Title: Benton H. Wilson to Walt Whitman, 27 December 1868
Date: December 27, 1868
Whitman Archive ID: loc.01995
Source: The Charles E. Feinberg Collection of the Papers of Walt Whitman, 1839–1919, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. Transcribed from digital images or a microfilm reproduction of the original item. For a description of the editorial rationale behind our treatment of the correspondence, see our statement of editorial policy.
Contributors to digital file: Kenneth M. Price, and Kathryn Kruger
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Syracuse
Dec 27th/68
Walt Whitman
Dear Friend
I suppose you will think by this time that I have forgotten my Dear old Friend by my long silence & neglect to answer your letter, or acknowledge the receipt of your paper that you was so kind as to send me, but I assure you that I have not forgot you but sill remember you with the same Love that [commenced?] in Armory Square Hospital & will not cease as long as life lasts.
There is not a day that passes but what I think of you & promise myself that I will not delay writing to you any longer but as often I break my promise.
We have had excellent Sleighing here for the past two or three weeks and it still continues to be good & all that can afford it seem to enjoy it very much.
I am at work in the Melodeon & Piano Factory of A. C. Chase again and shall probably continue there this winter. My health is very good. Father has been quite sick for a week but is improving now. Father & Mother send their Love to you.
Our Baby Walt is a fine boy now & as bright as a dollar. I hope to have the pleasure of showing him to you someday.
If you come to New York next summer & cannot come up and make me a short visit let me know when you are coming and if my business will permit I will meet you at new york and have a short visit with you there.
I hope that the exit of A Johnson & the inauguration of Gen Grant will restore the country to a Peace footing in a very short time.
I gave our Friends the Misses Riley a letter of introduction to you when they were here last fall. have you seen them yet. Hamilton is well as usual & is still running on the Rail Road. He sends his Love to you
Hoping you had a merry Christmas & wishing you a happy New Year. I will close for the [present?]
Please write soon.
yours with Love
[B. H. Wilson.?]