To Emily Dickinson
From Helen Hunt Jackson

12 May 1879

My dear friend,

I know your "Blue bird" by heart - and that is more than I do of any of my own verses. -

I also want your permission to send it to Col. Higginson to read. These two things are my testimonial to its merit.

We have blue birds here - I might have had the sense to write something about one myself, but I never did: and now I never can. For which I am inclined to envy, and perhaps hate you.

"The man I live with" (I suppose you recollect designating my husband by that curiously direct phrase) is in New York, - and I am living alone, - which I should find very insupportable except that I am building on a bath room, & otherwise setting my house to rights. To be busy is the best help I know of, for all sorts of discomforts. -

What should you think of trying your hand on the oriole? He will be along presently

Yours ever -
Helen Jackson

P.S. Write & tell me if I may pass the Blue Bird along to the Col? -