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  see notes May 1 1888 Splendid off hand letter from John Burroughs—?publish it Dear Walt,

I am writing to you on the spur of the moment in hopes it will help bring me to my senses, for I am quite stunned at the first glance of London. I have just come from St Pauls​ Paul's​ & feel very strange. I don't know what is the matter with me but I seem in a dream. St Pauls​ Paul's​ was too much for me & my brain actually reels. I have never seen architecture before. It made me drunk I have seen a building with a living soul, I can't tell you about it   now. I saw for the first time what power & imagination could be put in form & design—I felt for a moment what great genius was in this field. But I had to retreat after sitting down a half hour and trying to absorb it. I feel as if I should go no where else while in London. I must master it or it will kill me. I actually grew faint. I was not prepared for it & I though​ thought​ my companions the Treasury clerks would drive me mad they rushed round so, I had to leave them & sit down. Hereafter I must go alone everywhere. My brain is too sensitive. I am not strong enough to confront these things all at once. I would give anything   if you was here. I see now that you belong here—these things are akin to your spirit. You would see your own in St Pauls​ Paul's​ , but it took my breath away. It was more than I could bear & I will have to gird up my loins & try it many times. Out side it has the beauty & grandure​ grandeur​ of rocks and crags and ledges. It is nature & art fused into one. Of course time has done much for it, it is so stained and weather worn. It is like a Rembrandt picture so strong & deep is the light & shade. It is more to see the old world than I had dreamed, much more. I thought art was of little account, but now I get a glimpse of the real article I am overwhelmed. I had   designed to go on the continent, but I shall not stir out of London till I have vanquished some part of it at least. If I loose​ lose​ my wits here why go further? But I shall make a brave fight. I only wish I had help. These fellows are like monkeys. I have seen no one yet but shall try to find Conway to morrow. I write you this dear Walt to help recover my self. I know it contains nothing you might expect to hear from me in London, but I have got into Niagara without knowing it & you must bear with me. I will give facts & details next time. Go & see Ursula.

With much love, John Burroughs

Oct 4—I went to day to see Conway but he was not in—so I went back to St Pauls​ Paul's​ to see if I really made a fool of myself yesterday. I did not feel as before & perhaps never shall again, yet it is truly grand & there is no mistake. It is like the grandest organ music put into form

P. S. I hope you & O'Connor will really make an effort to come over here. You need not mention it but I know it is not settled at all who will come. This you can rely upon, but there will be no more bonds sent till in November.