Anne Gilchrist to Walt Whitman, 18 June 1882

 upa_nhg.00011_large.jpg England, Hampstead June 18./82 Dearest friend,

I like with all my heart (& head too) "A memorandum at a venture". It is as clear as daylight to me that you speak truth—invigorating ennobling truth, full of hope & promise & impetus for the race. I have never for a moment wavered in my belief in this truth since it burst upon me a veritable  upa_nhg.00012_large.jpg sunrise in reading your poems in 1869—each part of those poems necessary to the whole—It would indeed be betraying a great cause a sacred trust to cancel what is now once more attacked.

I cannot think the smallest harm of any kind, even pecuniary, (except to the men themselves who thus expose the nature of their thoughts)—will come of it. I do not think you will sell one less copy, & I suppose you will have a larger  upa_nhg.00013_large.jpg share of the profits. I am very glad you have written these clear strong words for the North American.

A real pleasure it is to see John Burroughs—both for your sake—for it seems in a kind of way almost like seeing you—& for his own. What eyes he has for the ways of the whole dumb world. He has gone just now to my favorite Haslemere, in quest of nightingales—& I hope  upa_nhg.00014_large.jpg will make the acquaintance of an excellent friend of mine there to whom I gave an introduction Unluckily Herby is away—painting some portraits in Monmouthshire with which he has succeeded well. He has also sold his Academy picture—& will be back in time to see John Burroughs on his way thro'​ [illegible]. Ah if you had but come with him! Best love from Giddy & I.

Goodbye dearest friend Anne Gilchrist

Friendliest remembrance to your brother & sister & nieces.