Springfield Weekly Republican

Dr. Holland and family left Springfield Monday for New York, whence they sailed for Europe on Wednesday, in the steamer Manhattan, intending to spend two years or more in travel and residence abroad. This departure leaves a great gap in the literary, social and religious life of our city; and one regret at the separation is not lessened by the fact that it is shared by that great circle of friends who only know Dr. Holland through his books or from the lecture platform. But if ever vacation was fairly earned it has been by "Timothy Titcomb." The columns of The Republican, that row of choice books in many a library, the thousands of miles traveled in the inclement season of our northern winters to fulfill lecture "engagements,"—all testify to the many years of faithful and laborious work by the author, while we of Springfield, his friends and neighbors, are but too proud to bear witness to the constant geniality, the philanthropy, the Christianity of the man,—first, indeed, in every good word and work. So we choke down the selfish impulse that would bid him stay, and in all heartiness and hopefulness bid the travelers bon voyage, a happy sojourn and a safe return. We do not learn that Dr. Holland contemplates much work with the pen while away; he goes more for needed recreation and study, and for the education of his children; but we can't help sharing with the readers of The Republican the expectation that frequent letters will tell us of the whereabouts and the welfare of our friend.