Dickinson, Emily

Autograph letter signed ("Emily"), 2 1/2 pages (7  1/8  x 4  1/2  in.; 181 x 115 mm) on bifolium watermarked "A. Pirie & Sons, 1862", [Amherst, Mass., spring 1871], to Mrs. Henry Hills, New York; horizontal and vertical folds, some very light browning.  Half blue morocco clamshell case, morocco gilt lettering-pieces, linen covers with morocco onlay in the shape of two feathers.

Johnson, ed.,The Letters of Emily Dickinson, vol. 2, p. 487

"I am the trifling neighbor ...."  This letter was written to Mrs. Henry Hills, a former Amherst neighbor living in New York.  Dickinson's sister, Lavinia, had just paid a visit to the Hills family.  "Little Emily" is a reference to the Hills's infant daughter named Emily.

"To be remembered is next to being loved, and to be loved is Heaven, and is this quite Earth?  I have never found it so.  Most affectionately thanking you for the care of Vinnie and the delight you have given all in delighting her, especially acknowledging the sweetness done myself, I am the trifling neighbor, praying you tonight as always to come back and dwell.  To 'Little Emily's' Mama, could name be more familiar than that of a remoter, though scarcely vaster, Emily."

Very rare.  A fine, charming letter in good condition.