Letter from David G. Muir to John Muir, 1860 Oct 14

[1] Hickory Dale. Oct. 14th 1860Dear Brother John Having received your third letter last night , and knowing now where to direct your letters, I gladly embrace this first opportunity of letting you know that we are all enjoying our usual health and are glad to learn that you are so well, and have prospered with your machinery. We were very anxious to know where you was going, and are surprised to think that you have gone further west, when from the bottom of our hearts we thought you certainly would have inclined toward civilization. I hear that they have some yarns in in the newspapers about you but I have not seen any of them yet. Henry Cripps told me more about the fair and yourself than you have yet. For a while after you left home the house looked rather empty, especially on Sundays but now we began to get used to it. The neighbors wherever we go, ask about you. I wish I had been at the fair, and I would have helped you to tell the folks about the things, etc Things about home begin to look like winter, we are busy making corn, and Jamie Sanderson is digging out stumps. I suppose you begin to feel as though you was a man now,(standing on your own bottom): when you have produced the greatest curiosity. and invention of the whole State. Please to hear the advice of a little boy. Don\u27t let the State fair prove to be \u27Vanity Fair\u27, neither let the flattery and praise of men lead you to think that you are more than a man, but remember where you came from, and where you are going Dust thou art and to dust thou shall return. Prayer meetings have commenced here again. We had the first last Sunday over at Midland. do pray God to send down the Holy Spirit to convince and convert our neighbors [2]As we have not been at Portage City lately we have not got your books but expect to get them this week. In you second letter you [merely?] mentioned Mrs Mitchell\u27s name, saying that you had told me about her before, while you did not tell us a thing about her, so I think you must have forgot. Andrew and Charly Reid are to be examined tomorrow night for teach by Mr Birdsall, and if they get their certificates Andrew is going to teach at McMahon\u27s School-house and Charlie at Russel\u27s. William Ennis is going to teach at Grahm\u27s again. Now I guess my pile of news is exhausted so I will have to stop and make room for the others. I want you to direct a letter very soon to David G. Muir himself. So Good Bye your brother JJM _ _____________________________________________________________ Hickory Dale Oct 14My Dear Brother I came over here yesterday. I thought I would put in a few lines too the main thing is to tell you to be sure and write me often if you can spare time, I shall always be very much interested in anything that concerns you tell me all the news mind I hear there has been great excitement about your clocks and I am very glad you are prospering so well and are so comfortable where you are I heard your letter last night and was glad to hear you are so well in such a bustle I will not write any more just now but I will give you a long letter after I hear from you good Bye John from your very affectionate Sister SarahDear John I too am glad to hear of your prosperity but especially that you are so well John I dreamed the other night you and your mills was come back but ah no twas only a dream but John I would not be so selfish I hope as wish you back when it is better for you to be away [3]and have often thought of the way I hurried you to bed that night but maybe you will forgive May God bless you my dear dear brother and prosper you and keep you from the evils of this world and meeten you for glory I do not forget you at a throne of grace will you too pray for me and perhaps when you get time you will write me a letter from your Sis MuirDear John I [pray you?] are well in [illegible] [I shall like?] [illegible] of good Spiritual health [king?] good. do not let the vanities of this life p[illegible] your Soul. do all to the glory of god & he will prosper you in that which is good Keep the faith pray Sincearly always aim at the glory of God & good of man. Keep humble do not let the praise of man puff you up. nothing but Christ can keep you from Sinking take his counsel then strive to please god in all things. be always ready to give in your account if you always look to Jesus as your all & follow his Spirit you will be Safe. I am glad that god has provided a lodging for you. Strive always to love your neighbor as yourself practically. in order to have friends we must be friendly. love byeteth love be mercifull that you may have mercy look not at high things but can descend to man of low estate practice economy in all you do in order to be great be Servant of all. avoid pride & the Lord will lift you up. do not think that god will aid you in anything that is not good but the fruits of the Spirit is in all goodness. See that all that you do is founded upon Scripture Show to all around you that you are a man of honesty & truth. you have much need to watch & pray for all eyes are upon you being a Stranger your present character will be made appear according as you think Speak & do in the eyes of the public I am praying for you hoping you will use the grace & live pray for me dear John that we may meet at gods right hand without Spot & rejoice for ever together with all the Santified I will Send a trunk with your things by railway as directed to the care of your master Mr. Wirad from your Father [4] Dear Brother John I never thought you wanted to go west but seeing you have gone I hope you will write to me tell me what kind of a shop you have got into what they make what you do and how you like it if you have found any lenses yet if you know how an artesian well getts its powr if you have invented any thing yet how long you mean to stay there and all other news you can find we are very busy at present I have no time to make anything I have had a hard time with Lumbago this morning bit I have about got [illegible] [illegible] your letter from Philadelphia they just said they had no situation to offer you at present Mother says she will write to you as soon as she gets time Joanna sends her love to you and so does Mary and Anna time is scarce Good bye from your Brother Daniel 0024

