FEINBERG/WHITMAN NOTES and NOTEBOOKS NOTEBOOKS 1855-56 (?) Government, Nature, Trial lines, Self-Advice Box 37 Folder 26 [*926*] Notebook on Government, Nature, Trial Lines, Self-Advice. A.MS. (48p., 14p. partly or wholly cut out, 16 x 10 cm.) Written in pencil in a home-made notebook, sewn with a piece of string, comments on government, nature, some trial line, self-advice, 24 sheets (48 pages) , with 7 sheets partly or wholly cut out, with 11 pages blank (or containing a few doodles) , words on 23 pages: the writing starting from one end, then the notebook turned over and started again from the other end, pages unnumbered. (1-2) (Pages cut out.) (3) [That] The scope of government is always to be kept [very] broad [and ample] -- The question that [is to] must premise [all] enactments must be [is, Is], Will this appeal apply to [universal] men and women universally? Does [Has] it [reference] directly or indirectly [to preserve] defend the right to life, liberty and property, of each [and all men and women] uncriminal man and woman, without any exception whatever? Whatever is not that broad / (4) (Blank) (over) 927 [5] * The government to suit these states is no government of lawyers, [dilletante or] ?, --nor a government of dilletante.-- either.-- In [government] politics, in poems, in war, in behavior, one thing tells forever-- and that is *appropr-* fitness purpose *ability* capability *the fit ability* -- Not gab, not being genteel, not plenty *purpose* of money,-- none of these [avail] save a [man] country.-- The substratum on which the American constitution is based is, that every uncriminal person is endowed with the right to [liv] his or her life, liberty, and the equal pursuit of happiness.-- (6) [blank.] (7) * In what respect does the [A] government of this land represent the strong live [American] people of this land, this day, or any of these days?-- *Is there* [Not] one.-- [It is Where is A] *Is this melange* crowd of [disp] attorneys, feverish *southerners* [mere, dyspeeties],-- owners of slaves [seekers of contracts] bleeders of the treasury, bullies without courage, angry *dyspectics* [speakers] from the north, supple (more) 928 Notebook on Government: 2 human hinges from the same,( are they this great America? this [Pres - scum] this poor scum that has floated somehow into the presidency--these supple / (8) (Blank.) (9) Secretaries--milliners of these diplomats (sent [forth] in their [milliner's] poppy=show liveries to [speak show] dance for us in [foreign lands]--the cotillions of distant courts)-- --these are they America?-- Are they the great nation? of [thirty two nations] / (10) (Blank.) (11) Go back to first principles -- re (cut in paper) nothing through parties. I h (cut in paper) at man a slave who, (cut in paper) [his swallows] day [receives] obeys the [commands] authority of any party, [whatever] no matter who specious their pretensions.-- Listen to all, learn from all, consider well what they have to offer, but obey yourself only.-- [These] They who [pull the] fabricate the creeds and commands of these parties, are all infidels [and scor (over) 929 [nors of you].-- they have no faith in man-- they do not dream of any other way to success / 12 Blank, except for two lines and four drawings of leaves. 13 [but] except schemings, caucuses, [lies] lying, [not] not one lie, but all lies-- not one face, but a face for every different *section* interest I tell you these men are all using you. The [business] performances of government must be reduced to minims (?) [Two] Out of [any] thirty [laws] enactments, passed by the [state legislature] Congress of these states, twenty-nine are for petty personal objects, in which the people have no broad interest whatever.-- / 14. Blank. 15. Obey no man *Learn* Think upon all subjects for yourselves.--Learn from all sides, but decide for yourselves. The remedy is not in authority but in throwing off of authority.-- [Then] Then when [false usupper] that which abdicates, [is replaced by after his] (more) 930 Notebook on Government: 3 [work is done] and was an usurper allowed to do certain work, [comes] the true power comes into possession.-- [I say] It is not this or that party who is going to save America, and make it justify the mighty prophecies and promises which are all that it has hitherto been. --It is in countless breeds of great / 16. Blank. 17 individuals, the eternal and only anchor of states.-- I have been informed that it is expected that Those who address the people, [are expected to] will flatter them.-- I flatter none.