I Never Ask

What do you want from me? Where should I go? What am I waiting for? What’s your name? What about the other guy? How ‘bout those people I don’t know? Help that ugly girl, the guy who cut me off in traffic, the woman with the bad breath, those Craigslisters, the people who can’t spell. Help the Un-readers, O Lord, the people with Kindles, the Amazon shoppers, those folks who send too many Tweets. Bless the Status Updaters, who bore me, the breakfast-detailers and candid photographers, the ones with the burpy babies, the dying fish, the new puppies, the Ecstatics. Tell me what it’s like to be in love again, Lord, by making it happen to other people. Make me wealthy in spirit, by punishing me more. What about that traffic ticket? Can I have another? It’s not like I only broke that law once.https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/onearth/1047/thumbnail.jp

A Democracy of Knowledge

I am very honored to speak to this group today. l owe an enormous debt to the work that you do and I very sincerely thank you for it. Documentary editing has, for me, an almost priestly connotation. I went to a Jesuit high school where my toughest teacher was Fr. Alphonse Yumont, who taught Latin. Every night we had to pore over a long section of Vergil, and the next morning had to translate it aloud in class. Errors were not allowed. And by errors I mean any deviations whatever from a precisely literal translation. We were not allowed to glide over obscurities or embellish with flights of fancy. I can still hear the slap of Fr. Yumont\u27s stick on the desk as he shrieked, Mister! Look at the text! Don\u27t tell me what you think it means. Tell me what it says! From Fr. Yumont I acquired a habit of paying meticulous, maniacal attention to the text -the holy object right in front of you. From him I learned that if you paid very close attention to the text you would learn things richer and more complex than the interpretations created by your imagination. If you refused to gloss over the obscurities and the ambiguities, but struggled instead to comprehend a text exactly as it came down to you, you would enter the mind and the distant world of someone else from long ago. And if your translation turned out to be a bit duller than you wished, at least it had the advantage of being true

Stranger Than Fact

As a dyslexic child, I always had trouble finding my voice. It's hard to express yourself in words, when you struggle with them. For me words always come later when I write. But most people don't understand how I feel. If your synapses fire off at the right time how can you image what it would be like it they didn't? That's where fiction comes in. If you can override someone's lack of experience with the use of a metaphor, then by distancing the reader from reality with an allegory, you can get to truth that's hard to capture any other way. You can also simply tell the truth in your writing with plain nonfiction. For me, fiction and nonfiction are a way for me to claim my voice and convey truth. Only a reader can decided what that truth looks like

