Harned/Whitman Box 3 Fold 36 Correspondence Osgood, James R. & others Oct. 1881-May 1882 (L.C. 157-187)157 Agreement between Whitman and J[ames] R. Osgood & Co. [2] p. on folded sheet. 25 x 39 cm. Handwritten in purple ink and signed by Whitman in black ink. (p.35) Granting Osgood & Co. sole publishing rights to Leaves of Grass for a period of ten years from Oct. 1, 1881. [ 142 Letter from J[ames] R. Osgood. May 31, 1881. [4] p. on folded sheet. 21 1/2 X 28cm. Holograph, signed, in purple ink. (p.12) Agreement to publish the book and suggestions as to format.] 143. Rough draft of a letter to [James R.] Osgood. June 1 [18]81.The agreement hereby made by and between the undersigned compacts that Walt Whitman endows James R. Osgood + Company for ten years from this date with the sole and exclusive privilege of issuing and publishing his, the said Whitman's, poems of "Leaves of Grass", in one volume, at the price of Two Dollars - that said Osgood + Company shall pay for that privilege to said Whitman twenty-five cents royalty on every copy of said "Leaves of Grass" sold, said payments to be made to said Whitman on the first day of January and the first day of July of every year- that the copyright remains vested solely in said Whitman-that said Osgood + Company shall have the privilege of publishing the said "Leaves of Grass"in any other more costly form by paying said Whitman at the same rate of royalty before specified that said Whitman, holding also the British copyright, endows the said Osgood + Company, as far as he legally can, with the same rights and privileges in Great Britain, on the like conditions of royalty before specified, and for the same period of time that any future points of agreement or modification of this arrangement, may be made at any time by amicable and written consent of both parties- and finally that at the end of ten years this contract may be continued at the pleasure of the undersigned or their heirs or assigns. Made and executed this first day of Ocotber, A.D. 1881. Walt Whitman James R Osgood + Co. [61]Agreement With J R Osgood + Co: Boston Oct 1 - 1881-Rand, Avery & Co., Printers. US America Boston, Oct 5 1881 Trübner & Co: Dear sirs Osgood & Co. of this city, who have set up and electrotyped a new, [&] complete & markedly fuller edition (with several new pieces) of my Leaves of Grass inform me that by [issuing] first issuing & bona fide [jelly?] in Great Britain, I can take out a copyright there, for this edition (such as it is.) We therefore send you over a few copies at once with the request that you will immediately have [it] the book entered for [62]Rand, Avery & Co., Printers. Boston, 188 copyright & secured in my name - (immediately after which the [book] work will be published here.) I am under many obligations in this past to my friend [yorker] Josiah Child, [with] & should like to have this matter put in his hands - should like to have him write to me about it direct as of old, to Camden New Jersey WW [63]Sent to Trübner & Co of London Oct 5 '81 from Boston ab't English Copyright159 Letter from B[enjamin] H. Ticknor. Nov. 14, 1881. [2] p. on I 1. 21 1/2 X 14 cm. Holograph, signed, in purple ink. (p. 37) First line: "The book starts well and is already receiving the correct weighing of voices in the chorus that is arising over it."on folded sheet. 21 x 28 cm. Holograph, signed, in purple ink. (p. 14) Accepting Whitman's terms regarding royalty on Leaves of Grass. AND CO. 211 TREMONT STREET, Boston, Nov. 14 1881. Dear Mr. Whitman: The book starts well and is already receiving the correct mingling of voices in the chorus that is arising over it. I want to ask, if you could, by way of a latter day benefaction to some survivors of the army that you devoted your labors of love to nearly twenty years ago: -- let me have some little thing for the paper to be published during the Fair of which I enclose a circular? Tis a noble object -- to get the [*64*]remaining poor fellows and of the alms horses and into a home of their own. I am doing what little I can & [amen?] other things, helping get contributions for "The Sword & the Pen," - so the paper is to be called. If you can help me, it will please me much and aid the cause more. With best regards Very Full [?] B. H. Sicknon Walt Whitman Esq ps. The first edition is all on love are finding up the second.JAMES R. OSGOOD AND CO. PUBLISHERS BOSTON THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Decr. 10. 