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Whitman thought Doyle was born in Limerick on June 3, 1845, while Pete's death certificate gave 1848

Pete's parents were Peter Doyle and Catherine Nash. The couple were married in St.

The following day, Doyle's sister-in-law Ellen (nee Branzell) Doyle and Skip Branzell, visited Pete at

A James Doyle (Pete's brother?)

With the death of Catherine Doyle, Pete's primary emotional tie to D.C. ended.

Dear boy Pete, I was quite shocked to hear of Parker Milburn's death —he was never very rugged, but he

was far from anticipating this—I think he had very noble traits, & both you & I liked him thoroughly—Pete

, I hope he is better off—I will try to write a few words to Wash — —Pete I have rec'd both your letters—I

Pete I sometimes think if I was fixed so that I had you with me every day, I should get well—good bye

for this week, my loving son— from your old Walt Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 6 March [1874]

This letter is addressed: Pete Doyle, | M street South, | bet 4½ & 6th | Washington D. C.

See the letter from Whitman to Doyle of February 27, 1874.

Pete, do you remember —(of course you do—I do well)—those great long jovial walks we had at times for

Pete, give my love to dear Mrs. and Mr.

Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, June 1883

This note is written on the fly-leaf of a copy of Specimen Days, sent to Peter Doyle at Washington, D.C

The note is significant, because it constitutes the first correspondence from Whitman to Doyle since

It appears that writing Specimen Days stirred Whitman's memories of the times he shared with Doyle in

Michael Nash were old, mutual friends of Whitman and Peter Doyle in Washington.

Whitman referred to them often, especially in closing, in his letters to Doyle.

1874 or '5 Dear Pete, Nothing very new with me—rather a mixed week—some suffering—Pete if you have a

Good bye for this time dear son—Your Walt Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 28 August [1874]

This letter is addressed: Pete Doyle, | M street South | bet. 4½ & 6th | Washington, D.C.

See the letter from Whitman to Doyle of July 31, 1874.

whom Pete made a home.

there to give.In the mid-1880s Whitman and Doyle renewed their intimacy when Doyle—now employed by the

Doyle attended Whitman's funeral at Harleigh Cemetery.Peter Doyle made a lasting contribution to Whitman

"Pete the Great: A Biography of Peter Doyle."

Doyle, Peter (XXXX-XXXX)

Brooklyn, July 12 . '72 Dear son Pete, I have been sick—but am feeling better now, & soon expect to be

Pete, I will only write a short letter this time.

Love to you dear son, Walt Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 12 July [1872]

This letter is addressed: "Peter Doyle, | Conductor, | Office | Wash. & Georgetown City RR. | Washington

—I am well—Mother is pretty well—I rec'd your letter three days since—Pete, things must be going on about

the same as ever— ̬As I write, it is pleasant weather, & I am going out to get the good of it—Pete take

Walt Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 5 April [1872]

Brooklyn , July 7, 1871 Dear Pete, Well here I am still, pretty much the same thing, doing nothing &

Hart, formerly of the Chronicle—he is about the same in appearance as formerly—Pete, I will not write

forenoon—We had a fine shower last night, and there is some breeze—but it is pretty warm and oppressive— Pete

for changes to this file, as noted: Elizabeth Lorang Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

whom Walt Whitman sent publicity puffs for insertion in the Washington Daily Morning Chronicle; see Doyle's

1872 March 29 Brooklyn, Friday afternoon March 29 1872 Dear boy Pete, I have rec'd your letter, & the

Huntington's death —it seems a sudden & sorrowful thing—Pete I shall continue here another week—I see

this up in my room home—am going out, & over to New York this evening—nothing special to write about— Pete

occasion—here is a good buss to you dear son from your loving Father always— Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

This letter is addressed: Peter Doyle, | Conductor, | Office Wash & Georgetown RR | Washington | D.

Saturday evening—Aug. 21 Dear Pete— I have been very sick the last three days—I dont know what to call

And now, dear Pete, for yourself.

