubel before he comes I will close. With a heart full of love to you always, & all good wishes, Yours affectionately J. W. WallaceASYLUM FOR THE INSANE LONDON, ONTARIO. FOURTH ANNUAL ATHLETIC SPORTS TO BE HELD ON THE ASYLUM GROUNDS Tuesday, September 15th, 1891 TO COMMENCE AT 12.30 P.M. SHARP. PROGRAMME. 1.Race for Boys—100 years, 16 years and under ; 1st prize, Napkin Ring ; 2nd, Knife ; 3rd, Tie ; 4th, Whisk. 2. Race for Boys—75 yards, 12 years and under ; 1st prize Silk Handkerchief ; 2nd, Knife ; 3rd, Knife ; 4th, Knife. 3. Race for Boys—50 yards, 9 years and under ; 1st prize, Writing Desk ; 2nd, Knife ; 3rd, Knife ; 4th, Knife. 4. Race for Girls—5- yards, 13 years and under ; 1st prize, Satchel ; 2nd, Mirror ; 3rd, Purse ; 4th, Bottle of Perfume. 5. Race for Girls—5 yards, 10 years and under ' 1st prize, Croquet Set ; 2nd, Bottle of Perfume ; 3rd, Toque ; 4th, Box Candy. 6. Three-Legged Race for Boys—1st prize, Basket of Fruit ; 2nd, Knives ; 3rd, Ties. 7. Race for Male Patients—100 yards ; 1st prize ; Cardigan Jacket ; 2nd, Wollen Shirt ; 3rd, Gloves ; 4th, Tie. 8. Rice for Female Patients—75 yards ; 1st prize, Hood ; 2nd, Silk Handkerchief ; 3rd, Box Candy ; 4th, Cup, Saucer and Plate. 9. Hop, Step and Jump—open to all ' 1st prize, Silver Medal ; 2nd, Dressing Case ; 3rd, Silk Handkerchief 10. Race for Unmarried Male Employes—100 yards, handicap ; 1st prize, Silk Umbrella ; 2nd, Hat ; 3rd, Inkstand. 11. Vaulting with Pole—open to all ; 1st prize, Satchel ; 2nd, Dressing Case ; 3rd, Scarf. 12. Race for Married Employes—100 yards; 1st prize, Arm Chair ; 2nd, Half Dozen Knives ; 3rd, Set Carvers. 13. Throwing Light Hammer—1st prize, Hat ; 2nd, Pair Pants ; 3rd, Comb and Brush. 14. Race for Female Employes—75 yards ; 1st prize, Rocking Chair ; 2nd, Centre Table ; 3rd, Silk Umbrella ; 4th, Album. 15. Sack Race—100 yards ; 1st prize, Umbrella ; 2nd, Tin Tobacco ; 3rd, Inkstand. 16. Orange and Spoon Race for Female Employes—100 yards ; 1st prize, Album ; 2nd, Rubber Circular ; 3rd Satchel and Box Perfume ; 4th, Purse. 17. Running High Jump—1st prize, Silver Medal ; 2nd, Shaving Cup and Soap ; 3rd, Pipe. 18. Half Mile Race—open to all ; 1st prize, Silk Umbrella ; 2nd, 5-lb. Caddy Tear ; 3rd, Lamp. 19. Obstacle Race—1st prize, Rubber Coat ; 2nd, Tin Tobacco ; 3rd, Dressing Case ; 4th, Pipe. 20. Race for Female Patients—50 yards ; 1st prize, Hood ; 2nd Hood ; 3rd, Toque ; 4th, Box Candy. 21. Race for Male Patients—150 yards ; 1st prize, Shirt ; 2nd, Tie ; 3rd, Pair Gloves ; 4th, Box Candy. 22. Three-Legged Race—75 yards ; 1st prize Shaving Cups ; 2nd, Purses ; 3rd, Bottles of Perfume. 23. Race for Married Employes—40 years and over, 100 yards ; 1st prize, ButterCooler ; 2nd, Rubber Coat ; 3rd, 5 lbs. Tea ; 4th, Porcelain Teapot and Tea. 24. Barrel Race—100 yards ; 1st prize, Album ; 2nd, Pair Vases ; 3rd, Silk Handkerchief ; 4th, Pipe. 25. Race for "D" Company—1st prize, Umbrella ; 2nd, Pair Sleeve Links ; 3rd, Bird Cage. 26. Catching Greasy Pig—prize, a Pig 27. Tug of War—prize, $10. These Games are governed by the rules of the Canadian Amateur Athletic Association. THE FOLLOW FIRMS IN THE CITY HAVE DONATED PRIZES : Robinson Little & Co. A. E. Pavey & Co. Struthers, Anderson & Co. J. Marshall & Co. Marshall Bros. Elliott Bros. M. Masuret. Jas. Cowan & Co. Jas. Reid & Co. A. Westmand & Co. R. Lewis. W. T. Strong. J. G. Shuff. Cairncross & Lawrence. W. D. Barkwell. C. F. Colwell. W. Steveley & Son. G. Marshall & Co. C. S. Hyman, M. P. John Purdom. R. C. Macfie. A. Screaton & Co. J. H. Chapman. G. & B. Burns. Hinton-Mills Mfg. Co. D. S. Perrin & Co. J. P. O'Higgins & Co. J. Darch & Son. A. M. Hamilton. J. Green & Co. J. I. Anderson & Co. Geo. Heaman. P. Birtwhistle. Reid Bros. & Co. Advertiser Printing Co. T. Gillean. W. J. Craig. J. Burns & Sons. C. J. Wlls. A. D. Cameron & Son. John Ferguson & Sons. N. F. Yeo. G. & J. B. Cairncross. Ashplant & Tanton. Geo. Parish. John Millin. J. D. Saunby. G. McLean, and others. JUDGES.—C. S HYMAN. M P. ; MAYOR TAYLOR, HON. COL. AYLMER, COL. SMITH, CAPT. DENNISON, CAPT. YOUNG, GEO. M. REID THOS. PURDOM, J. FAIRGRIEVES, JOHN MARSHALL, W. J. REID, J. W. LITTLE AND GEO SIPPI. COMMITTE OF MANAGEMENT.—DRS. BUCKE, BEEMBER, ROSS, BARBER AND SIPPI, AND GEO. RENNIE, GEO. ANGUS, GEO. THURLING AND R. HEIGHWAY. Manager on the grounds, DR. SIPPI. Secretary, GEO. W. RENNIE. Advertiser Printing Company. Walt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey US [* see notes Oct 2 1891 *}Medical Superintendent's Office. INSANE ASYLUM LONDON ONTARIO 17 Septbr 1891 My dearest Friend, I write this in Dr's office (3.10 pm) Dr busy -- asks me to give you his love. Day gloriously fine --warm as one of our hottest midsummer days. We are going to drive soon to the cricket ground here (in front of Refractory Wards) to watch a cricket match for a short time. Much cooler to watch it than to take part in it! I was very proud & happy this morning to receive your letter of the 13th, & the batch of papers you sent me. Thank you from my heart. It stirs me very deeply that you should trouble to write in your present circumstances, & nothing that you have ever done seems more characteristic of the love which your whole life exemplifies. Love to you in return -- deep & tender & lifelong. And thank you for your advice (to "tie up" to) so full of tender sympathy & kindness. I am glad that you "continue same as before" which means really --as you say--"thankful it's no worse".I understand well [enough] that at best it is "bad enough". I could wish it were otherwise if I were not convinced that a divine purpose underlies it all. It seems to be your lot as Symonds says -- to teach us not only to live, but how to suffer & to die. That there "is all fullness to reward you", I do not doubt -- to reward you, personally--- As for us, well our loving sympathy only goes out to you all the more deeply & tenderly. And all future generations of your lovers will think of you with more tender love. I thank you for Ernest Rhys's letter, & will write to him on my return. Since I began this Dr & I have had a drive together to the cricket ground -- staying there about 10 minutes -- Match between "Doctors V Lawyers" -- Drs just out for about 147 runs --Dr Beemer scoring over 60. Mail just come in with 3 English letters for me -- Father, Dr J & RK Greenhalgh. Letters never tasted so good to me as they do now! Am impatient to read them & will close Please give my love to Mrs Davis & to Warry -- & to Traubel & his wife. With supreme love to you & constant thoughts & good wishes Yours affectionately J. W. Wallace PS Letter from father tells me of two magazines received from you -- Thanks! Letter from RKG on Sep 9 -- supposes that I saw you that day -- & says "I feel the hour sacred & sweet, for I am sure today has seen the communion of two souls, both dear as life to me &c Sends love to youWalt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey US [* see notes Sept 21 1891 *]London, Ontario, Canada, 18 Sept 1891 My dear Walt Whitman, Gloriously fine here today, but too warm. I wonder how it is with you. I hope that the heat is not excessive or injurious to you. I write this in afternoon -- 2--30--after a rest & a quiet read. Dr is away in town on business. After writing to you yesterday we had a most enjoyable drive to the town & back -- the Dr's talk (chiefly about you) being extremely interesting to me. Alfred Gird & wife to tea in addition to previous company. After tea, Dr & I went across to the office together. Most lovely evening -- the moon just rising, preternaturally large & impressive -- Jupiter, near her, shining with a lustre that rivalled the moon's. A glory still in the west, & golden light touching the trees here & there. An indescribable beautiful scene, peaceful, soothing, perfect. Amongst other things I wrote to H.L.T. while the Dr attended to his business. Then, when he was through, we had a talk I am not likely to forget in which he told me of an experience he had in '71, which you doubtless know about. Home again in the moonlight. Sat for a time in the Verandah looking out on its perfect beauty, in form & movement. But lovely as the night was, I was tired & went in pretty good time to bed. A lazy day today -- a little writing, 2 or 3 photos, a a visit to the office etc. I was very much touched & pleased to receive another paper from you (The Boston Evening Transcript) & read the passage you marked with interest. Another letter, too, from our indefatigable & dear friend H.L.T.-- His letters are always like a cordial to me, & in their ever kind, & busy comradeship appeal to my deepest heart -- & seem like a prophecy, a foretaste, of a new earth, God's blessings on him & his! I wish I could see you just now & that I could do something for you. I think of you continually with loving sympathy & blessing. May God be with you, in ever-nearing communion & tenderest love & blessing. Yours affectionately, J.W. WallaceA BRAVE DEED. --------- At Haydock, the other day, it was found necessary to sink a furnace pit, in connection with what is known as the Queen Pit. Only very few men can work in such a pit at the same time, and operations can only be carried on continuously by the employment of gangs. The work naturally entails a good deal of blasting, and, failing the electric battery, which ought always to be used in such cases, the fuse has to be lit by hand. It does not need a very vivid imagination to picture an occasion when, for some untoward reason or another, the men are unable to leave the pit, and have to calculate their remaining moments of existence by the rate at which the powder of the fuse burns away. It was an occasion such as this which drew forth the heroism of Richard Gill. Three men went down into the furnace pit at 10 o'clock at night. One of them was Richard Gill, the hero of this narrative, a man 44 years of age, living at Stone Row, Haydock. They started work, and about an hour after midnight their charges were all laid, and nothing remained but to light the fuse and leave the pit. The workmen are raised by means of a hoppett, which a steam engine lifts or lowers as required. Upon the rope of this hoppett bang, literally, the lives of the men engaged at work in the pit. If when the fuse is lit the rope should break, or anything go wrong with the apparatus, certain death must be the doom of those below. Hence great care is taken to prepare the engineman for the crucial moment. A bell is rung five times in order that he may get ready, and then, when the fuse which conveys fire to the deadly charge is lighted, one final ring informs the engine driver that the men must without a moment's delay be drawn up. On the occasion in question, Gill rang the bell. The engineman having thus been ordered to get ready, there was a pause while the men stood ready to apply the match. Everything seemed all right, and the fuses were lit. Hurriedly taking their places in the hoppets, they once more touched the bell and gave the signal to hoist. But the hoppett did not move. And then all at once it flashed across Gill's mind that he had only rung the bell four times. There was not a moment to be lost. Fearing that the engine driver had not understood the signal, he rushed from the hoppett and frantically cut at the fuses. One of the four had yielded to the knife, when, to the horror of the men who remained in the hoppett, the rope tightened and they began to move. Slowly but surely the hoppett rose, leaving poor Gill alone, face to face with death. There was but one chance. They might ring to have it lowered again, and all three might yet reach the top in safety. The brave man's brave companions saw this, and shouted to him to ring that it might be lowered. But, standing near the fuses as he did, Gill could see that the explosion would not much longer be delayed. It was a question whether he should die alone or whether he should force his companions to share his fate. He decided without hesitation. "Go on," he cried: "better one should die than all three. Goodbye!" The hoppett disappeared, and Gill was left to meet death alone. Help on earth there was none. To whom could he turn? His two companions, according to the newspaper account, "distinctly heard Gill praying." But "short time had he for shrift or prayer," for ere the hoppett could reach the top the explosion had taken place. The hero was afterwards found lying on the ground close to the place where he had cut off the fuse. "He was," says the newspaper account, "terribly injured, his skull being fearfully fractured." But he was not unconscious. He remembered what had taken place, and he could still speak. His words were few, but characteristic. He blamed no one, nor did he repine at his accident. "It was my own fault," was all he said. "The ambulance was got," concludes one reporter, simply, "and Gill conveyed to the Haydock Cottage Hospital, where he now lies in a very precarious condition. He is not expected to recover." [*Manchester Weekly Times 12 Sep. 1890*][?] found the finest qualities of dessert and kitchen apples in abundance. They unhesitatingly assert that the soil and climate of most of the districts of Ireland are suitable for the production of fruit. They, however, declare in the most emphatic manner that there is room, not only for improvement, but for an enormous development of fruit growing. There is no reason, they insist, apart from the apathy of the people, why Ireland should not only be independent of America for its supplies of apples, but be also in a position to export large quantities of that important fruit to England. THE TOWN GARDENING MOVEMENT IN BOLTON. -- Some months ago the question of planting shrubs and trees in some of the more suitable streets of Bolton was brought under the notice of the Corporation of that