printable version
To Henry Whitney Bellows
| My dear friend; | 209 W. 46 ST. NEW YORK. 22d Dec. 1879. |
As I was getting my children’s books tonight I recevd a surprising Christmas present myself. A package of proofs was put in my hand with the remark that I might find something of interest in them.
I have been looking through them with no little emotion — partly for the honor you are heaping on me — partly because of a haunted feeling. What! You don’t mean to say that I wrote that! The Ghost of Christmas past.
Really, Doctor, you know they are not wholly authentic, those letters to which you sign my name. I know at least that a very kind editorial hand has been upon them.
I am more than grateful that you can have had it in your heart to so deal by me. And I don’t repine that the fact of my life falls so very far short of what you have wished to think it.
I can only wish you in return a Merry Christmas & many of them, being always
Fredk Law Olmsted.
As a matter of proofreading: F.L.O was not the originator of the Central Park. That word belongs to Downing if to any man. And the design is equally Vaux’s. If the page (10) is cast & not printed could you not at least substitute executive? It is not quite the thing but it would fill the space of originator.