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22-YEAR OLD POET-TO-BE WRITES TENDERLY TO HIS SISTER
417
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WHITTIER, JOHN GREENLEAF. Autograph Letter Signed, “J.G. Whittier,” to
his sister Mary Emerson Smith (“My Dear Sister”), expressing his affection and his dismay
at the treatment he has received from her. 3 pages, 4to,with integral address leaf; separations
and small holes at folds of address leaf with some loss just missing signature, folds, evenly
toned. (AKF)
Boston, 2 July 1829
[350/500]
“
You mentioned in your first kind letter in answer to my own that you should not answer all
my letters—but I did not expect to be so soon—so cruelly disappointed. If you knew how
deeply my feelings have been injured by your neglect—you would not—you could not—if you
are the same girl of whose acquaintance I was once proud—one whom I still respect and love,
have treated me so coldly. . . .”
“I HAVE PRETTY MUCH DONE WITH WRITING POETRY”
418
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WHITTIER, JOHN GREENLEAF. Autograph Poem, within an Autograph
Letter Signed, with Initials, to Mary E. Smith. The 48-line poem, entitled “Lines on a
Portrait,” opening the letter and continuing to the second page, beginning, “As lingers on
some mountain’s brow.” The letter, immediately following the poem, asking that the poem
be copied. The end of the letter is written on a flap of the address leaf, and the closing and
signature are written diagonally across the text on the same flap. 3
1
/
4
pages, 8vo; minor scat-
tered staining, some moderate bleed-through from stains and postmark, some tearing and
chipping at edges of address leaf with minor loss to text. (AKF)
Haverill [MA], 2 March 1833
[600/900]
“
My dear friend, you may perhaps marvel why I begin a letter to you in rhyme, but I wish you
do a kindness for me, by copying the above for Mr. Gallagher’s mission. I have pretty much
done with writing poetry—and you can mention that it is a piece of mine which you have in
your posession. At the same time you can send the following written by my sister E.H.W.
which I have taken without her leave. . . .”
418