town, who, while declining to make the experiment, gave permission to Mr. Councillor Stredder, the prime mover in the matter, to place shrubs in Nelson Square. Mr. Stredder has contracted with a nurseryman to keep a number of specially made boxes filled with healthy shrubs for a year. A number of these were placed on the stone pedestals in the square yesterday, and attracted much notice. The appearance of the square is considerably improved by the green shrubs, and it is probably that an effort will be made to extend the experiment. A WARNING TO BUTCHERS. -- Frank Harrison butcher, Railway-street, Altrincham, was summoned at the petty sessions there, yesterday, for removing cattle from Lancashire into Cheshire contrary to the cattle plague regulations, and also with not slaughtering them within three days of arrival. The animals were purchased in Salford Market, and Mr. Fordham gave a certificate that they were fat cattle for immediate slaughter. It transpired, however, that defendant took them for store cattle, the movement of which into Cheshire was entirely prohibited. The defendant had rendered himself liable to penalties in the aggregate of £120, being £20 in each case. Defendant said that it was done in ignorance. The Bench remarked that had this not been the case he would have been fined the full penalty. He was fined £5 and costs, 33s. 8d., the charge of not slaughtering being dismissed. TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. P. A. C. -- It would perhaps be better not to send the manuscript, as the chances of its being accepted for publication are extremely slight. MOSTONIAN (aged 13). -- A regular course of study in English composition and English literature should assist you. In the early part of such a course you would have simple exercises for your pen. These are what you seem to want now. Don't be in a hurry to attack great subjects before you can write correctly and tastefully about little ones. Your article is quite unsuitable for publication. The Queen of Roumania yesterday visited Conway Castle and the Galleries of the Royal Cambrian Academy at Conway. AN UNGRATEFUL BOY. -- Yesterday, at the Salford Police Court, before the Stipendiary (Mr. J. Makinson), Frederick H. Gray, 11, was charged with stealing a pair of boots from the house of Robert Marshall, Kent-street, Pendleton. Superintendent Hallam stated that the father of the boy is a soldier in India, and the prosecutor found Gray wandering and took him into his house. On the 3rd inst. Marshall gave the boy a pair of boots to take to a shoemaker's for repairs. Prisoner pledged the boots for 5s., and spent the money on an excursion to Blackpool. He was remanded, the Stipendiary intimating that he should send him away.Walt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey US JWWWalt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey US London, Ontario Canada 19 Sept 1891 My dear Walt Whitman, A lovely & perfect day here -- air fresh & sweet with pleasant breezes. Immediately after I wrote to you yesterday afternoon the sky became suddenly overspread with stormclouds of wonderful beauty, & presently the rain began. It was all over by tea time & the evening was clear & beautiful -- the banks of cumulus cloud on the horizon glowing with wonderful colours & effects as Dr & I walked across to the office in the evening. A pleasant evening with delightful talks with Dr. He showed me a letter from you. We were both very much pleased to hear per HLT of Dr Longaker's report. Glad to hear. too, that the oculist's report was favorable. I have spent today very idly -- giving the reins to my mood. But I have thoroughly enjoyed the perfect beauty & freshness of the day. i was at the office a short time this morning & was very pleased to receive a parcel of papers addressed to me by you. Thank you for your constant kindness & thought. The Dr showed me the copy of the "Literary World" rec'd from you, with the marked parts on "Good Bye" which I was pleased to read. Since dinner I have looked through the two papers you sent & dipped into the pamphlet on Swedenborg. This last, however, I will put aside for another time. Dr is calling for me at 3 oclock to go to town, so I write this brief note in the hope that I may post it there. I hope that the day is equally beautiful with you, & that you are fairly well. How it would please me to hear that you have been out for a drive again! Give my affectionate regards to Mr Davis & Warry. With love to yourself as always. J.H. WallaceLondon, Ontario, Canada 20 Sept 1891 My dear Walt Whitman, Another perfect day. I write this in Dr's office @4.30 pm -- The windows -- wide open -- admit a gentle pleasant breeze. Outside the sky perfectly clear & cloudless, the fountain playing, the trees across the open space, along the avenue & in the distance -- with shades & various colours -- very beautiful in the sunshine. Dr Beemer just entering his buggy as I write & driving off. It seems to me as though I had entered an "Earthly Paradise." Day after day of unsurpassed beauty -- nights of wonderful moonlight radiance, doubly beautiful amid the trees & on the lawns & flowers of this beautiful place -- the soothing rest & peace & the hospitable kindness of all the people here -- all combine to make it very sweet & pleasant to me. Indeed, I tell the Dr. that unless I leave soon I shall find it difficult to tear myself away. I have no special news since my last letter. We droveinto town yesterday afternoon -- everything of interest to me, the shops, the vehicles, the people, the streets, buildings, pavements, fields everything -- and everything looking its best in the glorious sunshine. -- Evening spent in the house -- chiefly in learning & playing "Pedro" with Willie & his friends. To chapel this morning & afterwards to church! (Rev Mr Richardson's) Thoughts & feelings of a very mixed character! Dr writing letters etc. He seems to me to look a good deal better since he came home, has a better colour & looks fresher. A long pause here -- discussing future arrangements as to my hip with Dr. Decided nothing, however, for the present. I hope that we shall hear that you have been able to take a drive again this lovely weather. Dr says he is "going to quit whether school keeps or not." So I will quit too. With love to you always & best wishes. Yours affectionately, J.W.Wallace Walt Whitman 328 Mickle St Canada New Jersey US London, Ontario, Canada 21 Sept 1891 Dear Walt, I think I will address you in the future by your "nighest name," for I think you will know that my doing so is consistent with deepest reverence, & is only adopted from affectionate motives. We think of you always as "Walt" -- our nearest & dearest friend. And this afternoon I have been reading some old letters of yours to Pete Doyle, & their wonderful loving kindness & warm affection stir my heart anew. Indeed I have been quite busy all