1881 Dear Mr Whitman: We gave your favor of the 8th; we had already heard of Llepis Trulners change of base and Bopris acceptance of the books. That we are inclined to think it has been for good rather than otherwise, as we received yesterday from Dapne a cable order for 250 copies more. I think we on this side can stand that, if Trulner can. Very Truly Yours R S Tichman? over [65]I was in hopes you might have found some time for the soldiers. You will see by the [him?] numbers (there will be no) that is will have a very high literary list-161 Rough draft of a letter to J[ames] R. Osgood & Co. Dec. 10 [18]81. I p. 30 1/2 x 17 cm. Holograph, written and revised in ink on brown paper. (p. 39) Requests permission to sell two hundred copies of the 1876 edition of Leaves of Grass which he has on hand.the copy soon. The name will be Walt Whitman's Poems with the sub title Leaves of Grass in its place or places inside." 145 Rough draft of a letter to J[ames] R. Osgood & Co. June 77 [18]81. I p. 18 x 11 cm. Holograph, written and revised in ink. (p.19)[work] but will put a few dollars into my pocket ( + now & then) - which I need. Shall not sell them if you object.160 Letter from B[enjamin] H. Ticknor. Dec. 10, 1881. [2] p. on I 1. 21 1/2 x 14 cm. Holograph, signed, in purple ink. (p. 38) See also Item 281.[144 Rough draft of a letter to [James R.] Osgood. June 4 [I8]8I. Ten holograph fragments and scraps, written and revised in pencil and ink, and varying in size from 3½ x I3½ to I3 x I2½ cm. (p.15-17) Letter begins: "Yours of 2d rec'd--which settles the engagement. I shall forward]letter sent J R Osgood & Co Dec 10' 81 Please send 15 copies for editors send also [twenty] thirty sets of sheets (both sheets) of the new poems, printed on one side only. [I should let] I have a few copies remaining [left] (between one & two hundred) of my [special] old #10 [author] two volume centennial [and] autographic, personal edition moderately sought after by collectors & specialists- mostly in England- which I should like to [have them] to sell, whenever applied to price [at the] +10 [as I am at long intervals] [Have] you have no objections to my selling them? - I don't think it will affect the [sale of the] new edition at all unfavorably- [65] probably do more good than harm [to it] - is not of much importanceWalt Whitman, * 69-a Camden, N. J163 Letter from J. H. Johnston. New York, N. Y., Jan. 25, 1882. [2] p. on 2 l. 20 1/2 x 12 1/2 cm. Holograph, signed, in ink on lined paper. (p. 42) Quoting a letter from James R. Osgood and rejoicing in the sale of two thousand copies in less than four months.(X) 147. Letter from James R. Osgood & Co. June 10, 1881. I p. 21 1/2 x 14 cm. Handwritten in purple ink. (p. 21) Concerning three sample pages sent to Whitman: *164 Letter from district attorney Oliver Stevens to Ja[me]s R. Osgood & Co. Boston, Mass., Mar. 1, 1882. 1 p. 26 x 19 1/2 cm. Holograph, signed, in ink on blue paper. (p. 43) Suggests "the propriety of withdrawing [Leaves of Grass] from circulation and sup- pressing the editions thereof."(X) 148. Rough draft of a letter to J[ames] R. Osgood & Co. June 18 [18]81/ [3] p. on 3 1. (fragments and scraps) 5 1/2 x 14 1/2 to 16 x 14 cm. Holograph, written and revised in ink. (p. 22-23) Announces that copy is in readiness. 211 TREMONT street. Boston Dec 13 1881 Walt Whitman, Esq. Dear Sir: We have sent you the 15 Leaves of Grass x 30 sheets as desired. We enclose a list of editorials already sent for purpose of comparison, in case you might happen to duplicate. We do not think the disposal of the old edition will in the least interfere with the new one; and shall be very glad if the 68 new attention called to yourOsgood letter Dec. 13 '87 Permission to sell the '76 edition. [?]writing enables you to dispose of them speedily and comparable [red round seal text THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS] Very [illegible] James R. [Agood] & Co P.S. We find there ae only 6 sets of the sheets of [new] poems left - these we sendJames R. OSgood and Co. Publishers Papers to which "Leaves of Grass" have been sent, by J.R.O. Md. Boston Franklin (Mass) Sentinel Advertiser Worcester " Gazette Atlantic Monthly Springfield " Repub. Budget Concord (N.H.) Statesman Com. Bulletin Providence (R.I.) Press Courier " Journal Gazette Globe Hartford Courant Herald New Haven Journal Journal " Yale Courant Pilot (O'Reilly) New York Post Christian Union Transcript Com. Advertiser Traveller Critic Miss G. Hamlen Evening Post (N.Y. Herald) Examiner (?) Chronicle