Letter from Annie K[ennedy] Bidwell to John Muir, 1878 Jan 21.

[3]attach your autograph. Did you know I accompanied my sister as far as Battle Mountain on her journey home. Well I did, and we stopped at Lake Tahoe, and sailed over these wonderful wa- ters from nine A.M. until four P.M. ever amazed at the varied beauties thereof. Beautiful gems seemed to sparkle in the sunlight as the spray was strown up by the boat. Even saphires of exquisite brilliancy, and emeralds, & innumerable gems. I sit now and closing my eyes see it all, and look down into the wondrous beauty of the water; silver, pearl, blue, green, [underlined: black], and [underlined: purple], and in all their varied shades. Is there else where such won- drous water? It passed any concept- tion of water I had ever had, and is to me a constant wonder & enjoyment. I had thought the water of the big Spring at Big Meadows must sur- pass all other waters, so wondrous clear & beautiful it is; but Lake Tahoe surpasses it immeasurably. I did768 [1] Rancho Chico Jan 27th 1878My Dear Mr Muir. I had set apart this evening for you, but as on similar oc- casions, have been interrupted by visit- ors, until now it is almost too late to move than commence a letter; but com- mence one I must, having really worried over my delay in responding to your very welcome received last month. General thought it so instruct- tive and interesting that he enclosed it to my sister to read; who reports that she also enjoyed it, and asks me to say to you that you will receive a pamphet, containing engraving of Sir Joseph Hooker, which will be rather out of date as she was not able to get it under six weeks from the time she[Page 2][2]ordered it, and it was a month old when she saw the copy. I am to have one also, she tells me. Recently I received a very kind letter from Sir Joseph, enclosing an excellent photograph of himself and wife. He said Dr Gray had communicated news of your sail down the Sacramento river, received from me, and that he was very anxious to learn how the expedi- tion terminated, and added “I want to hear from Muir, am writing him now.” So ere this you doubtless have re- ceived & answered his letter, but, lest you might not be able to write immediately, I ventured in my acknowledgemen of his favors to give him a few items regarding your expe- ditions. I hope you will tell him about our trip from Mt Shata, & what you saw at cinder cone, and of the [illegible] inch high tree of which I have the cone! I told Dr Gray, or rather asked Mrs Gray to, but I fear they will think me mis- taken. If you repeat it they will have assurance. I also told of the grand “Williamsonii” on Sassen. Do tell them all you can, for Mrs & Dr Gray say they are anxious to hear from you; & Dr Gray says he feels that he only had a taste where he wished a good meal & time to digest it. Mrs Gray recently sent me views of their camp on Abeyta Pass, taken by Prof. Hayden. Also a group taken while out here, of herself, Dr Gray and Sir Joseph. In the Abeyta Pass photographs the entire party is taken as it was in Colorado, including Prof. Hayden Dr Lamboon & others unknown to me, and is sufficiently large to frame and hang on the wall. Now I want [underlined: yours]. A real good one of you, too, and I want it [underlined: very] soon, for you see the collection is not complete until I have it. Also please[Page 3][6]that it was so in other countries, that in Africa certain white animals were dying out and the black surviving; that the white ate a poisonous weed the odor of which they seemed unable to discover while the black discovered it, avoided it, and lived. As the Professor was continually claiming our descent [ route?] & relationship to animals, I remarked here, [deleted: that] “Then it is different with man, for it is claimed the black is giving way before the white”. His answer was that “all circumstances being equal- ly favorable the black would survive the white. That the improved surround- ings of the white made them the stronger where as the black naturally were the stronger.” Did you ever hear such ar- guments.” How did the white get their superior surroundings? If Prof. Gunning is really a wise man I want you to tell me so I could not resist comparing the benefit derived from our intercourse with Dr Gray. Sir Joseph & yourself, to that derived from our several days with Prof. Gunning. He did not teach us one new00768 2 [4]not enjoy the surrounding scenery of Lake Tahoe as I do that of Big Meadows, and thought I could understand your compare- ison bet the two. Lake Tahoe’s scenery was sad and oppressive to me, while that of Big Meadows always is so cheerful, harmonious, and exalting. There is a gladness combined with its grandeur which impresses me with a sense of its perfection. I love to sit, and gaze, and drink it in; and each succeeding visit renders it more attractive to me. We also stopped at Virginia City and after studying to science of mining as ex- hitited above ground, descended into the Ophir mine nineteen hundred feet! I confess to being very [illegible] to