afternoon copying some of them with the Dr's permission. For I want to read them to "the College" on my return. How delighted they will be with them & how strongly they will feel that you are indeed one of us. Dearest of friends, responsive love to you from us all! Not for nothing has your heart of love shed its bleeding drops through life. Every manly affectionate heart that comes to know you will throb in warm response. And I know well that the friends in Bolton will feel their hearts grow big, & their eyes fill, as I read to them their loving words of yours.postmark: CAMDEN, N.J. SEP24 6AM 91 REC'D As I read them I thought often & often of my very dear friend Fred Wild. Your writing curiously reminded me at times of him. And I can even now see his face vainly contending with the emotions that will fill him as I read your words. And every man like him -- fresh, spontaneous, wild ( in a sense -- as opposed to tame & spiritless) & loving, will respond with deepest joy & devotion to your words & love. I scribble this hurriedly as the afternoon is nearly gone. I received the two papers you sent, & thank you again for your constant thought & kindness. I am delighted to hear of your drive & of your present condition. I hope that this glorious weather may benefit you still further. Dr back -- & nearly tea time & must close. Wonderfully beautiful evening. Am going with Clare & 5 lady friends of hers to the Theatre tonight! -- to hear Madame Modjeska. With love & best wishes Yours affectionately J.W. WallaceWalt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey U.S. Camden NJ Sep 20 6AM 91 RecLondon, Ontario, Canada 22 Sept 1891 Dear Walt, Your kind postal of the 20th to hand this afternoon. I am glad to hear that you keep fairly well, & hope that this long spell of perfect weather will have you up for the winter. To the theatre last night in the wagonette -- 9 of us altogether -- Beautiful evening warm & genial -- moonlight coming back -- Pretty theatre, with full house of well dressed enjoyed my dissipation, & feel no worse for it! Spent most of today about here -- in Dr's office, in summer house, or on verandah scribbling etc -- Had a drive with Dr to town @ 4.30 -- most beautiful evening -- sunset radiant, calm, serene, & pure. Have now pretty well settled as to any next move. On Thursday I go for the day to Forest to visit an aunt of Dr Johnston's. On Monday afternoon I leave here for Toronto. & good looking people. Quite next morning I go to Fenelon Falls -- (Fenelon Lake -- some distance east of Lake Simcoe). My old friend Fred Wild went out there when a youth of 20 & stayed there some months. So I am going there for his sake. Will spend a day or two there, -- then go on some 40 miles or so to Haliburton to visit some friends of his -- And, of course, I hope to see a little of the Canadian backwoods (not yet decided) to New York & Brooklyn. I write this in the Library -- Dr, his brother, & W.J.G. at office. Quite a long good letter from H.L.T. this afternoon. He is a wonderfully good fellow. I quite feel (& I know that our Bolton friends do so ) that he is a natural mate of ours, notwithstanding the differences that may exist between us. But I wish that he would save himself a little more! Love to you, our supreme friend -- supreme in love, in tender sympathy & consideration. Love to you always, & heartfelt sympathy & blessing. May the great Comrade be with you, & bless you, in deepening degree. J.W. WallceWalt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey London, Ontario, Canada 23 Sep 1891 Dear Walt, Thank you for the two papers received today -- containing many items of interest, the Herbert Spencer interview included. And thank you still more for the kind, constant thought which prompts you to send them. Another day of midsummer warmth & beauty -- It seems a land of perpetual summer, & I begin to fear that when I get back to England -- especially during our November fogs -- I shall be dissatisfied & look back on my Canadian experiences with envy. I think, however, that my main feeling will be gratitude that my hip was so fortunate in all its circumstances. And, indeed, I am deeply grateful that I am so blessed. This morning I went with Dr Bucke through the North Bldg. (Refractory Wards). Patients as a rule more or less happy (and many melancholic) & well looked after. But what thoughts, feelings, & problems they rouse! -- I asked Dr. Beemer about your visits, & though I did not learn much, what he did tell me was characteristic. I spent the rest of the morning in looking over the papersyou sent, & in copying some of the letters to Pete Doyle that the doctor has. These have quite a fascination to me, in the side lights they throw on your most kind and loving soul. God bless you, & our love to you. After dinner I went to the Fair along with the children & Mrs Beemer's sister. Many thousands of people there -- from the entire province I think. -- The general average very good -- fine looking people as a whole, well behaved, & comfortably prosperous -- English looking -- but with a difference hard to define. Since tea I have been across to office for a letter from our loyal & indefatigable friend Traubel. Lovely glowing western sky. I hope that this long spell of beautiful weather will prove beneficial to you (as indeed it must do) & I am heartily relieved & glad that the reports so far have been so favourable. Health & immunity from pain to you, & serenest joys. Please give my love to Mrs. Davis & Warry. With best love to you always. Yours affectionately J.W.Wallace PS A busy week at the Asylum. Shoals of visitors to the Fair come on to see the Asylum -- but not so many (says Dr B) as in past years.Walt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey U.S. AmericaCAMDEN, N.J. SEP 20 6PM 01 REC'DLondon, Ontario Canada. 24. Sept 1891 Dear Walt, A line or two -- if only to pierce the distance between us, & to convey my constant love & good wishes. Another day of midsummer warmth & beauty -- Never in my life do I remember to have known such weather so long continued. Every day perfect & like its predecessors. I seem to be living an enchanted life in a new earth. And I rejoice on your account. Surely you must be gaining health from it, consciously or not. I spent a good part of this morning in writing letters home. My friends, of course, are interested in all my doings here, & I shall have to report pretty fully on my return. Perhaps my main hope, in connection with my hip, is that I may be able to make a better return for all their affection when I go back. I have reason to be devoutly thankful for my friends, & it is a sacred privilege to me to convey their love to you -- the "poet of comrades" & our own dearest friend. If only I may acquire more of your spirit! This afternoon I read Symonds' poem "Love & Death", copied most of it for further absorption at leisure. It seems so