I perform the thrice-agreeable office of informing you that my purgatory here1 is just finishing.—In a few days more I shall be unbound and unloosed.—At present I think it improbable that I shall pay any visit to Jamaica, though I should like to see my friends there.—Write to me on Friday, by the cars, or on Tuesday next, by the baker: after that time I shall not be here to "receive communications."—
—"O. how my spirit springs and grows elastick at the idea of leaving this diabolical, and most particularly cursed locality!—Shades through which I have wandered; orchards that I have plundered; old school-room, dirty-faced urchins, and moth eaten desk, I bid ye all a long farewell.—Pork, cucumbers, and buckwheat bread, we must part, perhaps forever!—Solemn thought: Rye-sweetcake, sour milk, and "scented" fish—ye dear companions of the past summer—alas! the mouth that has known you, will know you no more—"
—Don't forget to write on Friday, if you can.—Brenton2 will send me a package at that time, and your letter can be slipped in like a knife.—
—State how Abel3 is; and indite the news generally. May the saints bless you; and may Peace never get out of humour and cut your acquaintance.
W. Whitman Wednesday afternoon Sept. 9th loc_gk.01464_large.jpgCorrespondent:
Abraham Paul Leech
(1815–1886) was the son of Obadiah Paul Leech (1792–1881), an
auctioneer, and his wife, Susan Holland Leech. One of three children, Leech
would go on to become a bookkeeper and friend of Walt Whitman. Leech also served
as secretary pro tem of The Jamaica Lyceum in the 1840s in Jamaica, New York. He
and his wife, Phebe Kissam Duryea Leech (1823–1885) had two children:
Abraham Duryea Leech (1851–1876) and John Leech (1860–?).