I have been away from home a great deal and have not had time to come over when at home. I think of you often and wonder if I can be of any service to you—all you have to do is to "rub the lamp" and we will answer loc.01484.004_large.jpg loc.01484.005_large.jpg Are we in our usual health?—Do you need anything? Would some good whiskey help out!
You know myself and family are only too glad to serve you! Drop me at note to Phil at 326. N. 39 st.—old address, and let us know how you are—and what you need for your comfort.
Always yours Thomas DonaldsonI am working on a new Indian book! I don't want you to forget to make some notes on the Catlin Book2—
loc.01484.006_large.jpg loc.01484.001_large.jpg see note Aug 6 1891 loc.01484.002_large.jpgCorrespondent:
Thomas Donaldson
(1843–1898) was a lawyer from Philadelphia and a friend of Whitman. He
introduced Whitman to Bram Stoker and later accompanied Stoker when he visited
the poet; he also organized a fund-raising drive to buy Whitman a horse and
carriage. He authored a biography of Whitman titled Walt
Whitman, the Man (1896). For more information about Donaldson, see
Steven Schroeder, "Donaldson, Thomas (1843–1898)," Walt Whitman:
An Encyclopedia, ed. J.R. LeMaster and Donald D. Kummings (New York:
Garland Publishing, 1998).