Geo. H. Monroe Graphic Wm. D. Howells Herald F. B. Sanborn Harper's Magazine Nora Perry Independent Journal of Commerce Publisher's Weekly J.H. JOHNSTON, JEWELER 150 Bowery, New York. C.P.F. DUPLICATE WEDDING PRESENTS, S.B.M.C. (TRADE MARK COPYRIGHTED.) Jan 25 1882 Dear Walt: I wrote to Osgood and asked him how Leaves of Grass was selling and he rejoices my heart by saying, "It has been a fair success so far, we have printed three editions, 2000 copies in all and it is selling steadily. It is not a "boom" nor can it be regarded as likely to produce any very large results to author (??) publisher, at the same time it seems likely to be the source of a steady 71J.H. JOHNSTON JEWELER, 150 Bowery, New York. C.P.F. DUPLICATE WEDDING PRESENTS, S.B.M.C. (TRADE MARK COPYRIGHTED.) though moderate income." Jos R Osgood" I call that splendid, 2000 copies and (??? ????) not (???)! Have you seen last Sunday's N.Y. Times -- 2 1/2 columns (????) "Whitman Poet and Seer" if you have not I will send you one. We are all well. Sincerely yrs J.H. Johnstonfrom JH Johnson (to Osgood) Jan /82178 Memorandum, May 3 [18]82. I p. (scrap). 9 x 13 cm. Holograph, in ink. (p. 66) Contents: "Sent a budget of letters involving the Osgood L of G. & Dist. Atty business to Wm O'Connor, Wash'n - with request to forward to Dr. Bucke."Commonwealth of Massachusetts, District Attorney's Office, Boston, 24 Court House Mch 1st 1882 Mssrs. Jas. Rosgoor and Company Gentlemen Our attention has been officially directed to a certain book entitled "Leaves of Grass. Walt Whitman" published by you. We are of the opinion that this book is such a book as brings it within the provisions of the Public Statutes respecting obscene literature and suggest the propriety of withdrawing the same from circulation and suppressing the editions thereof. Otherwise the complaints which are proposed to be made will have to be entertained— I am Yours truly Oliver Stevens Dist AttyO.M. Hanscom Police Inspector City Hall165 Letter from James R. Osgood & Co. Mar. 4, 1882. [2] p. on folded sheet. Handwritten in purple ink. (p. 44) Encloses the letter of Mar. 1 from Oliver Stevens and suggests the deletion of certain portions of Leaves of Grass.149 Letter of James R. Osgood & Co. June 27, 1881. I p. 21 1/2 x 14 cm. Handwritten in purple ink. (p. 24) First line: "We enclose the three new proofs..." 150 Rough draft of a letter to [James R. Osgood & Co.] June 23 [18]81. I p. 20 x 12 cm. Holograph, written and revised in ink on lined paper. (p. 25) Closing lines: "Copy is all ready-Shall come on personally with it soon as you are prepared to begin the the type-setting."3/a/ [*What District Attorney is it?*] Mch. 4 1883 Walt Whitman Esq Dear Sir: We enclose a letter from the District Attorney dated Mch 1st, and received by us yesterday, March 3d. Please read and return it, keeping copy of it if you so desire. We are not at present informed what portions of the book are objected to. We are, however, naturally reluctant to be identified with any legal proceedings in a matter of this nature. We are given to understand that if certain parts of the book should be withdrawn its further circu- 74 EIG5lation would not be objected to. Will you advise us whether you would consent to the withdrawal of the present edition and the institution of an edition lacking the obnoxious features? Yours truly James R. Osgood166 Letter from James R. Osgood & Co. Mar. 21, 1882. [3] p. on 3 I. 21-1/2 x 14 cm. Handwritten in purple ink. (p. 45-46) Includes a list of "Passages to be expurgated" from Leaves of Grass. Chronologically this item immediately precedes letter described under entry 171.[C] JAMES R. OSGOOD. EDWARD L. OSGOOD. BENJAMIN H. TICKNOR. THOMAS B. TICKNOR. [20] JAMES R. OSGOOD & CO., Publishers. 211 TREMONT STREET. Boston, March 21 1882 Walt Whitman Esq THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Dear Sir: ["]Since our letter of yesterday we have received a memorandum of the passages & lines which are recommended to be expunged. Please look it through (we Enclose it in detail) and advise us at your earliest convenience whether the suggestions meet your approval. In case they do we shall then proceed to consider the mechanical difficulties in the way and how far and how easily they may be overcome.["] Yours truly 75 James R Osgood & Co [D] [22] JAMES R. OSGOOD AND CO. PUBLISHERS BOSTON Passages to be expurgated from Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass." Page. Lines 31. 15-16 inclusive 32. 19-22 " 37. 