
Well the New Year has come & it is a dark foggy stormy glum day here—my troubles are still from this inveterate grip & bladder affection (bad)—But I am sitting here, & blessing the powers that it is no worse—as before written I keep pretty good heart (that's the old south side phrase) & a fair appetite & strong right hand—I sent off a parcel with four books (big vols: complete works) directed to you & sent by express paid thro' in full—if you find a little note in the bundle, to pay expressage there, it is wrong as I after found they required prepayment in the Ex. office here—they said on Wells, Fargo & Co's (y'r Pacific side Co:) acc't—but the main thing will be, if the bundle reaches you safe, wh' is one motive of my sending now—I am putting some little licks on a little 2d annex to be called "Good bye my Fancy" wh' I will send you when printed—& my L of G. & all will be done—I wrote to you ab't a week ago too—has it come all right?—
¼ after 4 p m—(half light)—have just finished a good hearty meal roast turkey, &c: (Am writing all this quite at random to depend on y'r making it out—connecting &c)—Fog, wet & dark out as I look—Hope you are all jolly there & having good times to day—
Jan: 2d—same foggy glum weather—not cold—falls like a great wet blanket over the country everywhere—but the general inside glitter & fun & feasting go on & even increase (it is a kind of delirium)—Of course when you write tell me what has arrived of my sendings, as I am uncertain ab't the mail—do you get the papers I send?—I fancy the letters get there safe—I have rec'd three (? or four) f'm you, all welcomed—As I write I hear the great steam whistle (for noon) of a huge factory down by the river—looks sulky enough out (& I must beware lest I get sulky too)—Good will & affectionate remembrances to you & all—New Year happiness & luck to you all—
Walt Whitman