descend into the blackness & depth, but the per- suasions of the party conquered, and the result was that I saw more than I had ever expected to, of mining. It was a most interesting and in- structive experience, and while thank- ful for having enjoyed the [underlined: benefit], con-[Page 4][5]fess to a joy experienced in again breathing the free air of heaven, and beholding the light of the sun. We went through the Ophir & Consolidated Virginia, and I presume you know what we saw as well as I could tell you; There were seven of us, Prof. Gun- ning being of the party. And here I want to ask you your opin- ion of that gentleman. I promise not to betray confidence, for I am really anxious to know something about him. He had letters to General and myself, and expects to visit Chico ere returning east. Is merry and amusing, but I do not believe a word he says, scientifically, and I will tell you why. First, because he con- fessed to having deceived persons rather than confess his ignor- ance. Second – because he always evaded, or deliberately im- povised answers which I knew incorrect – when cornered. An instance – He insisted that “the whole scientific world with- out exception, admits that man is evolved out of a lower ani- mal”. I replied that Dr Gray does not, [underlined: for he had so told] me. (Prof Gunning at first declared Dr Gray does, but when I added “he told me he does not”, then Prof. Gunning replied “ Well Gray does not, but he is the only one”.) To prove his theory he would constantly twist everything [underlined: twistable] into harmony with his theory. A passing drove of hogs was turned to the same account, but seemingly un- intentionally. “I notice that in California and Nevada the white hogs are giving way to the black, the black are evolved from the white: (you can see it in these hogs, they have mostly become black”. I replied “yes, but in the cause you are mistaken: The Chester white is too delicate a hog for this country’s mode of treatment, requiring great care; while the Essex & Berkshire, both black hogs naturally, [deleted: would] thrive under the hearding system and grow fat on grass, & can bear exposure to the weather, hence are the only hogs which our people can afford to keep.” This annoyed Prof. Gunning and he replied[Page 5][9]But I must say good night, pray- ing that you may be kept in safe- ty and happiness, and remain Very Sincerely Your friend Anne K. BidwellMr John Muir. 00763[second part cut off when photographed][Page 6]3 [7]thing. He assured as that the Bible is a fraud, yet quoted it to prove Adam & Eve were “people all covered with hair like ani- mals”, which he assured us the origin- al of the term “naked” signified. At Lake Tahoe, when viewing the “fish culture” establishment he announced that in the trout we could see development illustrated. That often a trout is hatched with two heads. I assured him I could not see such in the water before us, and his answer was that the two headed die. I replied that to me the argument was against his theory in as much as the monsters fail to survive. He also said all botanists, Dr Gray included, teach that plants change from one to another “Your do not mean that lily becomes a rose or a similar change occurs” I replied. He answered “yes I do, & Dr Gray will tell you so too.” I have seen a statement by “Dr Carrathers the Keeper of the botanical department of the British museum” to the [Page 7][8]effect that he has carefully studied this question but fails to find any facts to prove it, but rather the contrary. And I have an extract from his address before the geological Association on this subject, delivered last year. Also a statement by Prof. Davidson regard- ing another point on which Prof Gunning said [underlined: all] scientists agree; evolution in animal life. In this article Prof. Davidson says that after 15 years of careful study, at Prof. Darwin’s request, of the Brachiopoda, he has been unable to “produce a single actual fact in support of the theory”. Please tell me who is nearest right & in what you think Prof. G. right or wrong. Will you please tell me the name of the plant on which we spread our blankets, under those grand Abies Williamisonii, on Lassen. “Also the plant which you pronounced one of your favorites, and for which you named our camp”. I have forgotten both, and wish to know them. We congratulate you on the grand success of your recent explorations, and are truly thankful you were preserved through every danger, and arrived safely among the haunts of man. Against this last clause you may rebel, but we are none the less glad that it is true. I trust your life may long be spared to gather these stores of knowledge whereby the world is made wiser and better, and from which you derive such pure joy. We shall always be so glad to hear from you when you feel like writing and shall hope ere long to have our promis- ed visit. Just now the rain is copiously visiting us, and soon the flowers will [ show?] their pretty faces and we do hope you will be here to enjoy their beauty with us

