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  Friend Whitman.

After "duly considering," we have have concluded that it is best for us to insist on the omission of certain objectionable passages in Leaves of Grass, or, decline publishing it. We could give twenty reasons for this, but the fact will be enough for you to know.

 

We are not in a position, at present, to experiment. We must not venture.

Again, it will be better for you to have the work published by clean hands. i.e. by a House, not now committed to unpopular notions. We are not in favor, with the conservatives, and a more orthodox House would do better for   you. Try the Masons, Partons Publishers, (they publish Fanny Fern's works.) They are rich & enterprizing, & I guess would publish Leaves of Grass on fair terms.

Truly Yours S. R. Wells     Bookbinding & from Wells Fowler & Wells