The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-04-01
WALT WHITMAN.

To The EDITOR OF THE HKRALD:-
A short time ago l made visit to the paralyzcd
American poet, Walt Whitman, at his residence with
his brother in Camden, N. J. l now feel mpeed
to assure Robert Buchanan and the other kind
hearted British authors who have just brought his
pccunary the attention Of the British public
with the object of getting up testimonial in his
behalf that their action is not out Of place. Tho cec-
bratcd author of caves OF Grass is not in danger OF
starvation not destitute of friends and is too proud
to make complaint of his circumstances. He has
home with one of his brothers. and not surprised
Lord Houghton, after seeing It, considered him
comfortable But yet know 1t to be fact that
Walt whitman's long and grcvous illness has placed
him in such position to justify the appeal Of Mr.
Buchanan
feel ashamed and take my share Of blame in that It
has been necessary to make such appeal to the
people of another country. On returning hero from my
last visit to Mr. Whitman had intended to take the
up but so far, in the pressure OF busy life.
I have neglected IT, / spoke Of 1t to distinguished
artist who at delicatey offered to put down hi
for five copies $500 OF the new edition OF Whit
mans works, and also spoke OF 1t to well known
author, who Immediately followed with similar
offer. knew, furthermore, the Hon. James Scovel
and Colonel Johnston OF Camden, were anxious
operate in any scheme OF benefit for Walt Whitman,
and had furthermore heard that to this list might be
added Mr. Samuel Bowles, Of the Springfield Republican
With self-upbraidings for past negligence must
say, WOW of what has happened abroad, that it Is
high time for those who feel interest in the matter
to take steps for giving practical shape TO their nom
inal interest
For nearly twenty years have been on terms OF
aflectionate intimacy with Walt Whitman. / knew
him in his splendid prime, when his familiar hgure
daily on broadway, and when he was brood
ing those extraordinary poems which have since
been put into halt dozen languages, and commanded
the homage OF many of tho greatest minds In modern
literature. From then till the time OF mis- paralysis
during which have repeatedly seen him in Camden,
works and in saddening trials he has remalSed the
same genuine man, in whom the well springs
Of poetry give. perpetual freshness to the pass.
OF his exhaustng labors among our sick and
wounded soldiers in the hospitals near Washington
during the something OF these labors when
was visiting the hospitals. can testify, count
less others that for at least three years the good
gray poet spent large portion o. MS time Gay ana
those who had been MANNED or otherwise Frustrated IN
the service of their country first heard OF him
there. Subsequently saw HIM, time and again, in the
Washington hospitals or vending his way there with
his basket his and the strength OF benefccnco
sunusus his face HIS devotion surpassed the devo-
ton oil woman. IL would take volume to tell OF his
| forget one night when | accompanied him
his rounds through hospital filled with those
wounded "Young Americans, whose herosm no has
sung in dcathcss numbers There were three rows of
cots and each bore its man. When he appeared in
passing along there smile OF affection and well
come on every face, however wan, and hts presence
seemed TO light up the place might be 1T by the
presence OF the son OF Love From cot TO cot they
called him. often in tremulous tones or In whispers;
they embraced him, they touched his hand they
gazcd him. To one he gave few words of cheer;
for another a letter home; to others he gave
orange, few comhts, cigar, pipe and tobacco,
sheet OF paper postage stamp-all OF which and
many other things in his little basket; from
other he would receive dying message for mother,
wife or sweetheart; for another he would promise
TO 20 an errand; 10 another he would give manly
farewell kiss He did tho things for them which
nurse or doctor could do; and he seemed TO leave
benediction At every cot rs he passed along. Tho
lights had cleaned for hours the hospital that night
before he lett IL. and he took his way toward the
door you could hear the voice OF many stricken hero
calling "walt WALTZ Walt Come again. Como
asaini, His basket and store, filled with all sorts Of
odds aud ends Tor the men, had been emptied. He
had little give; but 1t seemed 10 me as though he
gave more than other men,
II was through such abors these that the jocund
,,oct became a paralyuc Toward the close OF the
no was Frustrated and again by hospital malaria
which at last brought him TO wreck
II IS not necessary to admire all OF Walt Whitman's
poetry any part OF 1t; but every one who knew OF
his work the soldiers in the hospitals admire
the man warmly as he was admired by Abraham
Lincoln.
Now sir, II seems to me that Walt whitman's coun-
trymcn should allow him to suffer from pcnnry in
his old age. His life may not be long, though he can
still at times be tottering through the streets Of
Camden, aad his closing days should be checrcd by
those kindly memories. which, hope are not to reach
him wholly from Great Britain. JOHN SWINTON.
No. ia EAST THIRry-gIGurn STREET, March IS, 1915