WALT WHITMAN Family Papers Whitman family letters, 1848, 1863, 1970-73, 1889-91, n.d. Box 1 Folder 4 (Includes LC Catalog #s 282 & 283) Deer Park Oct 8th 1848 My Dear Friend I presume you think by this time that I have forgotten the promise I made you the last time I saw you not so I had not forgotten it but I have had so much to do, when I came home I [had] found some coats for me to make for Mr. Carls sons which is not so pleasent as I would wish -- The next week after I returned home I was invited to Loisas wedding which I attended. Mr Brown had surely been seriously ill with the (Fever & Ague) they was married in the afternoon four oclock tea at six, the evening passed away very pleasently with instrumental & vocal music The company was not very large, She started for her future home the next day but one afterwards, which is about 12 miles from New York in Westchester county ---- I miss her very much indeed ---- Last week I received a letter from Deborah Maria saying she was well plenty of work & in good spirits I hope she will spend the winter very pleasently, I feel very lonesome now she is gone - Phebe Baldwin invited me to a party she had last week, I did not go on account of not having any one to take me - The people that live where you used to while I was in Brooklyn gave a very large party they was mostly from Babylon Mary S has been there and spent a week since I came from your house The day that I came from Brooklyn when I got to Deer Park it was nearly dark & no one could I get to take me home Mrs Dodds horses was all engaged, so I was obliged to walk - it being Saturday everything was engaged Last Monday we had a severe storm of wind & rain together blowing down trees in every direction I say last monday it commenced Sunday lasting till Tuesday night when it cleared away very pleasant -- When I was at your house I think I spoke to you of some extensive peach orchards that we have [belfamily?] above us - we have had plenty peaches, & the finest I ever seen I never saw none in New York that equealed them - the trees are young & some perhaps would not have more than twenty on the largest I never saw in one orchard of forty acres they have picked from one to ten thousand bushels. Long Island will yet get to be a greate place To morrow the Annual Fair & Cattle show will be in Huntington Village a mass meeting - the performance by the Ethiopian Band Deborah Marie said in her letter that she saw you very often - do you ever walk up Adam Street I hope you will not atract the Attention of any of the boarders in that street as its possible I may want to go up there myself & do not want anyone in my way - I saw the gentleman with the round blue coate on yesterday & he looked as if he had the (fever & Ague) I quite pitied him you may see him in Brooklyn soon you will know him by the coate he wears when you write say if your brother ever found his Portraits & how Jeffy gets along learning music if he improves anny If you have been a sailing since I saw & every thing thats interesting to me I hope you have not had to pack up since that night I was there if you have I hope you put up something more valuable than I did at least I hope you will save those gloves I took such good care of I have never been sick a day since I came home I never had better health than I have at the present time - I wish you to answer this as soon as convenient saying when you intend to visit me I should like for you to come in aboute two weeks from this time that is if it suits you - at least I want you to come when you can best leave home - I shall be very busy for two weeks to come & then I hope to be more at liberty -- You must not dissapoint me in coming - you must stay as long as ever you can after you do get here - you had best write after you make up your mind to come & say what day & we will meet you at Deer Park ---- Mrs Hosea Valentine died a few days ago with the ulcer sore throate which has been very prevalent in this vicinity however those that have had it are recovering It is now eleven oclock & I have written two letters to day besides this & I am getting tired so good night - Mother joins me in love to yourself & Mother - Jeffy must come up with you write soon Ever Yours Sarah H Wicks Mrs. Hannah L. Whitman .71. Prince Street Brooklyn L. Island St Louis May 5th /72 Dear Mama. I have not received any letters from you lately But I hope you are as well as when you wrote me last Mrs Oreilly is getting Mrs Noland to make our dresses she is going to make a polonaise of it and an under dress yesterday we went up town and got some roushes for Jessie & me Do write me soon Dear Dear Dear Mama about everything How is Grandma & Eddie have you seen any-body yet in Brooklyn How . I wish you were well. Of course we wish very much you were home again but we get along pretty well here I go to see the Madam often and then I do not feel so bad as I would if I was alone We go to the house pretty often Mrs Lowe Mr Bowman Mrs Flad. Helen & Fannie Mrs Lutis Miss Byrne and a good many others send their love We take our dinner every day to school every thing is the same I must dress me before dinner so Good Bye Dear Dear Mama & Papa Your