Benton H. Wilson to Walt Whitman, 27 December 1868

 loc.01995.001.jpg Syracuse Dec 27th/68 Walt Whitman Dear Friend

I suppose you will think by this time that I have forgotten my Dear old Friend by my long silence & neglect to answer your letter, or acknowledge the receipt of your paper that you was so kind as to send me, but I assure you that I have not forgot you but sill remember you with the same Love that commenced in Armory Square Hospital & will not cease as long as life lasts.

There is not a day that passes but what I think of you & promise myself that I will not delay writing to you any longer but as often I break my promise.

We have had excellent Sleighing here for the past two or three weeks  loc.01995.002.jpg and it still continues to be good & all that can afford it seem to enjoy it very much.

I am at work in the Melodeon & Piano Factory of A. C. Chase again and shall probably continue there this winter. My health is very good. Father has been quite sick for a week but is improving now. Father & Mother send their Love to you.

Our Baby Walt is a fine boy now & as bright as a dollar. I hope to have the pleasure of showing him to you someday.

If you come to New York next summer & cannot come up and make me a short visit let me know when you are coming and if my business will permit I will meet you at new york and have a short visit with you there.

I hope that the exit of A Johnson & the inauguration of Gen Grant  loc.01995.003.jpg will restore the country to a Peace footing in a very short time.

I gave our Friends the Misses Riley a letter of introduction to you when they were here last fall. have you seen them yet. Hamilton is well as usual & is still running on the Rail Road. He sends his Love to you

Hoping you had a merry Christmas & wishing you a happy New Year. I will close for the present

Please write soon.

yours with Love B. H. Wilson.  loc.01995.005.jpg  loc.01995.006.jpg