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 C[harles] S[prague] Sargent to John Muir, 1898 Jun 15.

ARNOLD ARBORETUM, HARVARD UNIVERSITY,My dear Muir:Today I am fortunate in getting your letters of the 7th and 9th, as well as the staminate flowers of Abies magnifica which, although not fully grown, are not without value as they show clearly some of the early stages of development.I read with a great deal of pride and pleasure what you say about the last volume of The Silva. I can only wish that I could find language to properly depict the beauty and grandeur of form and constitution of many of our trees, but, unlike you, I am not a poet and have to stick to dry and uninteresting facts displayed in uninteresting language which I cannot believe any one cares to read. You know how to do the trick and I don\u27t, and that is the difference between us.I am more pleased than I can tell you at the thought of your coming east this summer and I have at once written to Canby asking him to fix a time for our southern journey. My own idea is that we ought not to start before the middle of September, as we do not want to encounter too hot weather. I shall want to be governed a good deal by Canby1s judgment, who knows the country better than I do, and by his ability to leave home which is not as great as mine. I should like very much to meet you in Duluth and make the trip on the Lakes with you as I have never seen them, but I fancy I had best stay at home02432 ARNOLD ARBORETUM.2this summer and stick to work.whenever you get east you may be sure of a warm welcome and entire protection from people whom you do not want to see, and all social functions and formalities. We can go down, if you like, and pass a few days on the end of Cape Cod where my family goes for a few weeks every summer; and we can do a lot of other pleasant and informal things about here if you arrive sometime before it is time to start southward.I will write again as soon as I hear from Canby. I am really very much obliged for all the trouble you have taken about these Abies flowers, and I regret exceedingly that you should have had this long journey to Shasta with such inadequate results. Such disappointments as this, however, will show you how much trouble I have had in getting The Silva along as far as it is, and how much anxiety I still feel about the concluding parts. The new Palms of southern Florida especially harass me, and I do not yet see my way clear to obtain the material I need.Nothing new in the forestry situation in Washington. Let me hear from you again soon, and believe me, always faithfully yours,C.S. [illegible]John Muir, Esq.Martinez, Cal.0243

Letter from C[harles] S[prague] Sargent to John Muir, 1898 Jun 15.

ARNOLD ARBORETUM, HARVARD UNIVERSITY,My dear Muir:Today I am fortunate in getting your letters of the 7th and 9th, as well as the staminate flowers of Abies magnifica which, although not fully grown, are not without value as they show clearly some of the early stages of development.I read with a great deal of pride and pleasure what you say about the last volume of The Silva. I can only wish that I could find language to properly depict the beauty and grandeur of form and constitution of many of our trees, but, unlike you, I am not a poet and have to stick to dry and uninteresting facts displayed in uninteresting language which I cannot believe any one cares to read. You know how to do the trick and I don\u27t, and that is the difference between us.I am more pleased than I can tell you at the thought of your coming east this summer and I have at once written to Canby asking him to fix a time for our southern journey. My own idea is that we ought not to start before the middle of September, as we do not want to encounter too hot weather. I shall want to be governed a good deal by Canby1s judgment, who knows the country better than I do, and by his ability to leave home which is not as great as mine. I should like very much to meet you in Duluth and make the trip on the Lakes with you as I have never seen them, but I fancy I had best stay at home02432 ARNOLD ARBORETUM.2this summer and stick to work.whenever you get east you may be sure of a warm welcome and entire protection from people whom you do not want to see, and all social functions and formalities. We can go down, if you like, and pass a few days on the end of Cape Cod where my family goes for a few weeks every summer; and we can do a lot of other pleasant and informal things about here if you arrive sometime before it is time to start southward.I will write again as soon as I hear from Canby. I am really very much obliged for all the trouble you have taken about these Abies flowers, and I regret exceedingly that you should have had this long journey to Shasta with such inadequate results. Such disappointments as this, however, will show you how much trouble I have had in getting The Silva along as far as it is, and how much anxiety I still feel about the concluding parts. The new Palms of southern Florida especially harass me, and I do not yet see my way clear to obtain the material I need.Nothing new in the forestry situation in Washington. Let me hear from you again soon, and believe me, always faithfully yours,C.S. [illegible]John Muir, Esq.Martinez, Cal.0243