characteristic of his cultured, sweet & delicate spirit. God be with him & bless him. Tomorrow I shall be away, so shall not be able to write to you. I go to Forest ( near Sarnia) for the day to visit Dr J's aunt. Dr has some visitors tonight, so I write this (& me to H.J.) in my room -- your room. Through the open window I see a few stars out -- Jupiter lustrous & dominating -- chorus of frogs &c sounding. -- I sometimes wish my friends could see you personally & come into direct contact with you. How their hearts would go out to you! And I am sure you would love them -- plain, unaffected, manly fellows that they are. -- I am a poor representative of them in anything but love to you. I think it a blessed Providence that led the Dr. to shew me the letters he has that you wrote to Pete Doyle. How our friends will respond to the warm affection & kindness they manifest! Deeper & warmer love to you than ever in their name! Good night & God bless you. Love to Mrs Davis & Warry & to you above all. J.W.WallaceWalt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey USN.J. 29 4 PM 91 REC'DLondon Ontario Canada 28 Sept 1891 10.30 am. Dear Walt, I write this in doctor's office -- at desk near window -- sun shining in & all bright & cheerful. The mail came in a short time ago, with welcome good letters from home -- from Dr. J. & Greenhalgh -- also a letter from Traubel. And now Dr. hands me a postal from you (which he had thought was addressed to him) Thank you with all my heart. -- I confess that I have felt a little melancholy this morning at the prospect of leaving here, but the affectionate kind letters I have received, & your kind postal hearten me up wonderfully. It fills me with constant thankfulness & wonder that I am blessed with such good friends. -- I have had a very fortunate & happy time here in many ways. And I shall remember it. I think of it over & over again while I live.I wish I could tell you more than I have done of such things as would interest you -- the condition of the people here, - the political position & prospects - &c &c. But my opportunities for observation & enquiry have been too narrow for any remarks of mine to be worth sending. My own general impressions of the country itself I have already indicated. Perhaps I may meet with facts of some interest to you later on. If so I will send them. Dr. very busy preparing for his trip to Montreal, & is likely to be still more busy on his return. Let us hope, then, that he will have a good time while he is away. I hope to write again the day after tomorrow (Wednesday) from Fenelon Falls. I probably shall not [be able] have an opportunity of writing tomorrow. Affectionate regards to Mrs Davis & Warry. Dr. bids me send his love to you with mine. Yours affectionately J.W. WallaceWalt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey U.S. Camden NJ Oct 1 6 PM 91 RecdLindsay 29. Sep 1891 11.30 am. Dear Walt, Just a line or two, while I have an opportunity to convey my daily message of loving good wishes. I wrote to you last from Dr Bucke's office yesterday morning. At one o'clock he drove me down to the Railway Station with my trunk & did one or two errands in town (Dr Beemer accompanying us part way & charging me to convey his regards to you) Then back again to the house. Final [????] & then the messenger drove me down to the cars. Left London @ 4.25. A lovely afternoon, beautiful lights upon the country as we passed, every moment presenting new & beautiful pictures -- till dusk set in & we reached Hamilton. Changed trains there - arriving at Toronto @8.45. Went to Walker House there, & at 9.15 went to bed. Up early & left Toronto @ 8.45. Have just arrived here & have to wait till 3 o'clock for a train on.Write this at an hotel, while waiting for dinner. After dinner will stroll through the town. Some rain during the night at Toronto. Beautiful day again, but much cooler. The country traversed this morning resembles in the main the country between Hamilton & London -- but somewhat wilder in character. Comparatively flat, though "rolling" slightly. -- Wide spacious landscapes, arching skies with wonderful cloud forms, unpainted frame houses (except in towns) [???] fences, fields full of tree stumps -- fair numbers of cattle. Am full of thoughts of my old chum Fred Wild. It is on his account that I come out here. When he was 20, he came out here & lived for some months at Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon, & wrote long & most friendly letters from there. Twelve months ago, he revisited the old places, & he will be delighted to hear of my visit. You, dearest of friends, have redoubled the value of all our friendships & your influence is to make them more & more precious. Love & gratitude to you evermore. All good wishes to you continually. J.W.WallaceWalt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey US From J.W. Wallace Fenelon Falls, Ontario Canada [* see notes Oct 3 1891 *] Fenelon Falls Ontario Canada 30 Sept 1891 10.30 am Dear Walt, A splendid morning again -- blue cloudless sky, bright sunshine, clear atmosphere, & the air cool but tonic & bracing. And here I am at Fenelon Falls! -- "What made you come into this wilderness?" a stranger asked me yesterday. To which the answer was that I came here for a friend's sake. My dear old friend, Fred Wild! We are very different in many -- perhaps in most respects. May be it is in good part for that very reason that we have been affectionate friends ever since we were at school together. Poor Fred! Things have gone roughly with him in many ways -- but he preserves his fresh jollity & mirthfulness, & his warm affections, & is one of those frank, unaffected, careless fellows whom most people like at once. What affectations he has are rather of the defiant kind -- would rather one thought him worse than he really is than better. When he was 20 he came out to Canada, & visited a friend of his father's near here. Then he got some work to do in this place at a shingle mill -- & lived here for some months, supporting himself. He had no intention of staying here, but set himself to see what he could do in a new country where his previous training was of next to no use to him, &, above all, to taste the luxury of manly independence & self reliance.He became very friendly with a young farmer here -- Tom Rutherford -- & during the 16 years since his return has corresponded with him regularly. Last year he revisited the old place, & had a good time. I arrived at Fenelon Falls about 4 o'clock yesterday. Tom Rutherford met me at the station & received me with a cordiality & evident delight that touched me deeply. He invited me out to his farm - 5 miles away - but I decided to stay here a day - so it is arranged that he comes for me between 12 & 2 - that I stay all night with him, & then go tomorrow by boat to a place called Bobcaygeon -- returning here at night, & leaving