14-15 " 48. 20, 28, 29. [*THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS*] 49. 11,20. 52. The remainder of paragraph 28 beginning at the 12th line. 59. 11, 12. 66. 15-16 inclusive 79. 21-22 " 80. Entire passage from 14th line, ending with the line "And you Stalwart loins" on page 81. 84. 1-7 inclusive 87. 13.28. 88. "A woman waits for me" entire, on [77] 88th and 89th pages.[*2*] [*23*] Page Lines- 90. The whole of page 90 and the first half of page 91 to line 11 inclusive. 94. The first six lines and the first half of the 7th line to the words "indecent calls" inclusive. 216. The ten lines entitled "The Dalliance of the Eagles". 266. 21.22. 299. The seven lines entitled "To a Common Prostitute" beginning on page 299 and ending on page 300. 303. 2-3 inclusive. 325. The remainder of the fourth line from the bottom beginning with the words "be with his poem". 9.10 13-17 inclusive [*Library of Congress*] [*78*]158 Rough draft of a letter to Trübner & Co., London [England] Boston [Mass.] Oct. 5 [18]81. [2] p. on 2 l. 24 x 14½ cm. Holograph, initialed, written and revised in ink on letterhead of Rand, Avery & Co. (p. 36) Concerning the English copyright to Leaves of Grass.[[3] p. on 3 l (scraps) 3 x I2 to I3½ x I3 cm. Holograph, written and revised in pencil and ink. (p. 13) Concerning the royalty to be paid Whitman on Leaves of Grass.] 143a Letter from James R. Osgood. June 1, 1881. 2 p. [ ] [ ]167 Rough draft of a letter to J[ames] R. O[sgood] & Co. Mar. 7 [18]82. [2] p. on 2 I. About 25 x 16 cm. Holograph, initialed, in ink on gray paper. (p. 47-48) Concerning "The District Attorney's threat" and Whitman's willingness to revise Leaves of Grass.[180 Telegram from B[enjamin] H. Ticknor. May 16, 1882. (p.68)] [Arranges for a meeting between Whitman and himself.] [181 Memorandum of an agreement between Whitman and James R]Sent to YRO & Co March 8 '82 7 Camden New Jersey March 7 '[?2] I am not afraid of the District Attorney's threat -- it quite certainly could not amount to anything -- [?] want you to be satisfied, to continue as publishers of the book, (& I had already thought favorably of some such brief cancellation.) -- Yes, under the circumstances I am willing to make a revision & cancellation in [those] the pages [a??ded] to -- it wouldn't be more than half a dozen any how [?] perhaps indeed about ten lines to be left out & a half [a] dozen words or phrases. Have just returned from a fortnight down in the Jersey woods & found your letter. -- [*79*] [*E167*][*8*] [*11*] Let this whole matter be kept quiet in the house-- --no talk or information that may lead to newspaper items --the change to be just silently made -- the book & at casual view all its pages to look just the same -- and those minutely looking detecting the difference -- -- Inform the official people at once confidentially that the cancellation is to be made for future editions. W W Write me at once & definitively if all this suits -- 80 168 Rough draft of a letter to J. R. Osgood & Co. Mar. 19 [18]82. 1 p. 22 x 15 cm. Holograph, initialed, in pencil with revisions in pencil and ink. (p. 49) Requests a response to his letter of Mar. 7.Osgood & Co. May 17 [18]82. I p. 26 1/2 x 20 1/2 cm. Handwritten in ink and signed by Whitman in ink. (p. 69) Transferring plates, copies of Leaves of Grass, etc. to Whitman.Sent J R Osgood & Co March 19. '82 [*10*] [Am waiting for] I " Have been expecting response [from] to my letter [mine of] sent [you] you some [?evet?] days ago. (March 8) but no word recd. [from you] Are there any newer developments? Are you still proceeding with the sale of the book? I re-affirm my suggestions and disposition of [note of] March 8 " Walt Whitman169 Letter from James R. Osgood & Co. Mar. 20, 1882. I p. 21 1/2 x 14 cm. Handwritten in purple ink. (p. 50) Encloses a letter from Dr. Bucke; "waiting for an official indication in the matter of revisions."[182 Letter from James R. Osgood & Co. to J. W. Daniels. May I9 [I8]82. I p. 2I½ x I4 cm. Handwritten in purple ink. (p. 70) Requests that the steel plate portrait be held, subject to Whitman's orders. 183 Copy of a letter from James R. Osgood & Co. to Rand, Avery, &][*Dr Burke's letter - enclosed + see answer letter dated March 21 '82*] [*12*] [*Library of Congress*] Mch. 20. 