Letter from John Muir to Henry Randall, 1902 Mar 20.

Martinez, Cal. 20,th March, 1902My dear Henry Randall.Your good long letter & the four photographs of your family came safely & interested me very much. I sent you a magazine the other day with pictures from photos of myself & youngest daughter Helen & our favorite Collie [Stickeen?] I have not photos of my other daughter Wanda who is at the state university nor of my wife but will try to send them soon. You may well be proud of your family & comfortable independence, My only regret is that I could not get you aroused to study botany or geology even a little of which would have enriched your life, Sincerely Yours John Muir 0296

Letter from Walter H. Page to John Muir, 1902 Nov 8.

Walter H. PageDOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY34 UNION SQUARE, NEW YORKNov. 8th, 1902.My dear Mr. Muir:-I have not written to you in [illegible] to your most excellent and good letter of some months ago only because a man who publishes books and gets out magazines finish life disgustingly busy. Then I had another reason for silence for a little while. I had a sneaking hope that this winter I might get out to California, for to accept your kind invitation to go to see you has been one of the things that Mrs. [illegible] and I have carried in our minds since the old [illegible] days as the first step towards the celestial state. Then, too, I am going to talk about books -- the books that you are going to give us after you get off those that you are already [illegible] to for other people. My idea, you see, is to get your autobiography at [illegible] and and to get the biggest books you have besides that, and then, as you begin to get old in days far in the future, it will be our house that will issue your complete works in a [illegible] edition---books that will stand as long as the big trees that you have written about and will outlast the glaciers among the mountains.Believe me,Sincerely yours,[illegible]John Muir, Esq,Martinez,California.0309

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to John Muir, 1907 Sep 16.

THE WHITE HOUSEWASHINGTONOyster Bay, N.Y.,September 16, 1907. My dear Mr. Muir: I gather that Garfield and Pinchot are rather favorable to the Hetch Hetchy plan, but not definitely so. I have sent them your letter with a request for a report upon it. I will do everything in my power to protect not only the Yosemite, which we have already protected, but other similar great natural beauties of this country; but you must remember that it is out of the question permanently to protect them unless we have a certain degree of friendliness toward them on the part of the people of the State in which they are situated; and if they are used so as to interfere with the permanent material development Of the State instead of helping the permanent material development, the result will be bad. I would not have any difficulty 03944 at all if, as you say, nine-tenths of the citizens took ground against the Hetch Hetchy project; but so far everyone [illegible] has bean for it and I have been in the disagreeable position of seeming to interfere with the development of the State for the sake of keeping a valley, which apparently hardly anyone wanted to have kept, under national control.I wish 1 could see you in person; and how I do wishI were again with you camping out under those great sequoias, or in the snow under the silver firs.Faithfully yours,[illegible]Mr. John Muir, Martinez, California