Dear Pete, you must forgive me for being so cold the last day & evening.

Dear Pete, dear son, my darling boy, my young & loving brother, don't let the devil put such thoughts

Price Elizabeth Lorang Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 21 August [1869]

Richard Maurice Bucke, Doyle was suffering a skin eruption popularly known as "barber's itch" and was

Doyle's suicidal response to the skin irritation was undoubtedly associated with deep-seated feelings

In this uncharacteristic injunction, Walt Whitman was no doubt exploiting Doyle's Catholicism.

Dear Pete—dear son, I have received your letter of the 8th to-day—all your letters have come safe—four

Pete, you say my sickness must be worse than I described in my letters—& ask me to write precisely how

Pete, the fourth week of my vacation is most ended. I shall return the middle of next week.

Pete, I have seen Tom Haslett —he is well—he is working extra on Broadway & 42d st. RR.

Price Elizabeth Lorang Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 10 September 1869

It probably contained the money order mentioned in Whitman's August 21, 1869 letter to Doyle.

intended to write "Hassett," the Washington conductor mentioned in his September 25, 1869 letter to Doyle

New York , Friday afternoon—July 19 . 1872 Dear boy Pete, I rec'd your letter yesterday—nothing very

Pete, you must try to keep good heart—Perhaps this will find you at work again—if not, you must keep

a couple of hours with Joaquin Miller—I like him real well Walt $10 enclosed Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

Dear boy Pete, It is a beautiful quiet Sunday forenoon.

Pete, I have just taken out your last letter, & read it over again—I went out on a kind of little excursion

myself last night—all alone—It was very pleasant, cool enough, & the moon shining—I think of you too, Pete

That accident on the bridge was indeed terrible —that bridge is a disgrace to Washington, any how—Pete

Pete, you are doing first-rate.

The Queen's Cup Race, mentioned in Walt Whitman's August 3–5, 1870 letter to Doyle, was held off Staten

Michael Nash, Washington friends to whom Walt Whitman referred frequently in his letters to Doyle.

Nash was an old resident of the city; Walt Whitman's December 5, 1873 letter to Doyle made mention of

Henry Hurt, like Peter Doyle, worked for the Washington and Georgetown Railroad Company.

Explain explain the Pleasure pleasure experience from your letters Farewell my good & true Friend, Pete

the Great 23 Sept '68 Pete The following are responsible for particular readings or for changes to this

Price Elizabeth Lorang Ashley Lawson Janel Cayer Peter Doyle to Walt Whitman, 23 September 1868

Jersey, Feb 20–1874 Friday afternoon—2½ Dear boy Pete, Well Pete, dear son, I have just had my dinner

(I am told that I have colored it with thoughts of myself—very likely) —Pete, I rec'd your letter last

Pete as I am a little in extra funds to-day, I enclose you $5—thinking (like Mrs.

Toodles' coffin ) it "might perhaps come in use, somehow"— Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, [20 February

This letter is addressed: Pete Doyle, | M street South, | bet 4½ & 6th, | Washington, D. C.

Pete, one month of my leave exactly is up to-day.

Pete, your letter of 23d came yesterday, & the one written partly that night & partly 24th came this

Well, Pete, I guess this will do for to-day.

riding here in Brooklyn—we have large open cars—in good weather it is real lively—I quite enjoy it— Pete

for changes to this file, as noted: Elizabeth Lorang Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

Walt Whitman was disturbed by Doyle's mood swings; he raised similar concerns in his August 21, 1869

letter to Doyle.

Milburn, a druggist mentioned in Whitman's August 7–10, 1870 letter to Doyle.

Dear Pete, There is nothing new or different with me—I am no better in any respect—don't know what is

heat—I rec'd your letter my dear son—with the paper—I will write more to-morrow— Wednesday afternoon Pete

Pete, my darling son, I still think I shall weather it, but time only can show— —Mother's death is on

Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 15–[16] July [1873]

April 10, 12 M Dear Pete, 74 Nothing very new or different in my condition, or any thing else—have hardly

Pete, darling, shan't I send you a little money? Walt Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 10 April [1874]

This postcard is addressed: Pete Doyle, | M street South, | bet 4½ & 6th | Washington | D. C.