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 Jeanne C. Carr, 1867 May 2

[4]You only of my friends congratulated me on my happiness in having avoided the misery & mud of March but for the serious part of your letter - the kind of life which our [illegible] friends have, and their relation to us. I do not know what to think of it I must write of the some other time In this first walk I found Eugenia which here is ever first, and sweet little violets, and Sanguinaria, and Isopyrum too, and Thalictrum anemenoides were almost ready to venture their faces to the sky. The red maple was in full flower glory; the leaves be- low, & the mosses were bright with its fallen scarlet blossoms, and the elm too was in flower & the earliest willows -all this when your fields had scarce the memory of a flower left in them! I will not try to tell you how much I enjoyed in this walk after four weeks in bed You can feel it 00410[1] [1867] #10 Ind\u27 May 2d, 69Dear friend Mrs Carr I am sorry & surprised to hear of the cruel fate of your plants. I have never seen so happy flowers in any other home, - they lived with you so cheerfully & confidingly, and felt so sure of receiving from you sympathy and tenderness in all their sorrows How could they grow cold & colder and die without your knowing - they must have called you could any bedroom be so remote they could not hear - I am very sorry, Mrs Carr, for you & for them; can your loss be repaired [5]I have been groping among the flowers a good deal lately. Our trees are now in leaf but the leaves as Mrs Browning would say are scarce long enough for wearing . The dear little conservative spring mosses have elevated thei rcapsules on their smooth shining shafts and stand side by side in full stature, & full fashion, every ornament & covering carefully numbered and painted & sculptured as were those of their Adams & Eves; every cowl properly plaited, and drawn far enough down -every hood with the [proper] dainty slant, their fashions never changing because [2]will not other flowers lose confidence in you and live like those of other people, sickly and mute,- half in half out of the body No snow fell here Easter evening, but a few wet flakes are falling here and there today Thank you for sending the prophecy of that loving naturalist of yours, it is indeed a pleasant one, but my faith concerning its complete fulfillment is weak. I do not know who your other doctor is, but I am sure that when in the Yo Semite Valley and following the Pacific coast I would obtain a great deal of geology from Doctor Carr, and from yourself & friend I should[3]\u27win the secret of many a weeds plain heart\u27 I am over estimated by your friend - he places me in com- pany far to honorable, but if we meet in the fields of the sunny south I shall certainly speak to him. Tell him Mrs Carr in your next how thankful I am for his sympathy he is one who can sym- pathize in full, I feel sorry for his like misfortune and am indebted to him through you for many good and noble thoughts A little messenger met me with your letter of Apr 8th when I was on my way to the woods for the first time. I read it upon a moss clad fallen tree [6]ever best Tell Allie that I would be very glad to have him send me an anemone [nemorosa] and A. Nuttalliani. They do not grow here, I wish he & [Henry] could visit me on Saturdays as they used to do The poor eye is much better I could read a letter with it, I believe that sight is increasing. I have nearly an eye and a half left I feel if possible more anxious to travel then ever. I read a description of the Yo Semite valley last year and have thought of it most every say since. You know my tastes better than anyone else. I am most gratefully John MuirMy love to Allie & Mary and all my friends0041

Preacher\u27s Magazine Volume 68 Number 04

EDITORIAL Kept Safe, Randal E. Denny PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED The Problem of Feeling Insignificant, Charles R. Millhuff The Pretty Good Pastor, Jack Connell Prayer for Graduates, Woodie J. Stevens Cully’s Mountain, Bernice Karnop PREACHING From the Mouths of Babes: Tips on Preaching to Young People, Joan Martin Tell Me I Can!, Ruth Glover Letting Go, Janice Fish PASTORAL CARE Where Words Fail, Your Presence Succeeds, Mark D. BerryWhat I Learned About Caring from Funeral Directors, Randy Sly PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH The “Other Times,” Brent Wyss I Did What I Could, Dorothy J. Downey On Hold, Dennis A. Brenner PASTOR’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH Giving Attendance to Reading, Robert Morris Isbell Writing for Local Newspapers, Bob Johnson MINISTER’S MATE The Parsonage Is Three Doors Down, Carol L. Bruning Seeing by Faith, Florence E. Parkes CHURCH MUSIC On Using the Hymnal, James L. Snyder THEOLOGY Broadening Our View of Baptism, Victor W. Peters Seven Steps to Avoid Ministry Burnout, Montford L. Neal EVANGELISM What Do Baby Boomers Want from Church?, Stephen Franklin CHURCH GROWTH Practical Tools for the 1990s, L. Wayne Quinn CHURCH ADMINISTRATION Seven Ways to Avoid Costly Building Mistakes, Ray Bowman with Eddy Hall CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Walking the Razor’s Edge: Thoughts About Balancing a Ministry, Robert A. Waldrup STEWARDSHIP Strategies for Structuring Ministerial Compensation, Board of Pensions and Benefits USA of the Church of the Nazarene HINDERING HANG-UPS The Hang-up of Security, Raymond C. Kratzer Renewal, Blair F. Rorabaugh SOUNDING BOARD Confessions of a “Quaint Saint” A New Theory of Church Growth, Alan Nelson Vantage Point of Prayer, Cy Olsen TODAY’S BOOKS FOR TODAY’S PREACHERS STORIES PREACHERS TELL EACH OTHER Watch Out for Wedding Woes, Margaret G. Bigger ARK ROCKER The Great Doughnut Debate WORSHIP AND PREACHING HELPS, David W. Graveshttps://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/1669/thumbnail.jp

