ALS signed “O. W. Holmes,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, June 25, 1866. Letter to a landlord who recently opened a nearby bathhouse, in part: "I trouble you unwillingly for you have done what you could so far and I know are anxious to remove all causes of complaint. But here is the fact. The most shameless exposure of adult persons is a matter of daily occurrence at the West Boston bath. Naked men stand…on the outside of the screen which hides the platform from which the bathers go outside. They climb up the blinds on the south sides. They get on to the roof and walk about. They stand on the beams over the middle bath, stark naked, every attribute of male humanity on gratuitous exhibition to a community of both sexes and all ages. Three men were indecently exposing themselves yesterday morning, outside the platform-screen. I went directly to the bath but the police officer was not there—gone to breakfast, I believe. Similar exhibitions are made constantly for the benefit especially of the young women attached to the Eye Infirmary, who have been in the habit of enjoying the Western view, which is the one attraction of all our neighborhood. What do I propose? 1. Printed notices, plenty of them, large, brief, preemptory—that all persons doing any of these things—climbing on the outside—showing themselves in any way so as to be seen (except swimming in the water) from these houses, etc., shall be forbidden from the bath, or perhaps prosecuted for indecent exposure. 2. Catch one or two of them and carry out the threat. 3. If nothing else will do have a dozen good long strips of board made ready with sharp wrought nails sticking and have them placed so as to put a stop to these outrages in public decency. I am speaking for others as well as myself and it is necessary that I should speak very plainly. The plan of public bathing-houses is admirable, and nobody values it more than I do, but I must tell you that in my opinion they must be ruled with a rod of iron, and that unless sternly and vigorously administered they will be recognized as public nuisances to entire neighborhoods." In fine condition, with light toning along the vertical fold. An unusual letter by the noted poet.
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