here again on Friday evening. It would have done you good to see the introductions I got, & the welcomes I got as "Fred Wild's friend". It did me good anyway & I was delighted to find how affectionately he is thought of here. At the post office were two letters from Chas Stewart -- an elderly gentleman at Haliburton where I go next -- very cordial & kind. One begins "Yours of the 23rd to hand. It will always be to me a real, genuine, out-and-out, a yard-wide & all wool, -- pleasure to meet any friend of Fred Wild's. So come along." I have just finished a long letter to Fred telling him all the news & am both tired of writing & impatient to get out & look round. But it pleases me to tell you all this, our supreme comrade & lover always. Heartfelt love to you & all best wishes. JW Wallace postmark: CAMDEN, N.J. OCT 6 4 PM 91 REC'DHaliburton, Ontario, Canada Sunday, mg. 4. Oct '91 Dear Walt, I have not had any opportunity of writing to you since Wednesday morning, when I was at Fenelon Falls. -- Immediately after dinner Tom Rutherford came to me & drove me out to his farm, 5 miles out; where I stayed till the following afternoon. I enjoyed the visit immensely. Tom himself is a man well worth knowing & we were soon great friends -- (for Fred Wild's sake as well as his own.) He is simply an average farmer -- not educated -- but a fine fellow in all the essential qualities of manhood, cute, intelligent, industrious, faithful, true, & a warm-hearted friend, husband & father. My friend Fred Wild thinks a lot of him & has kept up a steady correspondence with him for the last 17 years. And it was delightful to me to see how deep & warm was the friendship on Tom's side. -- And as I have heard so much of him for so many years, it was like meeting an old friend of my own. At any rate we are friends now! He farms 55 acres, which he has cleared himself. He has had a rough laborious life, but is doing well & prospering -- though slowly. It was a novel experience to me to see backwoods' farming & life, but I enjoyed it very much. -- I liked too to get out into the "bush" -- chipmunks calling & playing about me -- one little fellow descending a tree in front of me & playing about for fully 5 minutes before running off amid the rustling leaves.The following afternoon Tom took me down to Sturgeon Point -- 2 miles away -- where I took the steamer along Lake Sturgeon to Bobcaygeon. I called on a friend of Fred Wild's there, & stayed all night. Bobcaygeon is quite a pleasure resort during the season -- people going there from Buffalo & Rochester & even from Kansas (Indian name, meaning short, shallow rapids) -- Took steamer back next morning (Friday) to Sturgeon Point & up to Tom's. After dinner he drove me back to Fenelon Falls, where I caught the 4 o'clock train here -- Tom seeing me off with moist eyes. Reached Haliburton @ 7 oclock. (H. is the terminus north of the Grand Trunk Ry.) Was met by Mrs Stewart who drove me here. The house here is a boarding house during the season (now over) & is beautifully situated at the end of a small lake -- (one of a chain of lakes) -- Haliburton being at the other end. -- Mr Stewart came out here 28 years ago -- used to be a journallist in London -- & is Crown Land Agent here. He is a well read, clever, & entertaining man whom I heartily like. He has 11 children, nearly all married, & has 3 or 4 sons in the States (Is strongly in favour of Annexation.) -- Yesterday he took me in a boat to the second lake, 7 miles from here, to visit a young farmer who is sick. I enjoyed it very much, the hills at the sides of the lake wooded down to the water's edge -- occasional clearings & farmsteads at distant intervals. -- This morning we have a little rain, & I write this in Mr S's office overlooking the lake. I propose to leave here on Tuesday morning for New York via Kingston, Albany, & the Hudson River. I have not heard of you since Monday, but hope that you are keeping "the better side out." With love to you always. Yours affectionately J.W. WallaceWalt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey USHaliburton Ontario Canada 5 Oct 1891 Dear Walt, Just a few lines while I have an opportunity to shew my constant thoughts & good will. Weather much colder here these 2 days & showery, but beautifully fine just now as I write (5.40 pm) Have had a pleasant time here & quite like place & people. Mr Stewart came out here 28 years ago, cleared off the land here, built his house & has brought up his 11 children in comfort. He is a very clever man in many ways, can turn his hand to anything required, & is a good genial, kind man into the bargain. I leave here tomorrow morning for Port Hope. Am uncertain yet what route I shall take after that to New York (can't get proper information here) but shall probably go via Kingston & Albany. I am staying here a later than I originallyintended to see if any letters come. Have not had any for a week. I do hope that you are keeping fairly well, & that when I hear news of you it will be good. Will you please to give my affectionate regards to Mrs Stewart & Warry & to HLT? With love to yourself as always Yours affectionately J.W.WallaceAlbany 8 Oct 1891 7.pm Dear Walt, Here I am in Albany on my way south. I leave here by the 8 o'clock boat tomorrow morning for New York, & expect to arrive at about 5 pm. I shall probably stay with A.H. Rome (Brooklyn) till Monday morning, &then come on to Camden. I left Port Hope yesterday morning & crossed Lake Ontario to Charlotte for Rochester. I didn't get so much enjoyment from crossing the lake as I hoped for, as the day was dull with strong winds. And though not actually seasick, I was nearer it than I ever was before, & more or less uncomfortable during most of the time! But I got some enjoyment from it notwithstanding. It was a little after six when I got to Rochester, & I decided to stay there all night -- Left @ 9.55 this morning arriving at Albany @4.50. Though the morning was dull, it cleared up & the afternoon has been beautiful & I have enjoyed the ride very much indeed -- especially down the lovely valley of Mohawk River. I hope for a good time tomorrow on the Hudson, & shall be glad at the close to see Mr Rome -- & as to receive letters & news of you. (Have received no letters since last Monday but one.) I hope with all my heart that things have gone well with you & that when I do hear, the news will be good.I am quite longing for letters -- from Camden & from Bolton. My coming to Camden on Monday will be contingent on Ingersoll's lecturing that evening as I want to hear him. But if he does not, I propose to visit West Hills before coming. I was startled to day to see the news of Parnell's death. Poor fellow! His turbulent career is ended so! Dear Walt, dearest of friends, it is not without some trepidation that I come to see you again. For you will be "disillusioned"! But my love to you only grows deeper