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[Leaf 1 recto]

ad Sheridan

Put this in the day of Sheridan's burial ceremonies—Personal

proof reader please by copy

[wrap?] lead

Over and through the burial chant,

Organ and solemn service, sermon, bending

priests,

To one come stealing- _^ interpolation- sounds not in the show—

plainly to me all through athwart _^ crowding up the aisle

and _^ from the window, sounding,

Of sudden battle's hurry and harsh noises—

war's, war's grim game to sight and

ear in earnest,

The scout call'd up _^ and forward——the General _^ mounted, and his

aids _^ around him——the new-brought word—the

instantaneous order issued;

The rifle-crack—the cannon thud—the

rushing-forth of men from their tents,

The clank of cavalry—the strange celerity

of forming ranks,—the slender bugle note;

The sound of horses' hoofs departing—saddles

arms, accoutrements.

Walt Whitman

Date: This manuscript was at least partially composed between August 5 and August 11, 1888. General Philip Henry Sheridan died on August 5, 1888, and Whitman composed this poem as a response to his death. The note at the top of the manuscript, which is crossed out in blue pencil, notes that Whitman wanted this poem published the day of Sheridan's funeral ceremonies, held on August 11, 1888. Some of the revisions, particularly those in blue pencil, were quite possibly made after that date.

Editorial note: This manuscript is a printer's copy of the poem first published as "Over and Through the Burial Chant" in the New York Herald on August 12, 1888. The poem was later retitled "Interpolation Sounds."

Notes written on manuscript: In top margin, in unknown hand: 533.; In bottom margin, in unknown hand: H.G. 156.; In unknown hand: H.G. 156.

Location: Funeral Interpolations | Yale Collection of American Literature, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

The Walt Whitman Archive