Yours of 29th Dec. with the present came safe to-day—Believe me I feel the gift, & it comes just right too—John, please forward the enclosed slip to unknown friend—
The above is a fair picture of the great Mississippi Bridge, East St Louis, where I have loafed many hours—only it sets up much higher than the print gives—I dont believe there can be a grander thing of the kind on earth—
Jan 4
I leave here Sunday morning at 8, on my return east, & shall be due in Philadelphia Monday evening, before 8—The last two or three weeks I have been well, for me, & am so now—
Your letter was deeply interesting to me, made me see Emerson no doubt just as he is, the good pure soul—
John, I sympathize with you in the arm, & the treatment too—
A great thaw & dense fog here as I write—
Walt Whitman