McKay has sold 50 more copies of the big book. Approached me last evening to have them numbered. Promised I would have it done in the morning. W. had already given him orders for the sheets from Oldach. I went down to W.'s about nine-thirty but he was not up yet. Sent Warren to his bedroom for sheets, W. directing him where to find them. Harned had invited me to dine with him and Bucke at the Bellevue at eleven—so I hastened to Philadelphia—numbered the sheets in red ink at McKay's and reached the Bellevue just after they started to eat. Everybody exuberant about last night—McKay much worked up. Loag was at table with the two others. I had exchanged last night's cash with Harned for a check.
The papers about all reported the lecture to more or less extent—Press best, then Times, then Inquirer. Record also in line. Ledger rather slightingly spoke of the lecture as successful so far as numbers were concerned. Camden papers—the Post and Telegram—reported, Bonsall also giving it editorial allusion.
INGERSOLL ON WHITMAN(Philadelphia Press, October 22, 1890.)
I met Peirce, President of the Ethical Society, who said it was the greatest lecture he had ever heard—for power, both of utterance and statement. Peirce has known Parker and all the anti-slavery men.
Bucke and I are to go away tomorrow. After breakfast we went together to W.'s. He was in his room. Bucke downstairs. I gave W. check. Greatly pleased and gratified. Spoke of the "nobility and grandeur of the Colonel's conduct and attitude throughout." Gave me an interesting receipt for the money. Then took up a copy "Leaves of Grass"—McKay edition—inscribed it "in memory Ingersoll lecture," etc.—and handed to me. Said he had already sent a number of papers away—was using the Press as having the best report and thought as he "dwelt upon the address"— "let it soak in more and more"—how "probably it is in many ways the best statement yet."
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Wished me to "write to the Colonel" when opportunity came. He felt well—was "tired, somewhat, still: the edge a little worn off" but in the main held his own. I went home, having much to do ere going away. Back again about four-thirty. Bucke still there. We went to Philadelphia to inquire about trains, etc. I hurrying to Camden once more and to W.'s to bid him good-bye—kissing him farewell—getting his promise that he would write. Had been out to cemetery this afternoon with Bucke (carriage)—shown him the tomb and described its scheme. Bucke says W. told him he would reserve him one crypt—subject to his use if he desired, etc. W. holds up surprisingly. We hardly imagined that he would go through last night in such excellent fashion.