I have been writing a line or two to Walt, so I thought I would ask you how you are and how Walt is. I have nothing else particularly to write about, and I am always glad to hear from home

Everything here is just the same. the neighbors run in and see me sometimes as usual I have not felt like going out, I am well perfectly only some anxious to hear from home, I would be glad to see you and Lou [2]X
Louisa Orr Haslam Whitman (1842-1892), known as “Lou,” married George Whitman on April 14, 1871. They moved to Camden in 1872, and Walt Whitman lived with them from 1873 to 1884. See Karen Wolfe, “Whitman, Louisa Orr Haslam (Mrs. George) (1842-1892),” in Walt Whitman: An Encyclopedia, ed. J.R. LeMaster and Donald D. Kummings (New York: Garland, 1998), 781. too & George [3]X
George Washington Whitman (1829-1901) was the seventh child of Walter and Louisa Whitman, and ten years younger than Walt. George learned to read and write as a pupil under his older brother Walt (who briefly served as a schoolteacher in Long Island) and worked as a carpenter prior to his military service during the Civil War. When the war ended, he became a pipe inspector for the City of Camden and the New York Metropolitan Water Board. See Martin G. Murray, “Whitman, George Washington,” in Walt Whitman: An Encyclopedia, ed. J.R. LeMaster and Donald D. Kummings (New York: Garland, 1998), 777-78. I wish we lived nearer I oten wish so, although I like our little house so much View PageFull size in new window I have meant mother to write again to Lou, that note I sent her was a poor return for her very kind letter. —

Have you heard from brother Jeffy [4]X
Thomas Jefferson Whitman(1833-1890), “Jeff,” was the eighth child of Walter and Louisa Whitman. Walt’s favorite brother, Jeff played the piano and had a lively sense of humor. He married Mattie Emma Mitchell on February 23, 1859. Jeff and Mattie moved in with Mother Whitman shortly after their marriage. In 1867 Jeff accepted a position as chief Engineer and superintendent of waterworks in St. Louis, Missouri. yet dear mother, and the children too. dear little girls [5]X
Mattie and Jeff had two daughters, Manahatta (“Hattie”), born on June 9, 1860, and Jessie Louisa, born on June 17, 1863.. I love them very much indeed. A while ago Walt sent me a letter Hattie had written him, — I was very nice and smart. — I think they are much smarter than other children.

I have not heard how Walt was since he wrote me about dear sister Marthas death, he wrote the 21 Feb,

I hope you are well as usual my dear Mother

I think you are wonderfully smart and well, for your age, — Dont you feel better since you have not kept house, not had so much housework to do

Will Walt come to Camden [6]X
Camden, New Jersey, where George and Lou had a house. Mother Whitman and Eddy moved in with them in August 1872. Walt was in Washington, DC at the time of this letter, and had recently suffered a paralytic stroke. See Geoffrey M. Sill, “Camden, New Jersey,” in Walt Whitman: An Encyclopedia (New York: Garland, 1998), 98-100. soon as he is well enough Mother. I expect you and Lou and Georg feel anxious about his being there alone indeed we all feel as if we would do anything in the world for him

I hope to hear from you soon Mother why dont Lou write,

This is not much of a letter dear Mother but I had to go down to View PageFull size in new windowthe P.O. [7]X
Hannah’s abbreviation for Post Office. to mail Walts letter, and was waiting a few minutes for Charlie to come to tea, — and I know how glad I am to hear any little thing from home.

I will write soon again and better next time

You must take good care of yourself dear Mother

I hope when I go down to the P.O. I will get a letter, that Walt is better