This letter was addressed to Miss Edith King Peck, Norfolk, Connecticut, dated Sep 17, 1893. Stationary says OFFICE OF SWAIN, EARLE & CO., 63 & 65 Commercial Street, Boston, Mass.

Whitman.

My Edie:

I am spending a day in the old place - have just been to one of the churches here. I met one of my old classmates - the one - by the way whom kind third parties used to pair off with me. She is a fine looking girl (hence her fitness for me), has lost her mother, and has a feeble father with no $.

I slept last night in the "blue room." Leave here Tuesday mon. May find time to call on M - as she asked me to do.

I am not getting rich very fast, for I am legitimate prey for the Boston "men's outfitters" and feebly fall before a new tie or silken wrapper. Found stockings $4 to 5 pr. pair and a dream of a long light blue silk night gown, etc. etc. etc.

I am bravely restraining myself, dear, because I am bound to get you a ring that is nice enough for you if I have to go hungry: and as I have to feed and clothe myself on $10.00 a week and save all I can for your ring. I am not able at present to purchase a junior mortgage. My investigations in Shrere? Drump & Son have not imbred me with the idea that they give them away with a pound of baking powder. I kick myself that I did not go to work this Summer and earn some $: but I did not expect you wanted to announce so soon: I can't see how even by close saving I can get much together before the time you want to "spring it," not that I disapprove dear. I fully sympathize and wish I could have a (here is a drawing of a ring) now. If I hurry all I can you must not mind for after all it is I who suffer - for if we are known to be engaged and you have no "sawl-terr" folks will only be surprised for you - but contemptuous for me. I can bear it, for I am away and when I come up (if I can afford it) you can secrete me from public scorn, in the back shed?

I must close for now - with best love.

Your

Jack

Of my "finances" please say nothing at all."

Letter transcribed by Vergie Barber DeAntonio June 30, 2000

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