little daughters Hattie & Jessie [*[To Mrs. T. J. WHITMAN]*] [LC#283] [*[1873]*] Bank St House Feb My Dear Cousin Your welcome letter is recived and I embrace the first opportunity to answer I am never better prepared to reply to A letter than when I have finished reading it. I do not know your feelings Dear Cousin strange as it may seem to you I always want another when I have finish'd reading it Dear L we are so happy to hear there is hope of Cousin Walters recove ry How I wish he was near where we might call on him Perhaps it might while away A tedious hour Although the way at present seems dark there is no reason why "You" should remain in darkness The ear of your Heavenly Father is always open to the cry of his children I trust his heart is toward "You" in all your trials. Our journey through this worls is an eventful one No doubt. you have found in passing many "A Bitter Sweet" There is no standing still We must press forward Trusting in him with all our hearts we shall not be left without his "bid" What we know not now We shall know hereafter "How" touching thou words Daughter give me thy heart I trust this heavy affliction has had its sanctifying influence on your heart drawing you nearer to Jesus Dear L I do hope He may be spar'd to you so long as you are permitted to dwell on this earth Still if our Heavenly Father has otherwise ordered it no doubt friends will be rais'd up to minister to your needs We was sorry to know you had removed still I feel "Noble George" to have it in his mind to take You just where he and his "Loved Ones" would care for you Is not love "Le Magnet" I wish I could drop in to day and see you all How is Eddie trusting on that blessed promise Leave your fatherless Children with me and let your Widows trust in me Tell him to keep his heart open to Jesus Oh the joy to feel we have an interest in him Born of the Holy Spirit heirs of our eternal inheritance What can we wish for more " A Fathers House" All as well as usual Grand Ma weeps every time she speaks of you "Poor Alicia" Well we read Jesus Wept of course there is then no sin in weeping If I was better acquainted with George s family I would write more particular You must take the will for the deed With this I send love from each of my family all happy that they were not forgotten by you Divide it among your Circle only save a small share more for your own dear self Praying your Lamp may be bright and shining with plenty of Oil in the vessel is I believe the sincere wish of your 92 Bank St Cousin Priscilla [LC#283] [*Priscilla Townsend Cousin*] Bank St House Feb 9th [*ca. 1873*] My dear Cousin The last Sabbath in Dec we attended the funeral of Harriet Velsor's "Fredenburg"s Daughter 13 Years old After the services we rode up to your house Judge my surprise when we found you had removed to Camden What a world of changes we are in How mysterious the ways of our Heavenly Father Have hoped to hear from you before this Sarah Avery sent us the enclosed advertisement We had seen it before she sent it We are very curious to hear from him also to know how you and "Eddie" have got along this severe winter Dear Cousin do write Mother is not quite as well as usual has taken some cold I think This leaves the rest [*[LC#282]*] quite well Mother James & Margaret including Cousin John & Sarah with myself desire to be remembered to each of your "Circle" Not forgetting Eddie Praying that no good thing will be withheld from any of your dear Family I remain Yours in true love I trust Priscilla H Townsend 92 Bank St. Mary wishes me to tell you she desires a Piece of your good "Mince Pie" I received a Paper Do not know who to thank for it Perhaps it came from "You" poor Walter how my heart growing [the] towards him then without a wife an Mother to care for him do you know I always had a great reverence for him I would like to write to him but dare not if you should do so please send my sympathy and kind regards and John also I dont suppose he would know who I am [*[LC#282]*] May 20 1873 Cousin Walter I presume you will be a little surprised . when you open this letter . and will cast your eyes down at the end of it before you read it to see the writers name . but I received a letter from your Mother telling me of your very 'severe' illness in wich you have our Heartfelt Sympathy (Both my husband, and myself) your Mother askd me to write to you & write about any thing she says will interest you Now Cousin I hardly know what to write . there are many things of interest I could write about . But to write to one who has so much knowledge and intellect I am afraid you will think me but a very poor hand at it . and the trouble with Cousin- Sarah she writes her letters so plainly. you must excuse my simple way of writing you (now there is something that interest me just now and I will tell you all about- it is to take place this month) to of my "Nieces" are to be married one your Mother knows [Mr Alison's] daughter of Brooklyn from your old neighborhood the other lives at Binghampton Dr Griffin, daughter you may have heard of him he had charge of one of the hospital at Alexandria during the war two Model wifes that can grace the parlor or grace the kitchen (if need be) this is the kind of wife, Men in my opinion ought to look for not a doll to be looked at I hope cousin if you live to get well you will look about and get such a one for a wife because you will need just such a one in your old days I do not mean to say you are an old man bye any means because I do not know how old you are (now do not suppose for a moment that I am a [mac] match maker ( & no I am not) but I do feel sorry for old [Peachelam]) methink I see you lay this scribble down with a remark : Well cousin Sarah must think I have a great deal of time to waste it in reading this paper But I have taken your Mother advice- I said I did not know what to write her reply was anything would cheer you Now I am fraid I have gone too far but you must make all due allowance for me wont you I could have written a more sympathetic letter (But then my heart is so full of my own sad Afflictions) But nevertheless you have our sympathy. John has just called my Attention to a paragraph in the evening express, in wich it speak, of your improved health I can assure you we are glad to hear that it is so now Cousin Walter if you feel that you have time to answer this scribbling I should think it a favour [can you read it (I [douth] doubt if you can) you do not know perhaps I am left handed so you will please make all due allowances John wishes to be remembered to you truly yours cousin Sarah Avery 152 Henry St New York as this is Sunday and I have no paper in the house you must make all allowances for this Yours truly Sarah Best love to all not [forgetting] forgetting my dear Aunty I received this from Sarah Avery Blm Sep 16/91 Dear Cousin Walter Most the time I am in the house, being weak & unwell. Margta is quite well and often refers to her very pleasant visit to you about this time last year. We hear of you often through newspapers &c we send our love to you. As Ever Mgta & Wm. A. Avery 185 Sterling Place. [LC#282] [*NY World*] [*Sep 16/91*] MURDER AND ARSON PREVENTED. Two Ex-Convicts Arrested Who Had Concocted a Diabolical Plot. It is owing to the fact that Deputy Sheriff Handshaw did some clever detective work that Treadwell Whitman and his sister, an old and wealthy couple residing at Smithtown, L.I., are alive to-day, for the Deputy discovered a plot to murder the old people, rob their home and then set fire to it to cover up the evidences of crime. The two men who planned the diabolical deed--James Lynn, of Brooklyn,and Harry Van Name, of No. 28 Bayard street, New York-- are now in jail, having been arrested while in Whitman's house on Sunday night last. He made a confession of the plot, implicating Lynn. The latter, who is an old offender, has spent seventeen years in various prisons and was in the Kings County Penitentiary when he made the acquaintance of Van Name, who was also a prisoner there. Both were released about the same time and Lynn went to work in St. Johnland. There he learned of the Whitman's and was told that a large sum of money was kept in the house. He sent word to Van Name and they arranged for the murder, robbery and arson. Deputy Handshaw learned of the plan through the visits of the men to the village. He kept a close watch on Whitman's house on Sunday night and caught Van Name in the hallway. The cold muzzle of a revolver against his temple brought the would-be murderer to his knees. He then confessed that he had undertaken to do the job alone because Lynn wanted to let another man in and make three divisions of the spoils. His information led to the arrest of Lynn. In Van Name's pocket were found two pawntickets for jewelry. Although he is but eighteen years old, he has served a term for attempted murder. SHE SALUTED THE FLAGSHIP The Yorktown's Tribute to the White Squadron's Commander. Commander R. D. Evans, of the U.S.S. Yorktown, paid Rear-Admiral J. G. Walker a compliment yesterday morning that goes far towards proving the general feeling of high esteem in which that officer is held by all the men in the White Squadron. The Yorktown has been ordered to the South Pacific station. She occupied the sixth place in the line of cruisers anchored in the North River. As she passed down stream and came abreast of the flagship on her way to the navy-yard her men were seen to be ranged along the port side on "parade guard." While the flags were being dipped the Yorktown's men fired a salute of thirteen guns. Neither the salute nor the mustering of the men was obligatory. It was a pleasant bit of naval etiquette--the regretful parting of a ship from her consorts and of a commander from his superior officer. The Yorktown will be ready for sea in about two weeks. The Boston, though detached from the squadron, is still in line awaiting shoving orders. Admiral Walker has not yet received any formal communication from the Department at Washington regarding the movements of the Squadron. It is his intention to send the ships, one at a time, to Gardiner's Bay for quarterly target practice in a short time. Camden, Thursday Dear Brother Walt. Your letter was received this morning, I was glad that you arrived safely in Washington. After I left you on Monday, I went to see the young Lady, that I spoke