Letter from C[harles] S[prague] Sargent to John Muir, 1898 Jun 15.

ARNOLD ARBORETUM, HARVARD UNIVERSITY,My dear Muir:Today I am fortunate in getting your letters of the 7th and 9th, as well as the staminate flowers of Abies magnifica which, although not fully grown, are not without value as they show clearly some of the early stages of development.I read with a great deal of pride and pleasure what you say about the last volume of The Silva. I can only wish that I could find language to properly depict the beauty and grandeur of form and constitution of many of our trees, but, unlike you, I am not a poet and have to stick to dry and uninteresting facts displayed in uninteresting language which I cannot believe any one cares to read. You know how to do the trick and I don\u27t, and that is the difference between us.I am more pleased than I can tell you at the thought of your coming east this summer and I have at once written to Canby asking him to fix a time for our southern journey. My own idea is that we ought not to start before the middle of September, as we do not want to encounter too hot weather. I shall want to be governed a good deal by Canby1s judgment, who knows the country better than I do, and by his ability to leave home which is not as great as mine. I should like very much to meet you in Duluth and make the trip on the Lakes with you as I have never seen them, but I fancy I had best stay at home02432 ARNOLD ARBORETUM.2this summer and stick to work.whenever you get east you may be sure of a warm welcome and entire protection from people whom you do not want to see, and all social functions and formalities. We can go down, if you like, and pass a few days on the end of Cape Cod where my family goes for a few weeks every summer; and we can do a lot of other pleasant and informal things about here if you arrive sometime before it is time to start southward.I will write again as soon as I hear from Canby. I am really very much obliged for all the trouble you have taken about these Abies flowers, and I regret exceedingly that you should have had this long journey to Shasta with such inadequate results. Such disappointments as this, however, will show you how much trouble I have had in getting The Silva along as far as it is, and how much anxiety I still feel about the concluding parts. The new Palms of southern Florida especially harass me, and I do not yet see my way clear to obtain the material I need.Nothing new in the forestry situation in Washington. Let me hear from you again soon, and believe me, always faithfully yours,C.S. [illegible]John Muir, Esq.Martinez, Cal.0243

Letter from C[harles] S[prague] Sargent to John Muir, 1898 Jun 15.

ARNOLD ARBORETUM, HARVARD UNIVERSITY,My dear Muir:Today I am fortunate in getting your letters of the 7th and 9th, as well as the staminate flowers of Abies magnifica which, although not fully grown, are not without value as they show clearly some of the early stages of development.I read with a great deal of pride and pleasure what you say about the last volume of The Silva. I can only wish that I could find language to properly depict the beauty and grandeur of form and constitution of many of our trees, but, unlike you, I am not a poet and have to stick to dry and uninteresting facts displayed in uninteresting language which I cannot believe any one cares to read. You know how to do the trick and I don\u27t, and that is the difference between us.I am more pleased than I can tell you at the thought of your coming east this summer and I have at once written to Canby asking him to fix a time for our southern journey. My own idea is that we ought not to start before the middle of September, as we do not want to encounter too hot weather. I shall want to be governed a good deal by Canby1s judgment, who knows the country better than I do, and by his ability to leave home which is not as great as mine. I should like very much to meet you in Duluth and make the trip on the Lakes with you as I have never seen them, but I fancy I had best stay at home02432 ARNOLD ARBORETUM.2this summer and stick to work.whenever you get east you may be sure of a warm welcome and entire protection from people whom you do not want to see, and all social functions and formalities. We can go down, if you like, and pass a few days on the end of Cape Cod where my family goes for a few weeks every summer; and we can do a lot of other pleasant and informal things about here if you arrive sometime before it is time to start southward.I will write again as soon as I hear from Canby. I am really very much obliged for all the trouble you have taken about these Abies flowers, and I regret exceedingly that you should have had this long journey to Shasta with such inadequate results. Such disappointments as this, however, will show you how much trouble I have had in getting The Silva along as far as it is, and how much anxiety I still feel about the concluding parts. The new Palms of southern Florida especially harass me, and I do not yet see my way clear to obtain the material I need.Nothing new in the forestry situation in Washington. Let me hear from you again soon, and believe me, always faithfully yours,C.S. [illegible]John Muir, Esq.Martinez, Cal.0243

