W. not so well. [See indexical note p012.2] "I am not down in the mouth about it," he explained, "but I am still jealous of that tramp: I suppose he's bummin' along somewhere on the road eatin' apples and feelin' drowsy and doin' as he pleases—and here am I in this room growlin' with a bellyache. What is the use of poetry or anything else if a man must have a bellyache with it?"
W. gave me an old letter from Linton. "This stuck its head out from a bunch over there this morning and I grabbed it. Take it along—put it among your souvenirs. That bunch of your souvenirs must be getting a bay window on it."
New Haven, Conn., May 19, 1875. My Dear Whitman:[See indexical note p012.3] Why have I not written to you? Why has not spring come? I have waited for that, waiting a little also till I could get through some work which would have made me uncompanionable.
Now—I go to New York on Saturday June 5 to the Century meeting and remain in New York till Tuesday or Wednesday after. Can not you meet me so as to return home with me? Apple blossoms surely will be out by then, and some summer warmth to enable you to enjoy your hammock (did I tell you I have one?) on the piazza. [See indexical note p013.1] I want you here and to set you to rights. Can you come then (not for a night or two but to stay indefinitely) or will you rather come later?
Do which may best suit you; but come; and let me know as near as you can when I may look for you.
Affectionately yours W. J. Linton.I want a copy of your Mystic Trumpeter for England.