To Emily Dickinson
From Helen Hunt Jackson

20 August 1876

My dear Miss Dickinson,

How could you possibly have offended me? I am sorry that such an idea should have suggested itself to you.

I have often and often thought of sending you a line, but there are only sixty minutes to an hour. There are not half enough.

I enclose to you a circular which may interest you. When the volume of Verse is published in this series, I shall contribute to it: and I want to persuade you to. Surely, in the shelter of such double anonymousness as that will be, you need not shrink. I want to see some of your verses in print. Unless you forbid me, I will send some that I have. May I? - It will be some time before this volume appears. There ought to be three or four volumes of stories first, I suppose. -

My husband is here with me: and we are enjoying this lovely N. England country, very much: but we shall be here only a few days longer, having that great "chore" of the Exposition to do.

The address

Care of Messrs Roberts Bros. Boston

Thank you for writing in such plain letters! Will you not send me some verses?

Truly your friend
Helen Jackson

P.S. If you ever see Dr. Cate, pray give my love to him; - mine & Mr. Jacksons also.