Preacher\u27s Magazine Volume 68 Number 04

EDITORIAL Kept Safe, Randal E. Denny PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED The Problem of Feeling Insignificant, Charles R. Millhuff The Pretty Good Pastor, Jack Connell Prayer for Graduates, Woodie J. Stevens Cully’s Mountain, Bernice Karnop PREACHING From the Mouths of Babes: Tips on Preaching to Young People, Joan Martin Tell Me I Can!, Ruth Glover Letting Go, Janice Fish PASTORAL CARE Where Words Fail, Your Presence Succeeds, Mark D. BerryWhat I Learned About Caring from Funeral Directors, Randy Sly PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH The “Other Times,” Brent Wyss I Did What I Could, Dorothy J. Downey On Hold, Dennis A. Brenner PASTOR’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH Giving Attendance to Reading, Robert Morris Isbell Writing for Local Newspapers, Bob Johnson MINISTER’S MATE The Parsonage Is Three Doors Down, Carol L. Bruning Seeing by Faith, Florence E. Parkes CHURCH MUSIC On Using the Hymnal, James L. Snyder THEOLOGY Broadening Our View of Baptism, Victor W. Peters Seven Steps to Avoid Ministry Burnout, Montford L. Neal EVANGELISM What Do Baby Boomers Want from Church?, Stephen Franklin CHURCH GROWTH Practical Tools for the 1990s, L. Wayne Quinn CHURCH ADMINISTRATION Seven Ways to Avoid Costly Building Mistakes, Ray Bowman with Eddy Hall CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Walking the Razor’s Edge: Thoughts About Balancing a Ministry, Robert A. Waldrup STEWARDSHIP Strategies for Structuring Ministerial Compensation, Board of Pensions and Benefits USA of the Church of the Nazarene HINDERING HANG-UPS The Hang-up of Security, Raymond C. Kratzer Renewal, Blair F. Rorabaugh SOUNDING BOARD Confessions of a “Quaint Saint” A New Theory of Church Growth, Alan Nelson Vantage Point of Prayer, Cy Olsen TODAY’S BOOKS FOR TODAY’S PREACHERS STORIES PREACHERS TELL EACH OTHER Watch Out for Wedding Woes, Margaret G. Bigger ARK ROCKER The Great Doughnut Debate WORSHIP AND PREACHING HELPS, David W. Graveshttps://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/1669/thumbnail.jp

Preacher\u27s Magazine Volume 68 Number 04

EDITORIAL Kept Safe, Randal E. Denny PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED The Problem of Feeling Insignificant, Charles R. Millhuff The Pretty Good Pastor, Jack Connell Prayer for Graduates, Woodie J. Stevens Cully’s Mountain, Bernice Karnop PREACHING From the Mouths of Babes: Tips on Preaching to Young People, Joan Martin Tell Me I Can!, Ruth Glover Letting Go, Janice Fish PASTORAL CARE Where Words Fail, Your Presence Succeeds, Mark D. BerryWhat I Learned About Caring from Funeral Directors, Randy Sly PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH The “Other Times,” Brent Wyss I Did What I Could, Dorothy J. Downey On Hold, Dennis A. Brenner PASTOR’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH Giving Attendance to Reading, Robert Morris Isbell Writing for Local Newspapers, Bob Johnson MINISTER’S MATE The Parsonage Is Three Doors Down, Carol L. Bruning Seeing by Faith, Florence E. Parkes CHURCH MUSIC On Using the Hymnal, James L. Snyder THEOLOGY Broadening Our View of Baptism, Victor W. Peters Seven Steps to Avoid Ministry Burnout, Montford L. Neal EVANGELISM What Do Baby Boomers Want from Church?, Stephen Franklin CHURCH GROWTH Practical Tools for the 1990s, L. Wayne Quinn CHURCH ADMINISTRATION Seven Ways to Avoid Costly Building Mistakes, Ray Bowman with Eddy Hall CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Walking the Razor’s Edge: Thoughts About Balancing a Ministry, Robert A. Waldrup STEWARDSHIP Strategies for Structuring Ministerial Compensation, Board of Pensions and Benefits USA of the Church of the Nazarene HINDERING HANG-UPS The Hang-up of Security, Raymond C. Kratzer Renewal, Blair F. Rorabaugh SOUNDING BOARD Confessions of a “Quaint Saint” A New Theory of Church Growth, Alan Nelson Vantage Point of Prayer, Cy Olsen TODAY’S BOOKS FOR TODAY’S PREACHERS STORIES PREACHERS TELL EACH OTHER Watch Out for Wedding Woes, Margaret G. Bigger ARK ROCKER The Great Doughnut Debate WORSHIP AND PREACHING HELPS, David W. Graveshttps://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/1669/thumbnail.jp