1882 Dear W Whitman Please read the enclosed from Doctor Burke and return it with the expression of your wishes in the matter. We do not know whether this book would appeal to us commercially but we of course prefer not to look at it without first being sure that it meets your approval. We are waiting for an official indication in the matter of revisions. Yours truly James R Osgood Walt Whitman Esq [*82*]170 Rough draft of a letter to J[ames] R. Osgood & Co. Mar. 21 [18]82. [5] p. on 5 1. About 24 x 15 1/2 cm. Holograph, in pencil on gray paper with revisions in pencil and ink. (p. 51-55) Acknowledges their letter of the 20th and recommends that they publish a book by Dr. Bucke.Co., Boston, Mass. May 19 [18]82. I p. 20½ x 13½ cm. Written in ink in Whitman's hand. (p. 71) [Requests that the plates of Leaves of Grass be held, subject to Whitman's orders.] [184 Letter from B[enjamin] H. Ticknor. May 20, 1882. I p. 21½ x 14] [cm. Holograph, signed, in purple ink. (p. 72)] Encloses check, orders for delivery of plates etc. and a receipt to be signed by Whitman.[*Sent to J R Osgood & Co March 21 '82*] [* Dr Buckes letter to Osgood return enclosed*] [*14*] Yours of 20th [enclosing letter] rec'd, about [& enclosing] Dr Bucke's book. I know something about it. [I was not friendly] and do not object [to] [Yours of 20th recd & enclosing Dr. Bucke's proposition about his book. I know something about it. He has diligently collected sta[?] bra[?] statistics, biography the various written] [He] Dr B has spent considerable on the illustrations ([which] I have seen them. They are quite creditable,) [and] [and] has gathered a [good deal] variety of biographical information, [criticises the book] criticises my poems from an almost passionately friendly point of 83[*15*] view, [largetly a mixture of both] (as [a] scientist [a] student of poetry, [and a] medical Doctor, &c) - [has given me personally a ch character I dont deserve -- and has altogether mad[?] -- [and] and has [made] included [a what will doubtless be] what as time goes on will prove a curiously a valuable collection of [the] [progress] cumulative on [of] L of G. opinions [?] [show] from 18 [to] 56 to the present [times] day- - [will -- [?]ly idea about it would be the making of a Volume of between 350 and 400 pages] I should say it would be a safe publicaton enterprise but [of that] you must of course judge & decide for yourself. 8416/ Another thing I must [mention] broach -- hoping you are not alarmed at the District Attorney episode. (as I am not at all) -- [and] but [ar disposed] see your way clear to continue on in earnest -- [*85*] [*17*] [I am getting] I have about got into shape a [prose] volume * [to] comprising all my prose writings, to be called (probably) [Specimen Days] Specimen Days & Thoughts by W W to be about same size as L of G. [If] This little Destiny altering flurry [of] [about the L blows] blowing over & we [yet] getting things into good shape -- (as of course I suppose it surely will & we will) -- [will] would you bring it out, say [the] late this summer same time as the L of G. ¶ So you see there [are three] may be three Vols gyrating together, the L of G, the S D & T, & Dr Bucke's book * It at least will not be liable to any Destiny altering episode 86162 Letter from James R. Osgood & Co. Dec. 13, 1881. [3] p. on 3 I. 21 1/2 x 14 cm. Handwritten in purple ink. (p. 40-41) Grants permission to sell the 1876 edition of Leaves of Grass.[Note at top in red ink: "asking for sample pages - Long primer & Bourgeois."] [146 Letter from B[enjamin] H. Ticknor. June 8, 1881. [3] p. on] [folded sheet. 21½ x 28 cm. Holograph, signed, in purple ink. (p. 20)] [Continues previous correspondence between Osgood & Company and Whitman][*18*] [Up] Upon the whole as my friend [Dr] [B.] seems determined to bring out his book, I hope you will [publish it take it publish] take it. I know [the] Dr Bucke [Doctor] well & have for some years. He is a perfectly honorable, reliable, solid man to deal with -- a linguist well conversant with the best German French and British poetry-- -- [w] of English stock and birth but grown up in [the] Canada & the California regions of America, & combining in my opinion the best traits of both nationalities. --He is now & has been for some years (in fact he built up & organized it) at the head of the largest, (and most complete and modernized) Asylum for the Insane in America -- one of the largest in the world, -- 1000 persons under his charge -- --near --[at] London Canada. [He it good thing about it would be that He is an entirely safe and solid man to deal with.] Though enthusiastic 87 he has a careful eye to [the] practical and business -- [is] responsibilities-- -- he [is] has a fine large family of children, and a first-rate professional citizen and social reputation in Canada (My last three letters 171 Rough draft of a letter from Whitman to J[ames] R. Osgood & Co. Marc. 23 [18]82. [3] p. on 3 I. About 25 1/2 x 15 cm. Holograph, initialed, written and revised in pencil and ink on gray paper. (p. 56-58) With final draft of the first paragraph. Rejects the District Attorney's list of changes to be made in Leaves of Grass and encloses a list to which he will consent.185 Copy of receipt returned by Whitman to [James R.] O[sgood] & Co. May 23, 1882 I p. 20 x 11½ cm. Written and initialed in ink in Whitman's hand. (p. 73) 186 [Rough draft of a letter] to Benj[amin H.] Ticknor. May 24 [18]82. I p. 20 x 13½ cm. Holograph, initialed, in ink on gray paper. (p. 74)[*Sent J R. Osgood + Co March 23 '82*] [*25*] Yours of 21st received with the curious list—I suppose of course from the District Attorney—of "suggestions" lines and pages and pieces &c to be "expunged." The list whole & severe [list] is rejected by me, [and the] [proposition] and will not be thought of under any circumstances. To give [let] you a [very] definitive idea of what I meant [would do] [as] in my notes of March 8 and March 19, —and [would] of course stick to -- I mail you with this a copy of L of G, with the [slight] not numerous, but fully effective changes and cancellations I thought of making: see pages 84 88 89 90 All [those] those lines and passages marked in pencil to come out and their places to be [crea?] filled with other matters. so that the pages will [superficially] present the same appearance as now [*88*]The whole thing [seems to me] would not involve [and] an expense of more than from 5 to 10 26/ My [notion] proposition is that we at once make the revision here indicated, & go on with the regular issue of the book, [the same as before.] [If] If then any further move is made by the District Attorney and his backer, [as] as of course there is somebody behind it all -- they will only burn their own fingers, & [burn them] very badly. I want the paper copy I said of L of L returned to me when through [*89*] 173 Telegram from J[ame]s R. Osgood & Co. Apr. 5, 1882. (p. 60) Requests an answer to their letter of Mar. 29.[* E Sent by W W J R Osgood March 23 -- '82*] Copy) Yours of 21st rec'd with the curious list (I suppose of course from the District Attorney)-- of "Suggestions" lines & pages & pieces, &c. to be "expunged" -- The list, whole & several is rejected by me & will not be thought of under any circumstances [*By [a] this letter of W W March 23 Several minor changes & alterations words & lines in two or three cases [however] are consented to in "Children of Adam" but 90 J R O. & the officials not considering them as at all meeting the point they are entirely waived on both s[?] *] 172 Letter from James R. Osgood & Co. Mar. 29, 1882. I p. on folded sheet. 21 1/2 x 28 cm. Handwritten in purple ink. (p. 59) First line: "We do not think the official mind will be satisfied with the changes you propose."Encloses receipt of May 23. [187 Letter from B[enjamin] H. Ticknor. May 25, 1882. I p. 21½ x 14] [cm. Holograph, signed, in purple ink. (p. 75)] [Expresses regret over "our compulsory business separation."] See also Item [??]8Walt Whitman Esq. Dear Sir: "We do not think the official [?] will be [?] with the change you propose. They seem to think it necessary that the two poems "A Woman Waits for Me" and "Ode to a Common Prostitute should be omitted together. If you consent to this we think the [?] can be [?] without any other serious changes" Yours truly James R. Osgood[*F*] [* Telegram rec'd April 5 '82*] Form No.1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions limiting its liability, which have been assented to by the sender of the following messages. Errors can be guarded against inly by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison, and the company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages, beyond the amount of tolls paid thereon, nor in ant case where the claim is not presented in writing sixty days after sending the message. This is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE, and is delivered by request of the sender, under the conditions named above. THOS. T. ECKERT, General Manager. NUMBER | SENT BY | REC'D BY | CHECK 9P Q J 15pd Received at_____NO. 7 NORTH 3D STREET. ___1047 _______1882 Dated_________Boston Mass 4/5 To_____ Walt Whitman 431 Steven St We are awaiting answer to our letter of march twenty ninth, book suffering from delay __[*92*]____________________James R Osgood & Co 174 Rough draft of a telegram to James R. Osgood. Apr. 5 [18]82. I p. (scrap). 