with time, & though that doesn't count for much, I come as the agent of friends whose love does count, & whom I am sure that you too would love. (Though, for the matter of that, whom do you not love?) And I feel almost as though not only my friends are represented (unworthily) by me, but as though there were more between us than that. For when I saw you, you reminded me strangely & strongly of my dear mother, & I almost felt as as though she too were present, & that you were her messenger & representative. And however fanciful that idea may seem (though I felt it strongly at the time) yet I am sure that a higher Presence still was there, & that God himself, who had led me to you, blessed me far beyond my deserts or old time anticipation in permitting me to see you. God bless you for all you have done & been to me & to my friends (lovers of you). I write lamely, but warm hearts -- manly & true -- in Bolton beat in unison with all I can say of love & gratitude & blessing. Yours affectionately JW Wallace Walt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey79 North Portland Avenue Brooklyn NY 9 Oct 1891 Dear Walt, Here I am at your old friend Andrew Rome's, where I have received a very kind & homely welcome, exceedingly pleasant & grateful to me. He sits alongside the table as I write reading a newspaper, & asks me to give you his warmest regards & to say that he hopes to have an opportunity of seeing you shortly. (Have asked him to come to Camden with me - if only for the day. - Will see about it.) Have had a splendid day for my sail down the Hudson, & have enjoyed it from beginning to end. The beautiful & luxuriously fitted steamboat was itself extremely interesting to to begin with. Then the noble river with its beautiful banks on each side, of continually varying interest & beauty during the whole sail. The clear blue sky, the light clouds on the horizon shadowing the hills, the cool delicious air, were all stimulating & enjoyable. I struck up quite a friendship too with a young Massachusetts Doctor, & we "chummed" together as far as Yonkers where he landed.Finally the arrival at New York. (Desbrosses St) I doubt if anyone ever entered New York under more favorable & beautiful circumstances. The long, beautiful sail approaching it, culminating at the moment of arrival at our first stopping place - 22nd Street - with a sunset of the most delicate loveliness, & wide arching amplitude, the sky flecked with cirrus clouds glowing warm golden on the underside, delicate pearl above - the reflections in the river - the rapidly moving & multitudinous boats ferries to, - the cities on each bank the wharves & steamers all made up a living picture I shall never forget. The new moon hung in the sky, & the statue of Liberty uplifted her electric light in the distance. Then in the Annex boat to Brooklyn in the dusk, the Bridge lit along its whole course with lamps - Landing, - the Vanderbilt Avenue car, stopping about a block from here, & arrival here, Mr. Rome looking out for me at the gate. A good letter from Traubel awaiting me tells me that Ingersoll will perhaps not speak on Monday night. In that case I will not come to Camden on Monday but will visit Long Island first. Will write again however. Love to you always, & best prayers & wishes. JW WallaceWalt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New Jersey I wrote to you last evening, & after a short letter to Traubel, spent the rest of the evening in chatting with Mr. & Mrs. Rome --- about old memories of you, the changes in Brooklyn, persons & places in Annan Scotland etc. This morning we had breakfast a little after 7, & Mr. Rome & son went to business. I followed them shortly after to see if there was any letter there for me. I was glad at heart when Andrew Rome gave me a letter from you. Tom Rome came up at the same time & Andrew introduced us. After a very brief talk I opened your letter & read it aloud to them both. How wonderfully it fitted in! How could it have been better? Through me you addressed a message of grateful & affectionate memories & love to them both -- & there I received it in their actual presence, & without knowing its contents read aloud to them both! You should have seen the look that came intotheir faces -- as of a tender veil of mist over silent granite rocks. And before I came away Andrew Rome said he would try to come with me to Camden when I come -- coming in the morning, returning at evening. He came out with me & took me to Cranberry St -- to the old office where you printed the Leaves (Room, now occupied by a bookbinder) I stood a little in front of the window where you set the type -- & in the corner where you set the type -- & in the corner where you used to sit to read the "Tribune" when you called in each morning. Then he went back to business & I went down to the Fulton Ferry. I crossed & came back again -- reading all I could. I find that your friend John Baulsir has given up work as pilot -- "gave it up a month ago of his own accord," the man said. I walked across the Bridge & spent a little time in New York & then came back to dinner as promised. Am now writing letters, & by the time I have done Rome will come back here for a walk in Brooklyn with me. Then I propose to go to Huntington, Long Island, for the week end -- to visit West Hills etc. Will perhaps come back Sunday night or Monday morning -- but should like to stay till Monday night, & may perhaps do so. Then another day or so in NY. before coming on -- but will write to you again. A.H.R told me at dinner that he met Ex-mayor Stryker this morning. They spoke about you, & R. said he hoped to see you soon, & S. commissioned him to convey his regards. Love to you always from my heart of hearts JW Wallace1 Suffolk Hotel Huntington L.I. Sunday evg 11 Oct. 91 Dear Walt, I am often inclined to wish that you could have been with me today. As that is impossible I wish that I could give you word pictures of all I have seen. But I must content myself with the briefest hints & suggestions. I arrived at Huntington Station @ 5.51 last night, & rode in tramcar to village, putting up @ the Suffolk Hotel where you & Dr Bucke stayed 10 years ago. After supper I explored the main street a little -- called in at the Library to see if I could refer to a map of roads &c --borrowed the copy of "Specimen Days" you presented to the Library in 1883 -- called on Mr Fimell (druggist) to ask particulars of localities -- got copies of the "Long Islander" one of which I sent to you -- & arranged for 2 buggy for today. At 8.30 this morning it came round -- driven by an old man named Dodge -- & we drove to West Hills. I need not tell you how interesting the country was to me; nor do I need to describe it. Mr & Mrs Jarvis were very kind & courteous, & showed me round the house. Then to the old homestead. Apple trees everywhere loaded heavily with fruit -- apples lying in