Letter from C[harles] S[prague] Sargent to John Muir, 1898 Jun 15.

ARNOLD ARBORETUM, HARVARD UNIVERSITY,My dear Muir:Today I am fortunate in getting your letters of the 7th and 9th, as well as the staminate flowers of Abies magnifica which, although not fully grown, are not without value as they show clearly some of the early stages of development.I read with a great deal of pride and pleasure what you say about the last volume of The Silva. I can only wish that I could find language to properly depict the beauty and grandeur of form and constitution of many of our trees, but, unlike you, I am not a poet and have to stick to dry and uninteresting facts displayed in uninteresting language which I cannot believe any one cares to read. You know how to do the trick and I don\u27t, and that is the difference between us.I am more pleased than I can tell you at the thought of your coming east this summer and I have at once written to Canby asking him to fix a time for our southern journey. My own idea is that we ought not to start before the middle of September, as we do not want to encounter too hot weather. I shall want to be governed a good deal by Canby1s judgment, who knows the country better than I do, and by his ability to leave home which is not as great as mine. I should like very much to meet you in Duluth and make the trip on the Lakes with you as I have never seen them, but I fancy I had best stay at home02432 ARNOLD ARBORETUM.2this summer and stick to work.whenever you get east you may be sure of a warm welcome and entire protection from people whom you do not want to see, and all social functions and formalities. We can go down, if you like, and pass a few days on the end of Cape Cod where my family goes for a few weeks every summer; and we can do a lot of other pleasant and informal things about here if you arrive sometime before it is time to start southward.I will write again as soon as I hear from Canby. I am really very much obliged for all the trouble you have taken about these Abies flowers, and I regret exceedingly that you should have had this long journey to Shasta with such inadequate results. Such disappointments as this, however, will show you how much trouble I have had in getting The Silva along as far as it is, and how much anxiety I still feel about the concluding parts. The new Palms of southern Florida especially harass me, and I do not yet see my way clear to obtain the material I need.Nothing new in the forestry situation in Washington. Let me hear from you again soon, and believe me, always faithfully yours,C.S. [illegible]John Muir, Esq.Martinez, Cal.0243

Letter from C[harles] S[prague] Sargent to John Muir, 1898 Jun 15.

ARNOLD ARBORETUM, HARVARD UNIVERSITY,My dear Muir:Today I am fortunate in getting your letters of the 7th and 9th, as well as the staminate flowers of Abies magnifica which, although not fully grown, are not without value as they show clearly some of the early stages of development.I read with a great deal of pride and pleasure what you say about the last volume of The Silva. I can only wish that I could find language to properly depict the beauty and grandeur of form and constitution of many of our trees, but, unlike you, I am not a poet and have to stick to dry and uninteresting facts displayed in uninteresting language which I cannot believe any one cares to read. You know how to do the trick and I don\u27t, and that is the difference between us.I am more pleased than I can tell you at the thought of your coming east this summer and I have at once written to Canby asking him to fix a time for our southern journey. My own idea is that we ought not to start before the middle of September, as we do not want to encounter too hot weather. I shall want to be governed a good deal by Canby1s judgment, who knows the country better than I do, and by his ability to leave home which is not as great as mine. I should like very much to meet you in Duluth and make the trip on the Lakes with you as I have never seen them, but I fancy I had best stay at home02432 ARNOLD ARBORETUM.2this summer and stick to work.whenever you get east you may be sure of a warm welcome and entire protection from people whom you do not want to see, and all social functions and formalities. We can go down, if you like, and pass a few days on the end of Cape Cod where my family goes for a few weeks every summer; and we can do a lot of other pleasant and informal things about here if you arrive sometime before it is time to start southward.I will write again as soon as I hear from Canby. I am really very much obliged for all the trouble you have taken about these Abies flowers, and I regret exceedingly that you should have had this long journey to Shasta with such inadequate results. Such disappointments as this, however, will show you how much trouble I have had in getting The Silva along as far as it is, and how much anxiety I still feel about the concluding parts. The new Palms of southern Florida especially harass me, and I do not yet see my way clear to obtain the material I need.Nothing new in the forestry situation in Washington. Let me hear from you again soon, and believe me, always faithfully yours,C.S. [illegible]John Muir, Esq.Martinez, Cal.0243

