Walt Whitman to Alma Johnston, [between 1878 and 1884]

431 Stevens st. Thursday afternoon  
 1  
 2 past 2.1 Dear Mrs. Johnston,

This is the queer little book, perhaps you may remember I spoke about some weeks since. It is odd in form, & may be without attractiveness at first—but somehow I think it real good & deep—(after you break the crust & get a little used to it.) My Dear friend I am so sorry to hear by Johnny that you are ill, & suffering—I wish I could send you something, or do something for your relief—

Walt Whitman

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Notes

• 1. There is too little information to identify a specific date or what the "queer little book" might be. The letter was apparently written after one of Whitman's visits to the Johnstons in New York. [back]