I received your letter1 some three weeks ago, but have not had much chance to answer it untill now. I am alone at home, with my brothers—Papa2 & Mother are gone visiting to Uncle John's Father's-in-law.3
Garrie4 and I have been to school to day,—the teacher was pretty cross.
A great many people are dying around here this winter and spring. I attended two funerals yesterday. Our undertaker hd six orders for coffins last Saturday.
An old gentleman 65 years of age, was coming to our house with a basket
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of eggs, for papa to take to Paterson to market, when he fell down in the road, and expired in
an hour or two.
Papa, George & I had quite a tramp
last week—we went to New York Monday morning with the
first train and came back Tuesday night. Monday morning we went to Fulton Ferry, and found Uncle
George5 at work, driving stage—We went up town in his stage,
& then walked up to the Park,
where we spent about 2 Hours—saw a great many anamiles ,
a few birds, &c, &c., but the monkeys, were best of all—We then went down town, and
got dinner, then walked up broadway to 14th
St. here we met Uncle George, on his way down town, and Papa went with him, while George, & I
went to a Museum of Art6—We saw a great many things to amuse us,
such as paintings, [torn-away]
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on wood & on stone, ancient armour, ancient dishes, Books, &c. &c. When we came from there
we went to the cor. of 14th
St. & B.way , to meet Papa—we then walked
around, seeing all we could, till we got very tired—then we went and sat down awhile, & then
up to 43rd st. to meet Uncle George—then we soon went to bed.
Tuesday we took the street cars, & went to the Park, walked through the Park, & took the street cars to High Bridge. Here we saw a fine structure—we were there awhile & then took the Hud. R. R R to 43rd st. We now got down town , over the ferry, & home.
I have written this, but dont know if it will interest you or not.
There fell some snow Friday, & is not gone yet, it is quite cold.
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Garrie, George, Dick, & May, are amusing themselves by riding one another around the room, on their Backs.
Now, I have written a good long letter, & you must answer it soon.
I hope you will improve with the warm weather.
So Good Bye from your loving friend Walt. Whitman Storms.P.S. I gave Uncle George the letter you sent me, & he said he would write to you, but if he will or not I do not know.
Correspondent:
Walt Whitman Storms (probably born
in 1858; see the letter from Herman Storms to Walt Whitman, January 11, 1865) was the son of Herman Storms (1822–1898) and the nephew of
George Storms (1829–1886), both New York drivers.