The Walt Whitman Archive
Life & Letters
Correspondence
About this Item
Title: Walt Whitman to Anne Gilchrist, 28 September 1880
Date: September 28, 1880
Whitman Archive ID: upa.00046
Source: Walt Whitman Collection, 1842–1957, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, University of Pennsylvania. 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.
Notes for this letter were derived from Walt Whitman, The Correspondence, ed. Edwin Haviland Miller, 6 vols. (New York: New York University Press, 1961–1977), and supplemented, updated, or created by Whitman Archive staff as appropriate.
Contributors to digital file: Alicia Bones, Grace Thomas, Eder Jaramillo, Kevin McMullen, and Nicole Gray
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Niagara Falls, America
September 28 '80
My dear friend
I must write you a line or two—but it will be a short letter—I am on my way back to Camden, stopping here only temporarily. Have had a very successful summer trip—have jaunted over 3000 miles, no mishaps, and generally everything working in well—have met with many friends, & kindness & good will everywhere—I am as well as usual again the last two months, indeed I think I am better than usual—the climate country &c agree with me & I almost hate to leave them. Dr and Mrs Bucke have been like brother & sister, unvaryingly kind & helpful & affectionate—(Dr has several times spoken of you)
—I rec'd your letter of a month since1—My brother & sister are well, & matters as usual with them—Dr B wishes to be remembered—he has come on to the Falls with me. Peter Doyle has also come on from Washington, to spend a short time here & then return with me to Philadelphia. Love to you dear friend, & to Beatrice, Herbert & Grace—
Walt Whitman
Notes:
1. On August 22, Anne Gilchrist wrote to Whitman about her family, and concluded: "Send me a line soon, dear Friend—I think of you continually & know that somewhere & somehow we are to meet again & that there is a tie of love between us that time & change & death itself cannot touch." [back]