17, 1821.
'I have to acknowledge the receipt of "Ada's hair," which is very soft and pretty, and nearly as dark already as mine was at twelve years old, if I may judge from what I recollect of some in Augusta's possession, taken at that age.

But it don't curl--perhaps from its being let grow.
'I also thank you for the inscription of the date and name; and I will tell you why: I believe that they are the only two or three words of your handwriting in my possession.

For your letters I returned; and except the two words, or rather the one word, "Household," written twice in an old account book, I have no other.

I burnt your last note, for two reasons: firstly, it was written in a style not very agreeable; and, secondly, I wished to take your word without documents, which are the worldly resources of suspicious people.
'I suppose that this note will reach you somewhere about Ada's birthday--the 10th of December, I believe.

She will then be six: so that, in about twelve more, I shall have some chance of meeting her; perhaps sooner, if I am obliged to go to England by business or otherwise.