-- I [come to rebuke] think I could taunt you, rather than flatter you. What have you been about, that you have allowed [these] that scum to be floated into the Presidency? What have you been about that your Congress is filled with little [What do you send] [Can you find nothing] [Do you think nothing] but gab, [college=stuffing] book=knowledge, and [tailers] tailors clothes, [is ever wanted in your] [Congress?] [blather] doughfaces and [blatherskites]? puttyfaces? / [18] Blank. [19] Do you think [the experiment of] and equality have liberty [has] now done with (over) 931 America? that the work is finished and the dwelling henceforth is secure? -- [No] Believe it not? No [Where are you represented] What representatives have you -- what single representative [have] of you is there in the Capitol? Where [are the] (From this page on, 20, writing appears on the left-hand pages, as Whitman turned the notebook over and began writing from the opposite end; but he also continued writing for five pages on the right-hand pages. For clarity, I am marking these [right] left hand pages 'over', but transcription of this material begins with p. 1a, these 'a' pages beginning from the back of the book.) (20) (Over. See p. 29a) (21) The insects. Get from Mr. Arkhurst a list of American insects-- [just] ? Just simply enumerate them with their sizes, colors, habits, lives,--shortness or length of life-- What they feed upon (a little poem, of a leaf, or two leaves, only) (more) 932 Notebook on Government: 4 I dare not be too assuming [?] over them. [end the insects] -- First enumerate the insects-- then end by saying I do not know what these are--but I believe all these are more than they see I do not know what they are I have advised with myself ... ... I dare not consider myself, [or] any more for my place, than they are for their places / [22] [Over. See p. 27a.] [23] [Top 2/3rds of page cut out. ] That know, there excess which I do not know, [That] [assurances as I] I need no assurances ... I am he who is preoccupied /24/ /Over. See p. 25a. / /25/ I [think know] do not doubt From under the very steps, [and] hands, [That besides what I] eyes I [over] 933 am cognizant of, are [th calm and] looking faces I am not cognizant of -- calm and silent faces. [That] I do not doubt but there is far [more in myself more in my poems than] more in myself than I have supposed... and more in all men and women... and more in my poems than I have supposed, / (26) (Over. See p. 23a.) (27) I do not doubt there are [more] experiences and growths for me through time, and through the universes, of which I cannot have the slightest inkling or idea I do not doubt the universes are limitless... in vain I try to fancy how limitless I do not doubt it is [eternally] safe for [the mighty] orbs and systems of orbs to [play] play their [swift plays] eternal sports through. /28/ /Over. See p. 21a./ /29/ the air--and that I shall one day be eligible to do as much as they, and more than they, I do not doubt, [that] whatever can possibly happy through any of the worlds is provided for, in the [nature] inherences of things, I do not doubt, * whatever can happen is this world, interior or exterior, in America, in the [ether] remainder of the earth [count] (more) 934 Notebook on Government: 5 [am in pol] among affairs, politics, children, defection, failures, [deaths,] murders, wrecks, degredation, death is each and all amply provided for (30) (Over. See p. 19a.) (31) (Top half blank; bottom half cut out. Whitman stopped writing here in this direction, turned the book over, and began from the back.) (32-48) (Over. See pp. 1a-18a.) (1a) (Blank.) (2a) (Seven drawings of leaves and stems. Otherwise blank.) (3a) What is [wa] now wanted is these states--and what will [always] be wanted, a hundred years hence, and [every] ever so many hundred years hence-- is clear=eyed, well=informed, healthy=brained, bold=mouthed men, [able] men possessed of such native [firmne] resolution, that they readily part aside [smk all] authority, law, custom, officers, popularities, [l] and to walk sternly on with their own divine convictions of what is right.-- / (4a) (Blank.) (5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, a, 10a) (Cut out.) (over) 935 distempered morbid (11a) No, all is fresh, The [fruits] berries in the gardens, -- how juicy and cool they are! The fruit of the [out of the] [The] Apple=orchard and that of the orange orchard -- [the] melons, grapes, peaches, pears -- I feared they would poison me, but they do not, As I lay reclining on the grass, [I thought every spear rose out of the manure of diseases] how can I not catch some disease? [for] for probably perhaps every spear of grass rises out of what was once some catchy disease. / (12a) an item for conversation anywhere To be simple, nature, as native as animals are native -- dismissing all the chat, talk of business or money, meaningless talk, criticising acquaintances and their faults-- To be silent unless something must be said that cannot be left unsaid. Never attempt to be witty or strive after effects -- not one any how To dismiss the usual amiable acquiescence also -- / [more] 936 Notebook on Government: 6 [13a, 14a] [Cut out.] [15a] not bring to me [some] a single one of the [vile] diseases that have [continually] forever [onel] [?] [discharge relieve themselves up] laved themselves in it? How can you keep sound, you quadrupeds? [that feed upon crop] I see you are I [will] cannot not believe, [myself] yet awhile, I do not see how there can be any thing but disease [and] / [16a] O Mother did you think there could ever be a time when I might not - I walk forth amid the calmness of grass and foliage But after a little time I will return among men -- / [17a] [Top half of page cut out.] [I am in fear arxxx] [I do not believe] e I do not see how [the