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 from J. S. Merriam to John Muir, 1903 Jan 5.

[4]photographs of their sweet faces and write me news of you all and of Sierra Club people and pictures.It will do them no harm sending it to an old man of 7+ years. What a multitude of things and incidents come to me as I close my eyes and go back there - and at last I said farewell at Muir and then a pleasant day in town and goodbye - probably forever.[Hart?] has sent me a few of his photos. in which you and Keith appear - notably at the foot of the twin sequoias across the meadow from Sierra Camp. where Mrs Hoff[man?] fed us bountifully - with fair faced Daisy Martin to help[1]209 W. 56 Street NYJany 5 1903John Muir Esq.My very dear friend-On the 11th Dec I sent you by Wells Fargo Exp. the volumes of N[illegible] A[illegible] - and the Life of your friend Christopher North the [illegible] [named?] Wilson - a glorious bronze bust of whom - one of the finest portrait busts I have ever seen - stands near by the noble monument of Sir Walter -03131 [2]I hope you may recall our speaking of the [Noctes?], once on one of those happy, happy days of which all [illegible] [large?] in red letters, when it was my great good for time to be with you, somewhere between Visalia and the Ke[illegible] Pass, probably in the National Sequoia Park-I hope the books reached you because you then expressed your love of the N[illegible] - my card was enclosed but I fear it was not observed.[3]I meant it to reach you by Xmas time when I hope you were all together - those two dear girls whom I love to think of [among?] the lovely things of those days - and your good wife - I hope the girls did not forget to tell her of our talk about her - I trust her health is complete and that you are all well these New Year days - Of course they are or have been home from school for the holidays, and why should they not send me [8]To speak to you [thus?] by a mere letter is an aggravationMy trip to the Pacific Coast was an Episode in my life - beautiful towards its close - and the story of it has made many friends wish to go —I bid you good bye with every wish for a happy and cheerful New Year to you all and am most sincerely yoursMerriam.[5]I shall be glad to know she is married.What thousands of photos must have been take by the army of young folks of the Sierra Club - It would be interesting to see them [illegible] the [illegible] [been?] my good luck to see - a few from Hart and some 8 or ten from Smith of Visalia. I may add Nov. [11th?]. Out west where the Faculty Meeting and Dinner Time Camp - must have been taken from [illegible] for nothing else could be more funny.The portrait of John Muir is really himself in a precious mood03131 [6]was it beside a great fir tree? I am very glad to [illegible] it.I presume in the Dinner time Camp - one knowing well the party, might identify a good many. The only one I feel sure of is the Dancing Doll found at first position. In the article itself [Lummis?] lost a good opportunity.It was an event, in Nov. Century to read on [Rupert\u27s?] article the Grand Canon [diacritic] which only those who have see it well can appreciateI felt how difficult the task was to satisfy yourself - and nobody but yourself could have come off victorious. I suppose it [illegible] have been easier to have filled a [7]volume.Do please tell me how you and your family all are and how dear Mr & Mrs Keith to whom my kindliest remembrances- I have not yet seen Hart to hear of the famous Kern canon [diacritic] tripThe new year came to us with weather almost worthy of your matchless state. I was at old Norwich Conn. and though a little snow was unmelted on the ground the air was soft and hazy - like Indian Summer