10 x 15 cm. Holograph, written and revised in ink on gray paper. (p. 61) Contents: "No I cannot consent to leave out the two pieces ["A Woman Waits For Me" and "Ode to a Common Prostitute"] I am only willing to carry out my letter of March 23d."telegram April 5 '82 to James R Osgood G 211 Tremont St Boston No I cannot consent to leave out the two pieces. I am only willing to [make] [the changes] carry out my [changes] letter of March 23d. [*93*]175 Letter from James R. Osgood & Co. Apr. 10, 1882. [3] p. on folded sheet. 21 1/2 x 28 cm. Handwritten in purple ink. (p. 62) Refusal to continue publication of Leaves of Grass unless Whitman agrees to changes demanded by the District Attorney.[*H31/*] JAMES R. OSGOOD. EDWARD L. OSGOOD. BENJAMIN H. TICKNOR. THOMAS B. TICKNOR. JAMES R. OSGOOD & CO., PUBLISHERS. 211 TREMONT STREET BOSTON, April 10 1882 Walt Whitman Esq Dear Sir: "We have law before the District attorney the alterations prepared by you. They are not satisfactory. The argument is as follows; if there is a case against the book in its existing form it is not removed or weakened by the changes you propose. If there is no case there is no need of making these changes "We do not attempt [* Library of Congress*] to express an opinion on the point of whether there is a case against the original book. But we certainly do think that if there is such a case it would lie with almost equal force against the book after the modifications proposed by you have been made. [*"*] As we said at the outset we do not wish to go into court in connection with this case. Therefore as your views seem to be irrconcileable with those of the official authorities there seems no alternative for us but to decline to further circulate the book. We should be open to any reasonable arrangement for turning the plates over to you. [*"*] [Awaiting your reply we are Yours truly] James R. Osgood & Co 95176 Rough and final drafts of a letter to J[ames] R. Osgood & Co. Apr. 12 [18]82. [2] p. on 2 l. 25 x 15 1/2 cm. Holograph, in ink on gray paper. Letter begins: "If you desire to cease to be the publishers of Leaves of Grass. . . ." (p. 63-64)[*sent J R Osgood & Co: April 12 '82*] [*33*] Camden NJ April 12 '82 Dear Sirs Yours of 10th just rec'd -- If you desire to cease to be the publishers of Leaves of Grass, unless I make the excisions required by the District Attorney -- [*96*] --if this is your settled decision -- I [too] see indeed no other way than [for you] "some reasonable arrangement for turning the plates over" to me. What is the royalty [entire] due me according to contract from the sales altogether? & what is [the price] your valuation of the plates? [*97*][* T & [?] sent J R O April 12 '82 copy*] Dear Sirs Yours of 16th just received -- If you desire to cease to be the publishers of Leaves of Grass unless I make the excisions required by the District Attorney -- if this is your settled decision -- I see indeed no other way than "some reasonable arrangement for turning the plates over" to me -- & What is the royalty due me according to contract from the sales altogether? & What is your valuation of the plates? W W [* K *] [* 35 *] J R O AND CO. JAMES R. OSGOOD AND CO. PUBLISHERS BOSTON Apl. 13. 1882 Walt Whitman, Esq. [Dear Sir: We have your letter of Apl. 12.] Upto the present time the royalty due to you on the sales of the book amounts to $405.50. In this we include 400 copies sent to England, which we assume to be sold, but the sale of which is uncertain. [* " *] The plates have cost us about $475. including the steel portrait, and we have on hand about 225 copies of the book in sheets -- none bound. 99 [*"*] We are willing to turn overto you the plates, the steel portrait, and the copies on hand in sheets without charge, you giving us a receipt in full for the amount due you for royalty. [* " *] It is perhaps not an important matter, but as your letter seems to imply that this possible change is the result of a "settled decision" on our part, we feel it right to say that it is not we who have fixed inflexible conditions under which this matter could be decided. These conditions have been fixed by yourself and they appear to be such as to obviate the possibility of compromise. [* " *] [Yours truly James R. Osgood & Co.] 100177 Letter from James R. Osgood & Co. Apr. 13, 1882. [2] p. on folded sheet. 