
I got your pleasant letter, and thank you for the
attention you paid my note through Mr. Cummins. I feared over
aggressiveness (perhaps my mulishness) on the 20 percent and other mooted questions
had obliterated on your side, our friendship. I am happy in begging your pardon.
& I have not seen Townsend since his return over the water,
but I had a talk with his beautiful and intelligent wife in Phila & she said that not only did Townsend admire you and yours but that he
had also weaned
her from a prejudice. I do not believe that man exists whom Townsend is more anxious
to know intimately than lusty Walt Whitman. You will both be gratified one of these
days, for it is your and his Destiny. I wonder if I will lose two "bully" friends,
when you two come together?
Cummins is a whole souled, but erratic, fellow, and a good companion. He regards his friendships warmly. I'm glad you met him.
I should like to see Burrough's book on you,
& will pay the price & postage if he will send it to me. However I
expect to be in Washington in a couple of weeks & I can secure the essay then. The
health of self & family is better than for sometime past—thanks to the
pure air of the mountains. I think I never appreciated the country before—its
flowers, its trees its rocks & its brooks, to say nothing of the greenness of
the grass or the perfumed air. I have looked for the name in the corner of the
Lord's pockethand kerchief many times here & I dare not say I have not found
it.
Write me again before I see you.
The Ramsdell family heresend sends nothing short of love to Walt Whitman.
Goodbye H J Ramsdell
I do not know George Townsend's present address, but care of Tribune will reach him
Hiram