Dear Pete, I will write you a few lines as I sit here, on a clump of sand by the sea shore—having some

Pete, I wish you were with me the few hours past—I have just had a splendid swim & souse in the surf—the

how long I could sit here, to that soothing, rumbling murmuring of the waves—& then the salt breeze— Pete

this envelope, & ask him to go to p. o. & send a p. o. order to me—it will save you the trouble—But Pete

for changes to this file, as noted: Elizabeth Lorang Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

Whitman confirmed receipt of the $50 in his July 24, 1871 letter to Doyle.

March 7–1872 Dear son, Well I am still here Pete, kept in pretty close quarters by the weather—but it

Milburne I wish him success in the "graduate of Pharmacy" line, & every thing else— give him my love — Pete

that is all this time, dear baby, Walt— with a kiss from your loving father— Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

This letter is addressed: Peter Doyle | Conductor | Office | Wash. & Georgetown City RR. | Washington

March 26 Still around, much the same—ups & downs, (plenty of the latter)—Ah, Pete, if you [could] only

Price Elizabeth Lorang Kathryn Kruger Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 26 March

This piece of correspondence is addressed, "Pete Doyle, | M st.

This and Whitman's March 19, 1875 letter to Doyle were written on Fridays, if the year is correct.

This card alludes to Doyle's new, but temporary, position in Baltimore; see also Whitman's June 25, 1875

letter to Doyle.

Dear Pete, I am having a better time here than I had my last visit.

Pete, dear son, if you should want any of your money, send me word.

Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 18 June [1872]

Dear Pete, Your letter of last Sunday & Monday came safe—was glad to see you so cheerful & feeling well

Nash —also Father Boyle —(By the bye, Pete, I have taken a great fearful drink of whiskey, in honor of

letter—shall probably go to some amusement with a friend this evening—most likely Buckleys Serenaders — Pete

for changes to this file, as noted: Elizabeth Lorang Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

Henry Hurt, like Doyle, worked for the Washington and Georgetown Railroad Company.

Henry Shedd, the driver of the streetcar (#14) on which Doyle was the conductor.

Milburn, a druggist mentioned in Whitman's August 7–10, 1870 letter to Doyle.

Michael Nash, Washington friends to whom Walt Whitman referred frequently in his letters to Doyle.

Nash was an old resident of the city; Walt Whitman's December 5, 1873 letter to Doyle made mention of

Dear Pete, I rec'd the $50 to-day all right, and a real help to me—I have money, but cannot have the

tremendous—Shall stay here a week or so longer—shall be back first part of next week if nothing happens— Well, Pete

for changes to this file, as noted: Elizabeth Lorang Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

Whitman had requested $50 in his July 16–21, 1871 letter to Doyle.

Pete, if you see Pittsburgh either tell him the following, or let him have this letter, & then return

Dear Pete, with all my kind friends here & invitations, &c., though I love them all, & gratefully reciprocate

Dear Pete, I will now bid you good bye for the present.

Price Elizabeth Lorang Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 2 October [1868]

On September 27, 1868, Doyle informed Walt Whitman that Harry wanted information about the New York Fire

Dear Pete, According to announcement in my last, I have made a movement & change of base, from tumultuous

—so you see, Pete, your old man is in clover.

To-day there is an entire change of scene—As I sit writing this—what do you think, Pete?

I send you my love, dear Pete. So long . Will write from N. Y. soon as I return there. W W P.S.

Price Elizabeth Lorang Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 17 October [1868]

Doyle had written on October 14, 1868.

Dear Pete, I rec'd your note to–day. I send you a note I have written to Mr.

