Y'r letter has come this forenoon2—finds me quite sick & lying down most of the time—Will write soon & more at length—I have these spells sometimes & then have to let every thing go. Nothing serious—shall be all right in a few days—Keep a stout heart dear boy, & God bless you—
Walt Whitman loc_vm.01325.jpg loc_vm.01322.jpg loc_vm.01323.jpgCorrespondent:
Edward "Ned" Wilkins
(1865–1936) was one of Whitman's nurses during his Camden years; he was
sent to Camden from London, Ontario, by Dr. Richard M. Bucke, and he began
caring for Whitman on November 5, 1888. He stayed for a year before returning to
Canada to attend the Ontario Veterinary School. Wilkins graduated on March 24,
1893, and then he returned to the United States to commence his practice in
Alexandria, Indiana. For more information, see Bert A. Thompson, "Edward
Wilkins: Male Nurse to Walt Whitman," Walt Whitman Review
15 (September 1969), 194–195.