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I am sorry to say that I do not know your friend Kenneth? Porter in the department of history at Eugene. During my last years there I was very busy working on Inward Sky, didn't even attend faculty meetings, and hence saw very few people. I hope that your friend likes Eugene. A few years ago the head of the history department was unclear or asked to be relieved, I don't know which or why, though at the time I wondered.

I am this year teaching at California Western University here in San Diego, a school of about 1500. In a weak moment, falsely charmed by tales of the climate, I agreed to come here--to my present regret. The English department, naturally weak seems to be suffering from internal dissentions, I shan't stay here beyond the end of the year, if I stay that long. I may really retire next year. I have another book on my mind--one treating the relations between Emerson and Thoreau, something I propose to call the Two Solitary Stars.

Thanks again, and Merry Christmas! Herbert H. Hoeltje