This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2024
WHITMAN, Walt. Autograph letter signed. 431 Stevens Street,
Camden, New Jersey, May 5, p.m., (1876). Octavo, one and one half pages on single sheet, [to John Swinton]. Handsomely framed with nortrait
Fine autograph letter signed by Whitman discussing his daily life and orders for the 1876 edition of Leaves of Grass. The letter is to John Swinton, managing editor of the New York Times and Whitman's close friend: "Dear Friend, Nothing very notable to write about, but I thought I would send you a line-- This is one of my comfortable days-- good nights' sleep last night-- breakfast & dinner today with appetite-- still get out a little most every day as formerly- my book business, & a little writing & reading give me three hours or so occupation (lazily) every day when I am not too idle-- and then the baby, my brother's 6 mo's infant boy, very fine & bright (of course) is an unfailing delight & diversion to me, the young one knows me so well, & is never so happy as when I am tending him. I adopted your suggestion of 3 or 4 weeks since-wrote with result as follows to Wm. Swinton-- no answer; to E.C.
Stedman- sent an order at once $30.; J. Z. A. Ward-- kind answer, will order presently; Dr. Seeger-- answer, order set & money enc.; J. Miller-- ordered a copy set & sent the money; Mr.
Jardine-- answered a few days ago. I did not write either to G. A.
Townsend or to W. C. Church-- have not sent the set to Russell Young, nor yours, as in your last requested-- but will do so forthwith-- rec'd the slip from Cincinnati Com. (Conway's letter) you sent-- Don't know what 'vile' paragraph in the Graphic you allude to in your letter of April 7-- Best remembrances to Mrs.
Smith-- Are you coming on to the Exposition opening next Wednesday? Walt Whitman. "
In January 1873 Whitman suffered a stroke of paralysis and was forced to live for a number of years in his brother's house in Camden. Shortly thereafter Whitman's mother died. "His illness and his bereavement were two blows from which he never recovered, and henceforth his life ran gradually downhill... he was) dependent for his living upon his brother, upon friends, and upon the sale of his books, which he conducted partly from his own quarters, receiving orders and filling them with his own hand..." (DAB X, 150). Miller 744) records only the first page of this letter. His only source for the letter is the reproduction of its first page in G. M. Williamson's Catalogue of a Collection of Books,
Letters and Manuscripts Written by Walt Whitman (Jamaica, 1903). Very good condition, some wear and splitting to folds, writing and signature clear and bold. Handsomely framed.
Walt Whitman (May 31, 1819 – March 26, 1892) was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. He is considered one of the most influential poets in American history. Whitman incorporated both transcendentalism and realism in his writings and is often called the father of free verse. His work was controversial in his time, particularly his 1855 poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was described by some as obscene for its overt sensuality.
With One of a Kind Collectibles LOA. With Full JSA LOA.