Letter from Sarah [Muir Galloway] to [John Muir], 1871 Nov 19.

I will send the seeds in this letter the specimens I will send in a newspaper [4] have been passed around, [&?] a part will be absent again, but I assure you there will be much loving remembrance and fond wishes accompanied by earnest prayers for the best of Heavens blessings to rest on the head of our dear Brother in Cal- we have many many blessing to be thankful for and I am sure one of them is, that though scatered in the world we can ex- change words of love and sympathy with each other, which wonderfully shortens the distance. Father & Mother were here a few days ago. they seem well and happy. Anna & Joanna were well also Mother said that Father had sent money and an invitation to Mary to meet with us on christmas I trust she will be able to come if the weather is good I should not wonder if Maggie & John also David & Kattie with their families were there. Now I must again say good bye with many warm wishes for your true happiness and prosperity. Affectionately (I wish you a happy Christmas Sarah and many happy return\u27s of it if I am ahead of the time.) 00553David spoke to the Ennis Boys about the Fountain Lake forty and [illegible] their knowing [that?] you were willing to give they do not think of selling it for less than $10 per acre. David gives it as his opinion that cattle & Hogs could hardly be kept out and so thought of doing nothing untill he heard from you Sarah Nov 19th /71 [1]My Dear Brother Once more I have gathered my writing material together to write a few lines to my wandering brother far away among the rocks and mountains in and around the Yo Semite how often I imagine I can see you seated amid the wonderful scenery, admiring, studing, and writing. This has seemed to me one of the busiest summers I ever passed through, whither it has been so, or whither it has only seemed so I cannot tell, but when worn and sick and weary at the close of it how I longed for a ramble with you whose words and thoughts were always as fresh as the woods themselves. How are you succeeding with the work you have engaged in. I am already looking forward to reading of it with plesant anticipation I assure you. You told [2]me in one of your last letters you would like some seeds of the Fringed Gentian, the Harebell and water Lily, of the first two I have succeeded in procuring a few seeds but as I could not get the Lily seed myself I selected Frank [En. Brunt?] and Guy Whitney as boys that are oftener on the river than any other boys I know, but neither have brought me any seed Guy W. says the seed stalks are under water in the Fall but thought he could get some in the spring. tell me how it is, as I do not know how they mature their seed. I will send what I have, and perhaps I may get the others another time. What kind of a season have you had in California? I think the past summer has been none of the most remarkable that has been experien- ced in a long time, the heat and drouth in the early spring, and the hail storms later has made sad work of the crops in this part of the country generaly we never saw such hail and the wind [3]blowing a perfect hurricane threw down fences unroofed houses &, Barn\u27s and O the windows that were broken, while in the woods trees and branches were broken and scattered but in some places much worse that others, but all this can bear no com- parison to the terrible loss of life and property caused by the fires that have desolated such a large portion of the country surely nothing could show us more forcibly the utter insecurity of all earthly possessions may we my dear Brother be enabled to lay up our treasure in heaven where it will be perfectly secure. Decr 17th I find that nearly a month has passed since I commenced this letter I am sure I did want to send it off long ago but I find so much to hurry me along day after day that my letter writing goes on slowly. It will soon be Christmas again, another year will soon have passed over our heads since a part of our little band gathered around the long table, at the old home. again the invitation