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William Carey to Walt Whitman, 5 December 1891

 loc.01224.001_large.jpg My dear Mr Whitman:

I have sent you by express today a new etching which I think you will like.

It has occurred to me that you might sign these as you did the photographs years ago & in case of sale derive an income from them. I will look after the  loc.01224.002_large.jpg financial details & when I have any proceeds I will promptly remit them.

The etcher1 asks you to accept the five etchings he has signed & if you want more to let him know through me. His signature will indicate where yours should go.

Yours sincerely William Carey  loc.01224.003_large.jpg  loc.01224.004_large.jpg

Correspondent:
William Carey (1858–1901) worked for many years in a mission school for young men, and he was employed in the Editorial Department of The Century Magazine (William H. McElroy, "The Late William Carey," The New York Times [November 2, 1901], 27).


Notes

  • 1. The etching, by Thomas Johnson (1843–1904), became the frontispiece to Volume 7 of The Complete Writings of Walt Whitman (New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1902). It was based on a photograph of Walt Whitman taken by George C. Cox on April 15, 1887. Whitman referred to this photograph as "The Laughing Philosopher." [back]
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