Letter Written by Edith Speert to Victor A. Speert Dated October 28, 1944

[Transcription begins] Saturday night 10/28/44 In Ukie’s room Dearest Darling, Boy, I really did work tonight. I wrote either letters or cards to the following people, either answering mail from them, or asking them why they haven’t written, or, trying to locate their whereabouts: Geo. Miller, Esther Moskowitz, Fred Grail, Sid Raiken, Evelyn Meinkoff, Helen Curley, Mort, Alice Pevsner, Tom Kentes, Jerry Black, Leo Shaw, and Syl Hirshfield. Some of the letters I answered, I’m sending to you. Today we received a letter from Harriet Faliurin. Ed is still in this country in the midst of changing stations. Also, we received a card from Geo. Miller. He is now a physical exercise instructor at Brooke General Hosp. in the midst of Heaven called San Antonio, Texas. What a lucky, lucky boy, and I think he knows it! At least, he writes about how swell it is down there! I received two letters from you today. One was written 10/16, and the other, 10/18. However, my darling, if you have written me every day I’m missing many letters from the time you left until about the 14th of this month. Did you write every day, or, haven’t I received all the mail, as yet? As I write to our friends, I tell them of your change of address. However, sweetheart, what do you mean when you say “APO’s are good for 6 mos. always?” Thanks for Stan’s letter. I read it, copied the new address, and threw it away. I really have nothing to write him, but will send him one of our Xmas cards. Gee sweets--you really must have been pretty tired the day you wrote me that I could take a nip out of your “tussie” and you wouldn’t even squawk. I’m going to put that down in my notebook and hold you to it someday, as it has been one of my life-long ambitions, and golly hones, it sure will taste good. I adore you, my dearest one! Honey, I thoroughly enjoy your letters, and I’m particularly glad you notice things that will interest me: for instance, like children. You probably know, no doubt, that the state of a nation can be told by looking at many of their children. No doubt in most of those war devastated countries, the children’s faces show their wants and hopes! I definitely would not like to see any more bloodshed after this war, but honey, I can’t help but hope that this “color question” becomes an issue. Unless minority rights and liberties are insured [sic], what kind of a democracy have we? Okay, don’t answer that--it’s known we only have “our form” of gov’t called a democracy. Which reminds me--wouldn’t it be the worst thing that could happen, if Roosevelt carries the majority of votes, but Dewey wins by the electral [sic] votes? Ukie helped out in the nursery today since we were short-staffed. Personally, she likes working with older children as she definitely likes the “teaching angle,” while I prefer the younger ones, because there is where you can mold for a social and emotional angle. I had a half day off, so Uk and I went to the library, and I fished around for plays for my dramatics group, but I was unsuccessful as they don’t have “Janie” or “Junior Miss” in, and I thought of submitting those two to the group for approval. I feel if they can vote on the play they want to do, we’ll get better response. I saw “Hostages” at the library and looked through it, but since it deals with Germany and the Gestapo (right?), I don’t feel like reading it. However, if you really think it is a “super” book, say so, and I’ll read it! Uk has a cold in her head so I’m glad she didn’t have a date for tonight and could stay in bed. Here’s some news (gossip). Shirley Berger Lurie gave birth. However, I understand, that husband, Capt. Lurie, is in a general hospital with some sort of mental trouble! Arnoff was bought out by Jacobson, and now is trying to say he has retired. Since he’s not with Jacobson any longer, his wife and he are not on as good terms as they should be, and people have been smelling the ugly word, “divorce.” My cousin Maxie, after having his grocery store for about 2½ months, decided he is working too hard and now wants to sell it in order to buy a “smoking shop”--commonly known as a poolroom. Personally, I think the guy is crazy as I understand the grocery was a “going” business. Oh yes, bought Alma a very nice box of stationary [sic] for her birthday. My back is starting to hurt as I’m sitting on a stool instead of a chair. And anyhow, I guess I’ve just run out of anything more to say in this letter, except that I feel fine, still taking the pills, and hope I lose weight. How do you look my sweets? Gosh, I can just about smell you near me now, and I love it. You know, dearest, I wouldn’t admit it before, but when I think of you, I always thing [sic] of you as when you come off the field in your fatigues, sweating and dirty, with your 5 o’clock shadow--you really look very virile, and your hairy chest sparkles with sweat and you seem all aglow, which you probably are with so much prespiration [sic] on you. I adore you, Bubsie--and I’m “tickled pink” that you are all mine! I certainly am all yours--no doubt about it. Ever yours, Edith [Transcription ends

Letter from John Muir to [C. Hart] Merriam, 1900 Apr 28.

Martinez, Cal. April 28, 1900My dear Merriam,I\u27ll do what I can to get that ice done by the time you state, but do not be disappointed if yon do not see it until later, as my visit to Berkeley to meet the Harrimans two weeks ago nearly finished me. I\u27m now gaining again however. The Grippe is gone but I\u27m bothered with the bronchitis it left. Glad you are again well after so severe an attack - I may yet have to go camp on the Glacier.It was delightful to see Mr. and Mrs. Harriman again and the two little boys. Charlie Keeler is looking well. So is Prof. Ritter.Remember me to Gannett and give my hearty congratulations to Gilbert on his well won medal.Ever faithfully yours,JOHN MUIR0269

