I AM WRITING IN REsponse to “O Captain! Our Captain!” (The District Line, 8/18), written by Eddie Dean. I would just like to say that I really admire what he wrote. I am a Deadhead myself and have been to 17 shows. When I heard about Jerry Garcia’s death, I was shocked and numb at the same time. It was the worst news of the summer. What Dean wrote put a smile on my face. There are so many negative articles out there about Jerry’s death. What he wrote is proof that there are kind and caring people out there. And I thank him for that. Please, if you could, give this letter to Mr. Dean. I would be very grateful if he would be able to read this. A response would be very appreciated from him. He is one truly amazing writer. Thank you for your time. Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile.

Arlington, Va.