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Walt Whitman to John H. and Amelia Johnston, 17 March [1877]

Dear friends

We arrived here all safe at last—(after adventures)—had to cross the river late of a dark night in broken ice, in a little row boat, mid a furious snow storm (this house is on the west bank Hudson)—the natives advised us not to try it, but Harry & I said cross, & Mr. Burroughs consented—it was quite interesting—It looks like winter here, snow 8 inches deep in every direction—but I like it much—a far view from my window of miles of river, mountains, rocks & woods—quite a change of scene from N Y​ —We are very comfortable here, folks are (as every where) very kind to us—Harry has gone across the river in a row boat with Mr B. all the forenoon—& I have spent mine alone in the library writing, & frequently looking out at the grand show of scenery, in winter garb—

Love to you all, to Al and May, and the childer—to Mr Waters—(& even the picture)—May return either Tuesday or Wednesday for a couple of days or so—1

Walt Whitman

Notes

  • 1. Whitman returned to New York on Tuesday, March 20, and stayed with the Johnstons until March 27. See also Clifton Joseph Furness, Walt Whitman's Workshop (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1928), 207. [back]
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