
This morning's post brought me a note from Dr J. with copy of a postcard recd from you (dated March 29th) & a very cordial inspiriting letter from Traubel. (March 28).
It gladdened my heart to note the cheerful hopeful tone in which Traubel refers to your condition, & to the way in which you "swim the current still, with brave arm & confident soul."
Your own report, the day
following,—"no worse, I guess, but bad enough"—"head distress
today"—harmonise only too sadly, when one notes in both letters how adverse
the weather has been. It has been no better here & still continues bleak &
cold. I am afraid that we cannot look for much definite progress till better weather
comes. But it must come soon, & we look forward to it longingly, in confident
hope that you will then emerge from your long illness, & delight our hearts with
reports of progress & regained freedom & cheer.

Tomorrow night I am to address the friends in Bolton. I intend to briefly review the records of your life prior to 1855, & to point out as well as I can the influences which led to the production of L. of G. & which shaped & coloured it. I wanted to prepare for it carefully, but circumstances have prevented it. So I have merely jotted down heads for an informal talk, & will let it go at that. Perhaps it will be better so.
I cannot write more
tonight. But my thoughts have been very full of you of late, & my heart's best
love goes out to you always.
P.S. The "Contemporary" contains an article on "The Influence of Democracy on Literature" by Edmund Gosse, which it may interest you to glance over. I have ordered a copy & will send it to you with this.

P.S. Saturday morning 11 ap
Our meeting came off last night & was well attended—the usual hearty friendliness of tone prevailing. I can only write a line or two, so will leave the account of it to Johnston.
A letter received by me from Dr Bucke this morning confirms the welcome news of the improvement in your condition, & is altogether hopeful & cheering