UA3/1/2/1 Correspondence - Ashcraft

Correspondence between C.A. Ashcraft and Henry Cherry regarding the bout of scarlet fever Eva Ashcraft endured. Transcript of C.A. Ashcraft\u27s letter: Brandenburg, Ky. Jan. 9, 1926 Pres. H.H. Cherry Bowling Green, Ky. Dear Sir: I write to you concerning my daughter Eva who is attending your school. You know I wrote to you last summer to know if you would make any concession in charges for this years term because of the fact she go so little good from last spring\u27s term. You know she had Scarlet fever and it dug deep on her finances as we could not come to wait on her. She had to pay for nurse and Dr. who made about 6 trips to see if the quarantine could be lifted and charged full price. My impression is the state pays for these kind of visit as it is for the public good or welfare. Her extra expenses were over $100. i thought may be you would ^be willing to make some reduction in room rent or some other way. I have no grounds for asking this except ^a plea to your generosity in view of her misfortune. You know we farmers have a hard row to hoe and we do want to educate our children. The matter is left entirely with you. Please let me hear from you so that I may know how to meet my obligations to you for the time she has been in your school. I hope to have another daughter with you during the spring term. Yours Truly C.A. Ashcraf

Letter from John Muir to Julia Moores, [1902 Jan ?].

[First draft of letter, in note-book #59] (31)[Jan.. `02].[Mrs,]Julia Moores,1960 N. Pa. St., [Indianapolis, Ind.]Dear Mrs. M[oores]:It is a most blessed comforting thing that all through the dark in which lovely Janet has been painfully groping her way these ten years the blessed child has never lost the power of loving, never lost sight of her friends. How glad I am that she has not forgotten me, and that my book gives her pleasure, perhaps even you don\u27t quite know. It was hard to write, yet I would gladly have written it even for her sake alone.You ask about my home. We are all well. The two girls are as good as they can be, both grown up, strong and happy. Wanda, whom Janet knows, is at the State University. Helen is my constant companion. I wish you knew them. I\u27m sure you would love them. Remember me [to] Charles and Merrill. Tell Janet every day that I love her, and pray she soon may come back into fullness of light. God sustain and comfort you, dear friend,Yours ever,J. M.0289

Letter from John Muir to Julia Moores, [1902 Jan ?].

[First draft of letter, in note-book #59] (31)[Jan.. `02].[Mrs,]Julia Moores,1960 N. Pa. St., [Indianapolis, Ind.]Dear Mrs. M[oores]:It is a most blessed comforting thing that all through the dark in which lovely Janet has been painfully groping her way these ten years the blessed child has never lost the power of loving, never lost sight of her friends. How glad I am that she has not forgotten me, and that my book gives her pleasure, perhaps even you don\u27t quite know. It was hard to write, yet I would gladly have written it even for her sake alone.You ask about my home. We are all well. The two girls are as good as they can be, both grown up, strong and happy. Wanda, whom Janet knows, is at the State University. Helen is my constant companion. I wish you knew them. I\u27m sure you would love them. Remember me [to] Charles and Merrill. Tell Janet every day that I love her, and pray she soon may come back into fullness of light. God sustain and comfort you, dear friend,Yours ever,J. M.0289

Letter from John Muir to Emily [O. Pelton], [1872] Feb 19.