Pete, I am not having a very good time—My head troubles me—yesterday was as bad as ever—as far from well

for changes to this file, as noted: Elizabeth Lorang Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

Dear boy Pete, Well, I am sitting here in the parlor again writing my weekly letter—as I write, the rain

Pete, I rec'd your letter & the Herald last Monday all right. Did Mr & Mrs.

sailing across the Delaware, & the splendid sunsets most every evening—it is my greatest enjoyment— —Pete

Pete, how about running on here to see me for a day or two?

If you can, I will fix the time— Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 19 December [1873]

Dear Pete, I rec'd your letter yesterday.

Pete you must be quite steady at work, & no time to spare.

said)—Should be glad to see Parker Milburn—hope he will call to-day—I send you a paper by mail —Well Pete

Your loving old Walt Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 22 March [1872]

Camden Thursday noon July 24 . 1873 Dear son Pete, It is still the same old story with me—the best I

Pete, as I have told you several times, I still think I shall get over this, & we will be together again

different—my strength cant can't stand the pull forever, & if continued must sooner or later give out—Now Pete

Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 24–25 July [1873]

Dear Pete, Dear, dear son, We are having a very cold spell here, the severest of the winter—freezes up

Walt Pete, I am making out a poor scraggy letter to you this time—I feel pretty well, but don't seem

writing—Good bye for to-day, my loving boy— Your true Father & Comrade always Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

This letter is addressed: Peter Doyle | conductor, | [Of]fice Wash. & Georgetown City RR. | Washington

Dear boy Pete, I have weathered it out pretty well this week—at present moment am sitting here cover'd

—Pete there is nothing new in my case, & no prospect more than usual of anything sudden —but it seems

Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 25 June [1875]

1873 Dear Pete, I have been very unwell—but am better again—at least at the present moment.

Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, [9? June 1873]

Doyle was evidently not informed of Whitman's move.

"I was quite staggered here—it knocked the breath out of me—to read a headline—'The Death of Peter Doyle

'—here in the paper: but it was not our Peter Doyle: it was some old man, somewhere, given the same name

our good Pete—a rebel—not old—big—sturdy—a man, every inch of him! such a fellow—and health!"

Dear Pete, I received your welcome letter of Aug. 27th—and also 31st, enclosing Ned Stewarts Stewart's

Pete, there is nothing particular to write about this time—pretty much the same story—every day out on

Well, Pete, I am on the second month of my furlough—to think it is almost six weeks since we parted there

Nothing new in office—Well, Pete, about half our separation is over—the next six weeks will soon pass

for changes to this file, as noted: Elizabeth Lorang Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

This piece of correspondence is addressed, "Peter Doyle | Conductor | Office | Wash. & Georgetown City

Brooklyn June 21, 1871 Dear Pete, I arrived home last night between 11 and 12, all safe & sound—found

car—thought while I was sitting up here now in my room wait'g for dinner I would write a line to boy Pete

papers—come up punctually to my meals—sleep a great deal—& take every thing very quietly— Friday —Pete

Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 21–23 June 1871

Dear Boy Pete, 74 Your letter came Wednesday—You must try to cultivate & keep up a gay & cheerful heart

I am only so-so—had a very bad night last night—it's a tough pull Pete—still I think I shall come out

Walt Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, [23 January 1874]

August 6 1875 Dear Pete, Dear, dear boy, Still here, pulling through the summer (I think the winter is

Pete you havn't haven't made that call on Mrs. O'C. yet. Come when you can, my darling boy.

Your loving old comrade & father Walt W papers &c came Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 6 August [1875]

will write you a line or two any how—(it is so long since I have written any thing in an envelope) —Pete

England —Eat my dinner alone, wished you could be with me then, & for a couple of hours, if no more —Pete

to Mr and Mrs Nash—Love to you my darling son, & here is a kiss for you— WW Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

The envelope for this letter bears the address: Pete Doyle | M Street South | bet 4½ & 6th | Washington

Most of Whitman's communications with Doyle were written on post cards.

Dear Pete, I hope you will be able to come, as you said in your last—If I knew when & where you would

raw, fresh & am feeling quite comfortable—Dear son, I shall look for you Walt Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

This letter is addressed: Pete Doyle | M street South | bet 4½ & 6th | Washington | D. C.