unheeded heaps on the ground. So plentiful & so cheap this year that it isn't worth while to send them off. And far more here than they know what to do with. Kindly received by Mrs Place with whom I sat a little -- looking in the old kitchen. Looked over the old farm lands, at the kitchen garden, the well, the dwelling3 of your great grandfather (now used as a wagon-house &c) -- the grove of black walnuts -- the grand old oak (shrunken of late years they say) -- the orchard with its plentiful crop - &c. I went up to the old [graveyard] burial ground & sat there alone for about half an hour. The sky was rather dull -- but the clouds were high, the air clear, & the temperature pleasant. A light breeze sounded in the woods a low pensive rhythm -- a distant cricket chirped -- & all else was silent -- "graves under us silent." Drove next to the top of Jaynes' Hill. -- The great South Bay & the beach beyond in sight to the south -- to the north the Channel & the Connecticut Hills beyond -- eastward the well wooded undulating panorama of the Island with Dix Hills in the centre -- westward woods & woods beyond. 4 Then back just in time for dinner @ 12.30. At 1.40 Dodge brought the buggy round again & we drove to Cold Spring. The sun had come out & a beautiful afternoon was granted us. We didn't know where to find the Velsor burial ground &c, so called at Warren P. Velsor's to enquire. He referred us to his cousin "Charlie Velsor." He (WPV) knew you 50 years ago -- attended your school -- thought you boarded (while "boarding round") with his father & shared bed with him -- & asked me to give you his best respects. He is a butcher -- retains the Velsor love for horses -- is a good horse doctor & likes to keep a good horse himself -- Drove on past the Harbor -- up the hill through the woods, past Charles H Jones', along the level road, then to the left along a lane with snakefences on each side to "Charlie Velsor's. The old man came out & was5 extremely kind & obliging. He offered to accompany us, & as he was rather lame in one ankle I gave him my seat in the buggy & walked alongside. He attributed his lameness to the fact that his brother "Lige" & he used to be great "hoppers" & rheumatiz had settled in his ankle since. He is in his 78th year, but is wonderfully hale, active & cute. He has a fine old face & head & reminded me of you in his nose & ears. Face shaven. He said he had been a strong man in his time, but had "got over it." He remembered taking you & Dr Bucke, & wished that you could come again. He looked with interest & pleasure at your portraits in L of G & Dr Bucke's book (As also did his cousin, Mr & Mrs Jarvis & Mrs Place) Down the hill amongst the trees to the secluded valley below -- a turn to the left across a narrow field -- & we 6 were at the foot of the burial hill -- Up through the bush & we were in the burial ground itself -- surrounded by trees, secluded, still, simple, & natural, with sunlit sky above. Stood there about 20 minutes, looked for quite a time at your grandfather & grandmother's graves, & at the rest ("no finer women ever walked this earth than the women of the Williams family" said & repeated old C.V.) Then back to the buggy & along to the Major's homestead. Foundations of house visible & cellar still there -- but quite large cherry trees growing in cellar & in centre of Sitting Room. Big Ash tree (now getting old) growing near front door. No traces left of barn, wagon-house &c -- the grain fields which were there on your visit in '81 also gone -- the ground now planted with trees -- smallish -- mostly cedars. The valley very beautiful & peaceful in the late afternoon light.7 I let the buggy get ahead of me, & then turned up to the burial ground again to spend 5 minutes there alone. The ground itself shaded, the tops of the trees were bright in the sunlight, with beautiful sky above. The leaves rustled gently in the wind, & all was peaceful and sweet. I stooped at your grandmother's grave (I could have loved her, & even from description love her sweet memory) & plucked one or two small fronds of fern -- (will enclose one for you.) Then walked alone up the lane -- the sunlight streaming through the trees -- up to the house. Shook hands with the old man who sent his regards to you, & we drove back. It has been a blessed day to me - a true Sabbath - in many ways & will be long memorable to me. And apart from all its old associations I can understand & share your love for this beautiful country. I am glad to have seen it, even for a day, & wish that I could explore it more fully. But its spirit & influence & on the coast -- are enbalmed in your book -& that at least I have. Tomorrow morning, if fine, I will drive over to Centreport to see Gilchrist -- returning to Brooklyn in the evening. I think I had better spend 2 days in New York & come to Camden on Thursday. But I will write again. In any case Andrew Rome will accompany me for the day. Tender & loving thoughts & wishes to you tonight & always. Good night & God bless you. J.W. WallaceBrooklyn 14 Oct 1891 Dear Walt, A few lines to you before going out. A better morning than yesterday & rather promising. I went to N.Y. yesterday afternoon & took a car to Union Square. Johnston was just leaving the shop when I arrived, on a pressing business engagement, but gave me a most cordial reception, invited me to come again today & introduced me to his daughter Mary. I talked with her for 10 or 15 minutes, & was very much pleased with the cordial affectionate way in which she spoke of "uncle Walt." Only that morning she said her youngest brother (aged 9) had been asking to be taken soon to see uncle Walt. And it was very evident from her whole speech & manner that they all regard you with genuine human affection. And when I left she commissioned me to give her best love to you. I then went to Walker St to see Williamson & spend 15 minutes with him. He is living out of town just now & had a train to catch. But he was as friendly as could be & seemed pleased to hear about you. I quite enjoyed my short interview with him. Looks well & in good spirits. Am going out shortly to see Bush. Rome is arranging to have the afternoon with me, & we will go to New York together & call on Johnston. Nothing could be more quietly & genuinely homely, more considerate & gentle on its kindness than my reception & treatment here. I like them all very much indeed & consider it a privilege to know them. It is quite moving & pathetic to me at times to see the wistful look (as of a feeling deep & inarticulate) that comes with Rome's face when we talk of you. But I trust that we shall both see you for a short time tomorrow. (Don't know yet what time we shall arrive. But we will go to Traubel's first -- perhaps about 11.30 there) Love to you always & best prayers and wishes. J.W. Wallace Walt Whitman 328 Mickle St Camden New JerseyCamden NJ Oct 4 4PM 91 Rec'd