absolutely immortal, & what- ever Heaven may have in store for you in after years You have at least one friend while John Muir lives ---- Remember me warmly to Mr Pelton & N A Wright. I am sorry to learn the death of Mrs Newton - - - Had I been able to leave Yosemite I should have seen you ere this but Heaven Keeps me to my mountain task with an iron grip loving though it be. Do you remember Prof Carrs wife she was at Mondell once or twice. She was friendly to me while I was a student & ever afterwards. pro Carr is now connected with the Cal State University. They have sent me many pressing invitations to spend winter with them but as I said I am rockbound Yosemite Valley Feb 19th [1872]Dear friend Emily, I was really glad to hear from you. I wrote you at least two letters since receiving yours of last spring. I began to fear that I had lost you all together. I am glad to hear that you are coming here next season You will be sure to find me without any trouble. I have never had any pictures of myself since that of yours wh I suppose is the one I let Mrs Pelton have You will find me at Blacks Hotel. I left Mr Hutchings because he was not kind to me. I am in every way independent & will beIn all these years since your I have been isolated somehow I don\u27t mould in with the rest of mankind & have become far more confusedly bashful than when I lived in Mondell. Now Emily there is a whole letter all about myself wh is a literary sign that I have not committed for some time Farewell ever heartily yrs John Muir most happy to see you & help you to see Yosemite. You will require no photograph to know me, the most suntanned & round shoulder- ed & bashful man of the crowd (if you catch me in a crowd), that\u27s me. I will be here for some years, as last fall I began a careful study of the ancient glacier system of this portion of the Sierra for the Boston Academy of Science A sort of preliminary survey of the Glacial basin of Yosemite Creek was published in the New York Tribune of Dec 9th (Daily) wh will give you some idea of the manner in wh my life is spent. Some winter letters of mine may also appear in the Tribune as soon as the snow blockade is broken. Last Dec\u27 we had a glorious jubilee of waterfalls, of wh I wrotean account, It will probably appear in next months Overland If it does I hope you will see it. How gladly I would welcome Mrs Pelton here & wee Fannie who would have been more than half a woman ere this. I would like to see you all. How fast those yrs have flown. How you must laugh at the memories of my odd appearance, among you all. I remember rebuking you & Mr Lovewell without mercy for silly chat, old Mr Newton too for irreveren ce & all of you for sins of some kind or other, & something else I remember Emily - Your Kind words to me the first day I sw you Kind words are likely to live in any human soil, but planted in the breast of a Scotchman they are 2Yosemite ValleyFeb. 19th.[1872]Dear friend Emily,I was really glad to hear from you. I wrote you at least two letters since receiving yours of last spring. I began to fear that I had lost you all together.I am glad to hear that you are coming here next season. You will be sure to find me without any trouble. I have never had any pictures of myself since that of yours wh I suppose is the one I let Mrs. Pelton have. You will find me at Blacks Hotel. I left Mr. Hutchings because he was not kind to me. I am in every way independent and will be most happy to see you and help you to see Yosemite. You will require no photograph to know me. The most suntanned and round shouldered and bashful man of the crowd (if you catch me in a crowd) that\u27s me. I will be here for some years, as last fall I began a careful study of the ancient Glacier system of this portion of the Sierra for the Boston Academy of Science, A sort of preliminary survey of the Glacial basin of Yosemite Creek was published in the New York Tribune of Dec. 9th (Daily) wh will give you some idea of the manner in wh my life is spent. Some winter letters of mine may also appear in the Tribune as soon as the snow blockade is broken.Last Dec\u27we had a glorious jubilee of Waterfalls, of wh I wrote an account. It will probably appear in next months Overland . If it does I hope you will see it. How gladly I would welcome Mrs. Pelton here and wee Fannie who would have been more than half a woman ere this. I would like to see you all, how fast those yrs have flown. How you must laugh at the memories of my odd appearance among you all. I remember rebuking you and Mr. Lovewell without mercy for silly chat, old Mr. Newton too for irreverence and all of you for sins of some kind or other. And something else I remember Emily - your kind words to me the first day I saw you • Kind words are likely to live in any human soil, but planted in the 2—Feb. 19th, 1872breast of a Scotchman they are absolutely immortal, and whatever Heaven may have in store for you in after years You have at least one friend while John Muir lives.Remember me warmly to Mr. Pelton and N. A. Wright. I am sorry to learn the death of Mrs. Newton.Had I been able to leave Yosemite I should have seen you ere this but Heaven Keeps me to my mountain task with an iron grip loving though it be.Do you remember Prof. Carr\u27s wife, she was at Mondell once or twice. She was friendly to me while I was a student and ever afterwards, Prof Carr is now connected with the Cal. State University. They have sent me many pressing invitations to spend winter with them, but as I said I am rockbound. In all these years since I saw you I have been isolated, somehow I dont mould in with the rest of mankind and have become far more confusedly bashful than when I lived in Mondell - Now Emily there is a whole letter all about myself wh is a literary sin that I have not committed for some time.Farewell, ever heartily yrs,John Muir

Letter from John Muir to [Robert Underwood] Johnson, 1914 Dec 3.

Martinez, California,December 3rd, 1914Dear Mr. Johnson:I heard some time ago that a considerable number of men were making beginnings on road work near Hetch Hetchy, and members of the Sierra Club outing who passed through the valley in July report that a few cabins have been built in the central part of the valley and a few trees have been cut, but nothing like an earnest beginning of reservoir work was to be seen, and hardly a word about Hetch Hetchy is heard nowadays either in San Francisco or in the state at large since Phelan was elected Senator. Having attained his object he has never a word to say on pure mountain water.I thank you for Academy news. You must be having a fine time. Wish I could be with you, but I am not fit to travel. I would be delighted to have you come out for a California trip next summer. Come direct to my house. I don\u27t know anything about the literary exercises of the Panama Exposition. I don\u27t think Phelan\u27s majority was very great. With all good wishes for the new year, I am, dear old friend,Faithfully yours,[illegible