The Walt Whitman Archive
Life & Letters
Correspondence
About this Item
Title: Thomas E. Vale to Walt Whitman, 12 December 1890
Date: December 12, 1890
Whitman Archive ID: loc.04353
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: Kirby Little, Ian Faith, Marie Ernster, Stephanie Blalock, and Amanda J. Axley
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"Bell Court"
Bidford
Nth Stratford-on-Avon
England
12 Decr/90
Professor Walt Whitman—
Camden
New Jersey
Dear Sir,
I thought the enclosed cutting1 out of my Chester paper would interest you. So I have taken the liberty to send it.
Your kindness on the field of battle, and in the hospitals, is deserving of all praise—and is appreciated by all Britons.
Being a stranger, not having read much of your poetry—I am very anxious, if possible, to procure—a copy of the first edition of one of your earliest poems. I am not particular which one—if you would kindly advise me where I could procure a copy. I am sure Sir, you have the best wishes of myself, and all—for your health and happiness, & wishing you a joyful Xmas & a happy new year.
I remain Dear Sir
Your faithful Servant
Thos. E. Vale
P.T.O.
It must have been a great consolation to you, to think that you have helped so much to alleviate the sufferings of those on the field of battle, and in the hospitals.
T. E. Vale—
Correspondent:
The correspondent may be
Thomas E. Vale (1845–1917), the son of James Vale, a physician, and his
wife Elizabeth. According to the 1891 England Census, Thomas Vale resided with
his mother, then a widow "living by her own means," and his sister in Bidford,
Warwickshire, England.
Notes:
1. This enclosure has not been located. [back]