to you of, that had been to Atlantic City, and I asked her, what kind of a place it was to have a quiet, nice time, and she said very good, that the Doctors house was the nearest the ocean, and that there would be a good walk to the beach from the house this year, and there is always a good breeze, and she said that if you had a room fronting the ocean it was splendid. They go down the middle of June. I rather think you would like it. As for coming to Camden, come right away if you can, plenty of room you know, and no doubt we will get enough to eat Aunt Libbie went away this morning. I had a letter from Mary to day, she wanted to know more about Mamy's death, I am going to write very soon to both Hannah and her. I have not found time yet to write all that I want to say, that is a satisfactory letter to them. We had a line from Jeff George is well and busy Hope this will find you feeling better. You might just send a line when you will be here. Love from all Your Lou [*[LC#282]*] If you can, plenty of room you know, and no doubt we will get enough to eat Aunt Libbie went away this morning. I had a letter from Mary to day, she wanted to know more about Mamy's death, I am going to write very soon to both Hannah and her, I have not found time yet to write all that I want to say, that is a satisfactory letter to them. We had a line from Jeff George is well and busy Hope this will find you [*sister Lou*] Camden. Sunday 5. P.M. Dear Brother Walt I expect you will be a little surprised to hear from me, when mother writes to you so often, but she has seemed so very anxious to see you lately and wearies so much about you that I thought I would urge the matter some I hope that you will come as soon as you feel you are able I have been kind of miserable this spring, but am feeling pretty well again, and we have no trouble housekeeping as an Aunt of mine came to pay me a visit a week before I was sick, and when I was taken sick she very kindly stayed with us, and has taken all the care off my shoulders, so you will not be any trouble at all, come when you will. If you could only have been with us during your sickness I should have been glad. Matties sickness, and death, and your trouble has wearied mother a great deal this winter, and now she seems to be suffering from a nervous prostration. The doctor says it is not the dyspepsia, that her nerves are all out of order, she lays down sometimes during the day, but not often, and she is very tremulous, and discouraged about herself. Yesterday she seemed better, but to day is quite miserable. How we all wish you were here, we think it would do her good George and Eddie are both well. It has been cloudy all day, with light rains, and in fact has rained for three days, the weather is enough to make one gloomy. Walt if you please dont mention to mother when you write that you received this. George wanted me to urge your coming as soon as you could with much Love from all Yours Lou [*[LC#282]*] [*Sister Lou*] Burlington Friday Dear Walt, I received this postal from Mrs Nichols the Superintendent at Blackwood, where Eddie is and thought you would like to hear from Eddie, and how he was doing. It was such a relief to me to know that all was right; as it has worried me so, I could not sleep. I have had a letter from Dr Reslin of the Media Institute for feeble minded children, but there was nothing definite in it. I shall write again, and if it is a better place, in three months we can change him, if they will take him. Hope you are well as usual If you want too, you can forward this postal to Jeff when you write. Yours Lou. [*[LC#282]*] CHIEF ENGINEER'S OFFICE--AQUEDUCT COMMISSIONERS. ROOM 213 STEWART BUILDING. BENJAMIN S. CHURCH, Chief Engineer. GEORGE S. RICE, Deputy Chief Engineer. [New York] Burlington, |88 Friday. Dear Walt - Yesterday, Thursday, I was to see Eddie. I had to take a carriage, as the cars did not run to suit me, I would have had to stay there a long time, five or six hours - or else reach home very late. I found Eddie very well - he said he would like to see you. He looked very neat and nice about his person - he has lost nearly all his teeth, and that makes him look a little different. I left him comfortable in regard to Clothes. I had a letter from Jessie yesterday also - She returned from Memphis May 1st, enjoyed her visit, and I think her letter was more cheerful. She said that she had not heard from you, for a long time. I have had three letters from C. Hyde - nothing new. The party he spoke of in your letter that I had, was merely this. The Club that I belong too, met at our house [*[LC#282]*] the last day of April, and I gave Hannah a slight outline of the day they were only here about three hours and I thought it might please Hannah to tell her about it. This was the party. Sunday I suppose you will have some sort of a meeting of old friends to remember your birthday - I hope you may have a good time - I enclose this [?] -- the only thing I have by me - Geo is sitting here reading the Tribune - Lou. [*|sister of WW*] Farmingdale Sep 20 - 1863 Respected Friend I have raised my pen unexpectedly tu address thee with a few lines thinking thee will be pleasd