A change in the weather—cloudy & disposed to rain—very moderate temperature—I continue to feel fairly & what may be call'd improving—bowel movement this forenoon—I read letter from my young valued journalistic (German-educated & theosophistic) friend in Boston, Sylvester Baxter, wh' I include—also copy printed of your letter on big book—(I can send several copies if you want)—have rec'd yours of 24th, & note carefully what you say of food, alcohol, &c, and of the effete wretchedness—all thoroughly judged & true, & shall charge myself practically with it—certainly so—& glad to get it all—
As I write, the Post paper comes, with an item ab't my health &c, authentic—& I enclose two more printed copies of the letter & send—I have rec'd from F B Sanborn & Kennedy, acknowledging the big books. Rec'd y'rs of evn'g Dec. 25th—
3 P M—Passing an easier day upon the whole—have just eaten chocolate ice cream—read y'rs of 24th a second time—I guess I am getting along pretty well, considering everything—to have the books off my mind is a great relief—If I can now be freed of this gastric, head & feeble trouble—
Walt Whitman