Whitman writes to William Rossetti in reference to the printing of his poems abroad. He hopes that the reprint with take the form of a selection of his poems from various editions of his pieces printed in the U.S. He also requests a specific layout for each page of the forthcoming volume, but notes that his suggestions may be taken, or ignored, as Mr. Rossetti wishes.
Full Text
To William M. Rossetti
Washington, U.S.|Novemer 22, 1867.
My dear Mr. Rosetti:
I suppose Mr. Conway has received, & you have read, the letter I sent over about three weeks since, assenting to the substitution of other words, &c. as proposed by you, in your reprint of my book, or selections therefrom.
I suppose the reprint intends to avoid any expressed or implied character of being an expurgated edition. I hope it will simply assume the form & name of a selection from the various editions of my pieces printed here. I suggest, in the interest of that view, whether the adjoining might not be a good form of Title page: I wish particularly not only that the little figures numbering the stanzas, but also that the larger figures dividing the pieces into separate passages or sections be carefully followed & preserved, as in copy.
When I have my next edition brought out here, I shall change the title of the piece "When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom'd," to President Lincoin's Funeral Hymn." You are at liberty to take the latter name, or the old one, at your option, (that is, if you include the piece.)
It is quite certain that I shall add to my next edition (carrying out my plan from the first,) a brief cluster of pieces, barn of thoughts on the deep themes of Death & Immortality.
Allow me to send you an article I have written on "Democracy"-a hasty charcoal-sketch of a piece, but indicative, to any one interested in Leaves of Grass, as of the audience the book supposes, & in whose interest it is made. I shall probably send it next mail.
Allow me also to send you (as the ocean-postage law is now so easy,) a copy of Mr. Burroughs's Notes, & some papers. They go same mail with this,
And now, my dear sir, you must just make what use-or no use at all-of any thing I suggest or send- as your occasions call for. Very likely some of my suggestions have been anticipated.
I remain, believe me, with friendliest feelings & wishes,
Walt Whitman