tu hear from us as thee was so kind tu let us know thee had not forgotton [Us] us in our old age we was much pleas.d with them few lines thee favord us with had thare bin ten times as many how glad I should ov bin it would pleas me much tu have along letter from thee my friend Walter I have agrait many letters from my friends from different parts of the globe away from callaforny I have letters and I right agrait many more than my lame hands is able tu right I have the inflammatory rheumatism vary laim it makes me so my hands trembles so I cant right but a little at a time uncle George is purty helthy for a man so old as he is 78 years old I beleve I had a letter from thy sister and my daughter in law a few days ago she roat thay ware all well. Well I must bring my short letter tu a close for I dont wont tu wery thee with my discorse if it is not plesant tu thee I cant help it for I love tu talk with my pen so well I am put tu it tu know wen tu stop Pleas give my love tu thy kind mother wen convenint I thought I should close this but things comes in my mind so fast I cant stop I love tu hear from the cruel war I have three neffues in it one is Zebolon P Rider in virginia a cavalry boy the 11 Pensylvany Elason Powell is in Tennesee a Lieutenant Noah Seaman is I dont know ware thay are my neffues poor boys I dont never expect to see them again I thought perhaps thee mite see or hear from them and might ade them a little more on my account or give information tu thare friends Well now I must bring my letter to a close in a hurry I have roat more than I expected tu with asking thee tu over look and excuse all blunders and mistaks thee must consider that it is from and old woman and vary laim so farewell says thy well wishing old aunt and friend Fanny Van Nostrand Please tu favour me with a letter [*From "Aunt Fanny Van Nostrand" W. W. s- note. Sept. '63*] [*[LC#282]*] [*[AC 19541]*] Dearest sister, I hope this will find you in improved health & cheerful spirits -- As to me I am in first rate health; though in the midst of frightful & distressing scenes of wounds, sickness & death every day. Good bye Dear Sister I shall count on your coming home very soon. Walt [*2500 - 85*] [*[Hannah Heyde]*] (George's letter got rather torn - but you can make it out) Washington Mar 18 '63. Dear Sister Han, I scribble off a few lines, partly because I want to write you, though a word - & partly to enclose a letter mother sends me from dear brother George. All seems to be going on about as usual home -- Mother wants to see you so much & the rest do too that she thinks of getting Mary to come on for you - I wish I was a little nearer north - I should like much to come on & see you, and have you return with me. Dear sister I hope the spring & summer have improved your health - how is it? - I have written a few lines to George & send them at the same time with this -- Lowell is in the middle of the eastern part of Kentucky but it is probable George's division is moving for Tennessee. [*Cousin Margaret L. Avery*] [*25 Feb 1889*] 185 Sterling Place Brooklyn Feb 25/89 Dear Cousin Walter I have not herd from you. onely through the papers in regard to your Health. hope you wile have your wish gratifyed & make that visit to Califournia. William is sick most of the time. we have had the fashionable Complaint, the Gripp. the Boarder in the House not [?] escaped. I should like to see you [*[LC#282]*] Jennets daughter Clara Boards in the same house with us. John has a Grand Son living with him. he is well as can be expected. did you get to Handkerchiefs I sent you Christmas. the reson I ask I sent a Fan to Miss Lida Wheel she did not get it. a Miss Waters from St Louis called up on us with her Sister, she said was acquainted with your brothers family. her Sister lived in my house at one time, nice family William & I often talk of you and your Dear Mother so kind & good all ways. we feel so sorry that Chicago will have the Fair. many persons will have to pass through New York it will do us som good. I got your Picture on Broadway near 28 St for my Friend Mrs Edward Smith the head of the Cothing Firm of Smith Gray her Sons cary on the business. she writes som potry for her friends I have two Books. I must close to go to lunch. wishing you much love from your Cousin Margaretta L Avery [*his niece*] [lh] St Louis 1870 March Dear Uncle I thought i Would write a little letter to my dear Uncle. i want to see you very much. I go to school and like it ver-y much I got the book that you sent me and i can read it and it [*3.*] I want to see papa and mama very much and i Want to see grandma very much to and i want to see uncle george to very much to and eddie very much to [*[LC#282]*] has grandma got F. amie yet I hope she hasant I suppose she has got her i am very sorrow if she has got fumi I yet then she wont care any more fore good by from Jessie Whitman [*2.*] is a very nice book I thank you very much for sending it to me i look out for it it makes me so happy wen papa brings it up i want you to send me another book this week Just make mama stay there I think papa will be home in a cupple of days Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.