MANUSCRIPT: AC. Pencil. Envelope franked and addressed by Edward Dickinson. Postmarked: Amherst Ms Jul 11. The paragraph following the signature is on a separate sheet addressed on the verso: Austin.

PUBLICATION: LH 31-32, in part; Home 308-309, entire.

The first sentence, from which the beginning has been torn away, refers to Austin's hair (see letter no. 122 and 126). Austin came home on July 14 for a six-weeks vacation. The unexpected visit from Dr. Holland and his wife marks the beginning of the friendship between ED and Mrs. Holland, who met for the first time on this occasion. Holland's connection with the Springfield Republican brought him often to Amherst.