Revising Himself: Walt Whitman and Leaves of Grass
Walt Whitman to Anne Gilchrist

I am not insensible to your love. And do you. feel no disappointment because I now write briefly. . . . In my book I have put my body & spirit. I think you understand this better & fuller & clearer than any one else. And I too fully & clearly understand the loving letter it has evoked . . . My book is my best letter, . . . my response, my truest explanation of all