The year is verified by the references to his catarrh, to "want of exercise for 16 months," and to Doyle's

impending visit, which evidently took place a few days later (see the letter from Whitman to Doyle of

See the letter from Whitman to Doyle of March 23, 1874.

Dear Pete, Well here I am home again with my mother, writing to you from Brooklyn once more.

Pete, there was something in that hour from 10 to 11 oclock (parting though it was) that has left me

It is now Saturday between 4 & 5 in the afternoon—I will write more on the other side—but, Pete, I must

Pete, dear boy, I will write you a line to-day before I go.

Well, Pete, you will have quite a diary at this rate.

This piece of correspondence is addressed, "Peter Doyle, | conductor, | Office | Wash. & Georgetown City

that feminine pronouns were substituted for masculine. "164" was undoubtedly intended to conceal Doyle's

will meet you at the Depot  the train gets to Wash 4:10 PM i will Say no more until i see you So Long Pete

Peter Doyle to Walt Whitman, [7] November [1875]

Michael Nash were Washington friends to whom Whitman referred frequently in his letters to Peter Doyle

Michael Nash was an old resident of the city; Whitman's December 5, 1873, letter to Doyle mentioned a

Dear Pete, Well here I am back again in New York—Have had a pleasant trip down east—went down the bay

I shall probably not make out much [of] a letter to you this time, Pete, as I feel rather stupid yet

Dear Pete, we will soon be together again.

Price Elizabeth Lorang Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, [23 (?) October 1868]

Whitman announced this intention in his October 14, 1868 letter to Doyle.

1874 or 5 431 Stevens st. cor West Camden, Dec. 5—after 12 M 1873 Dear Pete, I am still holding on about

out a little every day when the weather will permit—but my walking power is still very bad indeed—Pete

correct here—but O I need your dear loving face & hand & voice— Your old Walt Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

See the letter from Whitman to Doyle of November 21, 1873.

See the letter from Whitman to Doyle of December 5, 1873.

Dear boy Pete, Nothing particular or new in my condition—I have been to the Doctor's to-day—had quite

Walt Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 20 March [1874]

This letter is addressed: Peter Doyle | M street south | bet 4½ & 6th | Washington, | D. C.

I am to go to Vermont, for a couple of days, & then back to Brooklyn—Pete I received your letter, that

Pete did my poem appear in the Washington papers—I suppose Thurs-day or Friday— Chronicle or Patriot

Your loving Walt Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 27 June [1872]

This letter is addressed: Peter Doyle, | conductor | Office | Wash. & Georgetown City RR.

Well Pete, my dear loving boy, I have just come in from a 15 minutes walk outside, with my little dog—it

, & good company & a good fellow, (like Parker Milburn)—I have an occasional visitor, but not many—Pete

give 'em my address—I am glad to see most any one for a change— Your old Walt Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

Dear Pete, I want some things taken out of my trunk, & put in a bundle & sent here by express.

Pete, I rec'd received your letter this morning, & it was very welcome, as always.

Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 13 October [1873]

Murray, "Pete the Great: A Biography of Peter Doyle").

Kirkwood New Jersey July 2— Dear boy Pete I still keep pretty well, & am again down here at the farm

back—Love, love, love, Your old Walt I still make my headquarters in Camden— Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle

Brooklyn , September 3, 1869 Dear Pete, I thought I would write you a letter to-day, as you would be

I have read it several times since—Dear Pete, I hope every thing is going on favorably with you.

the sea-shore as I intended—In fact my jaunt this time has been a failure—Better luck next time— Now Pete

God bless you, dear Pete, dear loving comrade, & Farewell till next time, my darling boy.

Price Elizabeth Lorang Zachary King Eric Conrad Walt Whitman to Peter Doyle, 3 September 1869

The skin eruption mentioned in Walt Whitman's August 21, 1869 letter to Doyle.