While considering the question of publishing "Leaves of Grass" &c we have consulted with several eminent literary men and they have advised us most strongly not to do it.1
In view of this fact, though we are favorably impressed, as we were when we first wrote you, with the idea, we deem it injudicious to commit ourselves to its publication at the present time.
With the highest regards Yrs very truly A Simpson & CoA NEW BOOK,2
BY THE AUTHOR OF THE "SPARROWGRASS PAPERS,"
MESSRS. A. SIMPSON & CO.,
WILL PUBLISH
JULY 15th 1867.
The Sayings of Dr. Bushwhacker,
AND OTHER LEARNED MEN,
By F. S. COZZENS,
(AUTHOR OF THE "SPARROWGRASS PAPERS,")
ET. AL.
Dr. Bushwacker is incomparable; and is destined to be an eminent character in the world of literature. His sayings are admirably adapted for Town or Country reading.
PRICE $1 50.
A Liberal Discount to Booksellers and the Trade. Orders should be addressed promptly to
A. SIMPSON & CO., PUBLISHERS, 60 DUANE ST., N.Y. Sent by Mail, Post Paid, to any Address on receipt of the above price. AGATHYNIAN PRESS.3Correspondent:
Abraham Simpson, while working
for J. M. Bradstreet & Son, had supervised the binding of Drum-Taps (see Whitman's May 2, 1865,
letter to Peter Eckler). Simpson wrote on May 10,
1867, that he was going into business for himself and was interested
in publishing Whitman's next book: "Hearing you are writing another book [I]
would like to print and publish it for you and will give you better advantages
than any other publishing house . . . . One of my reasons for securing your
friendship is my appreciation for you as a man, well knowing your life has been
devoted to help along those most in need of your assistance." On May 31, 1867, Simpson informed Whitman that "we
have established a Ptng & Publishing House." But, as this letter indicates,
A. Simpson & Company had decided against publishing Leaves
of Grass (1867).