earth] nothing but maladies [burned] [?] resolved back in the earth, and [I] return otherwise / [18a] [Top half of page cut out. Blank.] [over] [over] 937 (19a) I [do not] am amazed how the earth [can remain so] vital and calm I [do not think see how] Behold! [Billions of] [Here in this] This is the compost [are] of billions of diseases premature corpses, Perhaps every [grain] mite has once formed part of a sick person Yet behold! [the shorn earth]! [Behold how] Tthe grass grows upon the prairies! / (20a) (Over. See p. 29.) (21a) Behold the [fibred brum] faithfully regular Yet the delicate spear of the onion Yet pierces [noiselessly] upward [to] noiselessly The bean bursts [faithfully] through the ground [Yet] The [delicate] apple=blossoms break from their buds [appear in May,] [Yet] The early wheat puts its [re] The resurrection of the wheat appears with pale visage [more] 938 Notebook on Government: 7 [the field in its] out of its graves, tinge awakens over The willow and the mulberry [easily] awake, [early] / (22a) (Over. See p. 27.) (23a) [The bot] Buds [bud from] swiftly form upon the vines [The dews rains of April] The she=birds [of morning and evening, earel] build [their] nests or brood on [their eggs] them, --the he=birds carol on the trees, mornings, and evenings, The [animals young] young of [fouls a] poultry break through the hatched eggs, The [animals] new born of animals appear-- [the farm cow the cow] the calf / (24a) (Over. See p. 25.) (25a) is drop[pped]t from the cow, and the colt from the mare, [The The] (Rest of page cut out.) (26a) (Over. See p. 23. Bottom 2/3rds of page cut out.) (over) 939 [27a] [Yet] [You are very patient,] O I am terrified at the earth -- it is [so] that calm and patient! It [does] gives such [things] values? to men, and receives [them what they] such leavings [bring] [make themselves] at last! It [receives those] [such] [foul corruptions, and] covers up, grows [blossoms and] [grass thoneo] such sweet things out of such corruptions, / [28a] [Over, See. p. 21.] [29a] It [never tires of] turns so stainless on its axis with [for] all those successions of diseased corpses, It distills [such its] such winds and perfumes out of [such] such infused bequeath, [ed maladies] fetor, It renews [so faithfully] with such unwitting looks its [su] prodigal annual sumptuous crops, It gives such divine materials to men, and receives such leav- [in return] at last! / [30a] [Over. See p. 19] [31a-to end. Blank.] distempered morbid N No, all is fresh, The [fruits] berries in the gardens, -how juicy and cool The fruit of the [out of the] they are! [The] Appled - orchard and that of the orange orchard - [the] melons, grapes, peaches, pears - I feard they would [Be] poison me, but they do not, I lay reclining on the grass [I thought every open rose out of the mans of diseases] how can I not catch some disease?...for probably [perhaps] catch [for] every spear of grass rises out of that was once some [?tching] disease [*W Distempered morbid*] [*W*] No, all is fresh, The [fruits] berries in the gardens, -- how juicy and cool they are! The fruit of the [out of the] [The] Apple[s] = orchard and that of the orange orchard-- [the] melons, grapes, peaches, pears -- I feared they would poison me, but they do not, I lay reclining on the grass, [I thought every spear rose out the manure of diseases] how can I not catch some disease?...[for] for probably [perhaps] every spear of grass rises out of [?]hat was once some [?]tching disease distempered morbid N No, all is fresh, The [fruits] berries in the gardens, -how juicy and cool The fruit of the [out of the] they are! [The] Appled - orchard and that of the orange orchard - [the] melons, grapes, peaches, pears - I feard they would [Be] poison me, but they do not, I lay reclining on the grass [I thought every open rose out of the mans of diseases] how can I not catch some disease?...for probably [perhaps] catch [for] every spear of grass rises out of that was once some [?tching] disease Distempered worked No , all is fresh, the berries in the gardens - how juicy and cool The fruit of the Apples = orchard and that of the orange orchard melons, grapes, peaches, pears - I feared they would poison me , but they do not, As I can reaching on the grass, every how can I was catch some disease ?.... for priority then of grass rises out of what was once some catching disease pears - an item for conversation everywhere - To be simple, nature, as native as animals are native - dismissing all the chat, talk of business or money meaningless talk, criticising acquaintances and their faults - To be silent unless something must be said that cannot be left unsaid Never to attempt to be witty or strive after effects - not one anyhow To dismiss the usual amiable acquiescence also - bring to me [some] a single one of [vile] diseases that have [?] forever [evil] [discharge relieve] [themselves up] loved themselves it? How can you keep sound, you quadrupeds? [That feed upon] [crop] I see you are [will] cannot not believe [myself] yet awhile, Do not see how there can be any thing but disease [and] an item for conversation everywhere - To be simple, mature, as [?