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  POTTER, EDW. Dear Mr. Whitman,

I copy the foregoing from page 709, in the May number of the Contemporary Review in an article: "The Interpretation of Litterature​ Literature​ " by Professor Dowden, thinking you may not have seen it, and it may give you pleasure to see it. At Venice, a year ago, I met Mr. Symmonds, an English author of eminence, who greatly admired your writings and was eager to hear of you. Whenever I hear your works mentioned it is with a frank and outspoken admiration formerly more rare. And though you   must hear this now from all sides, still there may be moments when a friendly reiteration of it coming unexpectedly may not be uncheering to you. I think your works are doing good in the world. The revelation which is in the life all around us and in ourselfs​ ourselves​ is more listened to, more respected. What is true, then, is more respected; what is natural is more respected; less violence is done to nature, or at any rate urged and insisted on as what ought to be done. Happiness is increased, increasing, & is to be probably immeasurably more increased. To have had a share, and so large a share, in this work must be a great happiness & cause of thankfulness for you. Excuse so long a letter. I meant it to be shorter. It calls for no answer. I hope all goes well with you. That you   are in fair health and fair spirits, without pains of body or spirit, or cares or anxieties. I remember you always with gratitude & affection—both for your books and yourself.

Sincerely yours, Edward T. Potter 8. rue de Lisbonne, Paris June 19th/86. see notes Mar 9 1889
 

"We can point to no writer who drew early to his side a small band of eminent disciples and at the same time suffered shame and scoffing or total neglect from the crowd, who did not in the end prove a power in literature and gradually win acceptance from the world. Such was Wordsworth's position in the opening years of this century; such a little later was Shelley's position. Such was Carlyle's half a century since, and Mr. Browning's at a date more recent. Such also was Mr. Whitman's position until of late, when a considerable company has gathered to his side and the voice of opposition has almost fallen silent."