21 1/2 x 28 cm. Handwritten in purple ink. (p. 65) Concerning royalties, plates, and copies of Leaves of Grass to be turned over to Whitman.May 3 '82 Sent a budget of letter involving the Osgood L of G & Dist. Atty business to Wm O'Connor Wash'n -- with request to 101 forward to Dr Bucke179 Letter from James R. Osgood & Co. May 4, 1882. [2] p. on folded sheet. Handwritten in purple ink. (p. 67) First line: "We beg to confirm our letter of 13th April to which we have received no reply."JAMES R. OSGOOD. EDWARD L. OSGOOD. BENJAMIN H. TICKNOR. THOMAS B. TICKNOR. JAMES R. OSGOOD & CO., Publishers, 211 TREMONT STREET. [*37*] [Boston, May 4 1882] [Walt Whitman Esq Dear Sir] [*"*] We beg to confirm our letter of 13th April to which we have received no reply. In as much as calls for the book in small numbers are coming to us from day to day and under the circumstances we find ourselves unable to fill them, it seems to us that in the interests of 102all concerned this matter should be settled speedily. [Yours very truly, James R Osgood & Co.]L.C. 180Form No.1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions limiting its liability, which have been assented to by the sender of the following messages. Errors can be guarded against inly by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison, and the company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages, beyond the amount of tolls paid thereon, nor in ant case where the claim is not presented in writing sixty days after sending the message. This is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE, and is delivered by request of the sender, under the conditions named above. THOS. T. ECKERT, General Manager. Number 291 Sent By O Rec'd By J Check 15 paid Received at No. 7 North 3rd Street 4, 1882 Dated Boston MA 5716 To Walt Whitman 431 Stevens St At what hour tomorrow Wednesday Can I call on you Reply to Gilsey House New York BN TicknorL.C. 181[*39*] Camden, N.J. May 17.82 Memorandum of Agreement between Jas R. Osgood & Co of Boston Mass & Walt Whitman of Camden N.J. JRO&Co agree to surrender to W.W. the plates, dies, steel portrait, and 225 copies (more or less) in sheets of Leaves of Grass, and pay W.W. the sum of $100.00 in cash. W.W. agrees to accept the same in lieu of all claims for copyright, &c., in full. The publication of said book to be discontinued by JRO&Co., the contracts for the same to be cancelled, & no copies to be issued hereafter with their imprint. James R. Osgood & Co. Walt Whitman [*105*]May 17 '82 Agreement transferring plates & c to WWL.C. 182JAMES R. OSGOOD AND CO. PUBLISHERS May 19. 82 Mr J.W. Davis 223 Warren St. Dearlin Please hold the stalplate portrait of Walt Whitman subject to Mr. Whitman's orders hereafter, and oblige. Yours very truly, James R. Osgood [*106*] [*THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS*]Copy [*Keep this*] May 19 '82 Messrs Rand Avery, & Co: Dear Sirs Please hold the plates of "Leaves of Grass" subject to the order of Mr. Walt Whitman hereafter -- and oblige Yours very truly James R. Osgood & Co: 107L.C. 183L.C. 184James R. Osgood and Co. Publishers Boston [*THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS*] May 20, 1882 Dear Mr. Whitman: Please find our check enclosed with orders for the delivery of your [blaks?] sheets &c, and receipt for the same which please sign & return if found correct. Very truly yours: B.H. Tiernon Walt Whitman Esq [*108*]L.C. 185[*Copy of rec't sent O & Co May 23 '82*] Copy Received of James R Osgood & Co: one hundred ($100:) dollars in cash -- and the plates, sheets, dies, &c. of "Leaves of Grass," in full of all claims for copyright or otherwise as per our agreement of May 19 1882 Walt Whitman Camden N J May 23 - 1882 109L.C. 186[*sent May 24 '82*] O & Co Benj Ticknor Enclosed find receipt which I believe closes the matter I wish you would mail me the (brown paper bound) copy of "Leaves of Grass" I sent on about a month ago-- I mentioned my desire at the time for its return W W 110L.C. 187[*41*] JR AND CO. JAMES R. OSGOOD AND CO. PUBLISHERS BOSTON Thursday May 24 82 Dear Mr. Whitman [Your receipt is safely recieved and I have mailed you the paper copy of the "Leaves."] [*"*] I am extremely sorry for the contretemps which has caused the change, but I am very glad of opportunity I have had of personal acquaintance with you [?] hope to retain you good will in spite of our compulsory business separation. [*"*] Very Truly Yours; 111 B. H. Ticknor