} as animals are native - dismissing all the chat, talk of business meaningless talk, criticising acquaintances and their faults - To be silent unless something must be said that cannot be left [?] Never to attempt to be witty [?] after effects - not one a [?] To dismiss the usual amiable [?] also - a simple one not living to me [strikethrough] [?] [/strikethrough] of the vile [?] that have forever [strikethrough] controlled [?] retrieve themselves up [/strikethrough] have themselves in it? How can you keep sound, you quadrupeds? [strikethrough] that feed upon crop [/strikethrough] I see you are I [?] not believe [strikethrough] myself [/strikethrough] yet awhile, I do not see how there can be any thing but [?] [strikethrough] and [/strikethrough] O Mother did you think there could ever be a time when I might not I walk forth amid the calmness of grass and foliage But after a little time I will return among men I am [do not] amazed how the earth [can remain] [so] vital and calm [I do not think see how] Behold! Billions of [Here] [in this] This is the comopost [are] of premature [?] deceased corpses, [I do not believe] I do not see how [the] [earth] nothing but maladies can be [?] resolved back in the earth, and [I] return otherwise O Mother did you think there could ever be a time when I might not I walk forth amid the calmness of grass and foliage I [do not] am amazed how the earth [can remain] [as] vital and calm [I do not think see how] Behold! Billions of [Here] This [in this] is the compost [are] of billions of diseased premature corpses, Perhaps every [grain] mite has once formed part of a sick person Yet behold! [the ?stand earth]! [Behold how] of the grass grows upon the prairies! Behold the [[strikethrough]] [[??]] [[/strikethrough]] regular faithfully yet the delicate [[??]] of the onion pierces [[??]The beam bursts [[strikethrough]] faithfully [[/strikethrough]] voiceless through the ground The [[strikethrough]] delicate [[/strikethrough]] apple blossoms break [[??]] [[??]] [[strikethrough]] appear in May [[/strikethrough]] [[strikethrough]] The early wheat pats its [[/strikethrough]] The resurrection of the wheat appears with pale visage [[strikethrough]] in its [[/strikethrough]] field out in graves, [[??]] awakes over The willow and the [[??]] awake the air - and that I shall one day be eligible to do as much as they, and more than they, I do not doubt, [[strikethrough]] that [[/strikethrough]] whatever [[??]] possibly happy through as of the worlds is [[??]] for, in the [[strikethrough]] [[??]] [[/strikethrough]] wherences of things, I do not doubt, whatever can happen in this world, interior or exterior, in America, in the [[strikethrough]] other [[/strikethrough]] remainder of the [[strikethrough]] [[??]] [[/strikethrough]] earth, [[strikethrough]] [[??]] [[/strikethrough]] [[??]] affairs, politics, children, failures, [[strikethrough]] death [[/strikethrough]] murders, defection, wrecks, degradation, death is each and all [[??]] provided for [The bud] Buds [bud from] swiftly form upon vines [The dewy rains of April] The she birds [of morning and evening, carol] build [their] nests or brood on [their eggs] these - the he birds carol on the trees, morning and evening, The [animals young] young of [fowls of] poultry break through the hatched eggs, The [animals] new born of animals appear -- [the from] [cow the cow] the calf I do not doubt there are experiences and growths for me through time, and through the universes, of which I cannot have the slightest inkling or idea I do not doubt the universes are limitless ...in vain I try to fancy how limitless I do not doubt it is [eternally] safe for [the] [mighty] orbs and systems of orbs to [play] play their [swift] eternal [plays] sports through Do not [?] From [?] the res steps, hands [?] conqueror of, are lovley faces are not [?] of [?] an silent faces, that I do not doubt that there is far [??] [myself] more in myself than I have [?] more in all men and women...and more in my poems than I have supposed, is dropped from the cow and the cold from the mare [The] The terrified at the earth is that calm and patient! It gives such values to men, and receives such [?] at last! It covers [?] [corruptions and] grows [blossoms, and] [grass] [?] such sweet things our of such corruptions, I am terrified at the earth - it is that calm and patient! It gives such values to men, and receives such leaving bring at last! grows such sweet things out of such corruption From under the very steps, hands eyes am cognizant of, are looking faces are not cognizant of calm and silent faces. I do not doubt but there is far more in myself than I have supposed... and more in all men and that know which I do not know [It turns so stainless on its axis [never tires of] with [for] all [of] those successions of diseased corpses, It distils [such its] such winds and perfumes out of [such] such infused [bequeathed] [maladies,] fetor. It renews [su] [faithfully] with such unwitting looks its [su] prodigal annual sumptuous crops, It gives such divine materials to men, and receives such leavings [in return!] at last! The insects, get from Mr. Arkhurst a list of just American insects-- ? Just simply enumerate them with their