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Jany. 16th 18911
My dear Mr Whitman,
Will you accept this accompanying package as a sort of kindling wood accompaniment to
the sun-set breeze.2 I am assured that it is the loc_vm.02480.jpg best of its kind and
the very best of anything is not too good for Walt Whitman—at least that is
the opinion of
Yours Sincerely,
Francis Wilson
Mr Walt Whitman
(Chestnut st theatre)3
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see | notes | Jan 16 | 1891
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Correspondent:
Francis Wilson
(1854–1935) was an actor, playwright, and memoirist. He would go on to
become the founding president of Actor's Equity.
Notes
- 1. This letter is addressed: Mr
Walt Whitman | 328 Mickle st. | Camden, | N.J. There is no postmark or stamp on
the envelope. [back]
- 2. In his January 13, 1891 letter, to Whitman, Joseph M.
Stoddart announced that he was going to visit the poet with a number of other
people, including the actor Francis Wilson. As Whitman told Traubel the visit
was brief but "brightening" (With Walt Whitman in Camden,
Thursday, January 15, 1891). The next day Traubel reported that
Whitman received the letter from Wilson (With Walt Whitman in
Camden, Friday, January 16, 1891). This letter was accompanied by a bottle of
Old Crow Whiskey, which is the "kindling wood" Wilson refers to here. [back]
- 3. The Chestnut Street Theatre
in Philadelphia had a long history; it was founded in 1791. After burning down
twice (once in 1820, a second time in 1856), the theatre was rebuilt several
blocks from its previous location, where it thrived until 1913, when it closed
permanently. [back]