
A thousand thanks for the "Leaves of Grass" and many many more for the inscription—
As soon as the book came I read to a party of friends the "Mystic Trumpeter" and we were
all stirred to the very depths as though by the blast of a trumpet. What a beautiful, hopeful,
imaginative, tender—prophetic and superb poem it is!—Then
I read Sea Drift—The guests from Alabama, and then "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard
Bloomed"—and we all agreed that there could not be found in our literature three poems to
equal these in intensity, tenderness, philosophy and dramatic form.—
The only objection I have to the book is that it purports to be finished—with you, while there
is life there will be song.
You have not reached the journey's end and, while a grain of sand remains within the glass of time,
there's something left unsaid that we, your friends, would gladly hear. You must not say
Goodbye!—Wait and let that be the last. Thanking you again for the book and especially for the
loving words
Mrs. Ingersoll writes with me in thanks, congratulations and regards—