sizes, colors, habits, lives, - shortness or length of life -- what they feed upon (a little poem, of a leaf, or two leaves, only) I dare not be too assuming over them. [end the insects] -- First enumerate the insects -- Then end by saying I do not know what these are but I believe that all these are more than they seem I do not seem know what they are I have advised with myself . . . . . . I dare not consider myself, [in] any more for my place, than they are for their places Do you think [the expressed] [of] liberty and equality have [has] have now done with America? That the work is finished, and the owellg' in henceforth secure? - [No] Believe it not? No [What representation have you where are you represented -what singe representation [have] of you is there in the Capitol? Where [as] [No] Individual , the eternal and only anchor of states - I have been informed that it is expected ? that those who address the people [are expected to] will flatter them I flatter none - I think I would [?] you rather than to flatter you- What have you been about, that you have allowed [there] that scum to be floated into the Presidency ? What have you been about that [What do you lead] [Can you bind nothing but] your Congress is filled with little but gab , book knowledge and tailors[colleges stuffing] clothes [is wanted in your Congress] ever [?] doughfaces and pretty faces? Obey no man [?] Thank whom all subjects for yourselves. -- Learn from all [?] but decide for [?] The [?] is not [?] authors but in the brows off of authors. Then when [false] [?] [Then] that which abdicates [is] not [pleased [?] after [?]] and was an [?] allowed to do certain work, [?] the true power comes with possession. - [I] [?] It is not this or that part who is going to save America, and make it [?] the mighty prophecies and promises which are all that it has hitherto been - It is in countless breeds of great [but] except schemings, caucuses, [lies] lying [not] not one lie, but all lies - not one face, but a face for every different section interest I tell you these men are all using you. The [business] performances of government must be reduced to minimums [Two] Out of [any] thirty [laws] enactments, passed by the [state legislature] Congress of these states, or by the legislatures, twenty-nine are for petty personal objects, in which the people have no broad interest whatever - Go back to first principles not on nothing through parties I have face as man a slave who, different day, [swallows] [?] the [comments] authority of any part, [whatever] no matter how specious then pretending Listen to all, learn how all consider well what they have to offer, but obey yourself only - [These] they who [pull] [the] fabricate the creeds and commands of these parties, are all infidels [and scorned of] [you] - They have faith in man - they do not dream if any other way to success Secretaries. These milliners of diplomats (sent [forth] in their [milliner's] poppy=show liveries to [speak] [show] dance for us in [foreign courts] the cotillions of distant courts) these are thy America? Are thy the great nation? of [thirty-two nations] * [?] what respect does the [strikethrough] A [/strikethrough] government of this land represent the strong live [strikethrough] American [/strikethrough] people of this land, this day, on as of these days? - As There one . - [Where is] Is this melange crowd of attorneys, feverish southerners [?], - owners of slaves [strikethrough] seekers of contracts [/strikethrough] bleeders of the treasury, bullies without courage, angry [?] from the north, supple [?] from the same, - are they the great America? this [poor germ] this poor germ that has floated somehow into the presidency - these supple * The government to suit these states is no government of lawyers, [dilletante?] - nor a government of dilletante either. - in [government] politics in poems, in war, in behavior, one thing tells forever - and that is [?apprope] fitness purpose the fit ability capability - Not gab not being genteel, not plenty of money, - none of these [awaite] save a [man] country. The substration on which the the American constitution is based, is, that every uncriminal person is endowed with the right to [be] his or her life liberty, and the equal pursuit of happiness. [That] the scope of government is always to be kept [very] broad [and] [?] - . The question That [is to] must premise [all] enactments must be [is] [It] will this appeal apply to [universal] men and women universally ? [Has] Does it directly or indirectly [preserve] defend the right to life, liberty and property, of each [and all] [?[ men and women, without [men and women] an exception whatever ? Whatever is not that broad What is [wa] now wanted in these states – and what will [always] be wanted, a hundred years hence, and [every] ever so many hundred years hence – is clear=eyed, well=informed, healthy=brained, bold=mouthed men, – [able] men possessed of such native [firmne] resolution, that they readily [sink all] part aside authority, law, custom, officers, popularities, [t] and to walk sternly on with their own divine convictions of what is right.– Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.