Letter from Mary [Muir Hand] to [John Muir], 1903 Mar 4.

[1]Kearney, Nebr.March 4, 1903.Dear brother John,-It was not my intention to be so very long in writing to you. - - With pencil, I wrote quite a letter for you, when on my way coming from Chicago - - but a letter written in a railway care is not always satisfactory - this was not -The second evening after reaching home I was taken with the grippe - Its grip was neither very gentle nor kind - - I am not yet well - but hope now to gain faster 03175 [2]my eyes are still very sensitive - most of the time the eyeball ached so - I could not think of writing-A letter came from Joanna a few days ago in which she mentions two week of sickness - and two or three of her recent letters tell of sick times - so I fear she is far from well. -David\u27s letter telling his thought also yours and Maggie\u27s - in regard to the division of dear Annie\u27s property — is perhaps night - - - We may agree that money in the house was Scotch money that never[3]2.was divided - and should be-but I do think and have so said to Willis - - that Annie\u27s own share of the scotch money that she received and has been using - and part of which she has expressly given to Joanna - - we have no right to touch - - Annie\u27s will is not legal, but we should respect her will as to this part of her property - just as much as if the law guarded it - and some way I cannot believe that as a family we will see this in any other light - or will03175 [4]wish it otherwise -Before packing or disposing of any of the house-hold goods I waited to hear from Sarah wishing final - to know her wishSarah wrote me that she was so far away and is so unsettled - and shipping goods is so expensive - that some pictures and photographs, and the nice mirror - was all she wished to mention.I sent the pictures also some other things - to her - putting them in a trunk -A friend of hers, then in Portage would start for[5]3Scappoose in a few weeks - the trunk could go to Sarah without expense to her -Dan, had spoken for the nice mirror also for mother\u27s big easy chair - both of these Dan had given to mother many years ago - and I knew it was right he should have them - and Sarah would not object - -Joanna mentioned what to send her - and after seeing Annies will made little change - and expressed herself as very glad that Dan. and Sarah had03175 [6]mentioned what they wantedShe named some things for me to take - - the organ a chair - the wheel - ( if still of value - she said) - I brought also two little stands and a trunk with a lot of trifles - and some nice things too - not knowing what to do with them. I will wait till I hear from those who may want them— - I sold some pieces - amounting to $8.15 Gave away some things no one could sell - and left some to be given away.[7]4-The stove remains where it was - Miss Owen, who rents may buy it if she can dispose of one she owns. - I could not sell it.The two little rooms were emptied, or nearly emptied and when stopping to think how cheap and almost valueless every thing is that made the rooms seem some-what cosy - - I say again to myself - that only the fact that they so long belonged to dear mother and twin sister - and were in a way precious to them and03175 [8]gave them comfort - makes it seem at all wise to ask for them or care to pay expense in getting them to our homes.We hardly would consent to sell them for little or nothing and let them all be scattered among strangers.The Dunbar chest containing some things I did not know what to do with remains in a store-room up stairs - for who ever may ask for it.Mother\u27s old old wooden rocking-chair - I left in care of Mrs. Owen - Mother[9]5.always liked it and never set it aside -This may not all be of interest to you - but if Maggie and David may read this letter they will understand — and I want all to know just what was done. - I cannot see that I have made any mistake for I waited until hearing both from Sarah and Joanna even after they saw a copy of Annie\u27s will - - We are anxious to hear again from David -03175 [10]and if it is the wish of the family that Willis may see to the legal business -all right, and if not he will promptly send the papers where they are wanted —With love and good wishes to you and your family - and hoping to hear from you soon I remain,Lovingly,Sister Mary

Letter from Mary [Muir Hand] to [John Muir], 1904 Jun 5.

[June 5, 1904]My dear brother John,-Welcome home again! -Davids letter said - John may be home tomorrow -- and a recent letter from Sarah said John arrived at home - the 27th - - The news was glad news - and I was glad enough to shout aloud - and might have done so could you have heard the loudness - and recognized it as mine: as it was I quietly rejoiced, and went about my work03375 2.glad that you are home and well,- and glad too that your long long journey was full of profit as well as pleasure - and now I should like to see you and hear you talk - and will hope to - someday - read what you write.A man was here in Kearney yesterday - who started from Paris to walk round the world - walk unless where obliged to sail. His trip is laid out for him - and he is writing for one or two publisher\u27s - and is to have a033753.good sum of money - when he successfully reaches Paris- What think you of that way? —We are all well - and join in love and good wishes to you -With much love to your familyI remainAffectionatelySister MaryKearney, Nebr.June 5th, 1904.0337

Letter from [Mary Muir Hand] to [John Muir], 1884 Feb 3.

(4) The sun shines mainly in the window and my house plants enjoy it - and are looking well that - is all the summer we see -- [The?] letters from Annie tells us that she is slowly but surely recovering from her long difficulty but - has been quite sick from an influenze that is prevailing Poor girl she seems to have enough without - anything more.They tell one that brother is real well. [How?] good it - is - And a letter from [Joanne?] in- forms us that - Father is well although he keeps his bed most of the time. He complains of great- weakness in his back and limbs. Joanna\u27s [health?] quite good now - from what she tells no 01125(1) Phillips Wis. Feb. 8. /84.Dear Brother JohnYour welcome greeting came to me [much too?] late to be appreciated and we trust that the months to come in /84 will bring us less of anxiety - than the month that has passed-Happiness has not been lacking but we have been very anxious sometimes over our little Howard who has been sick - He is nearly well again and [once?] you receive this will likely be quite well. He has not been real well for five or six weeks.Willis has been sick too (2)was confined to his room for several weeks but is attending to business again. Is your family well, is your own health good? How I long to see you. You quite surprised me with the thought of there being even a chance of seeing you this winter. Oh! that you could have come-I should want to look and look and look at you! May your [in margin: coming] not be far distant.You ask me to come to you. Yes I hope to do so some time. but that time seems a good way off - when I have the care of two little ones - with them even a trip to [Nortage?] [to struck out] to see Mother seems quite an undertaking. I hope(3)to make Mother a visit in May if all is well - My plan is to visit [illegible] once a year but [this struck out] it will be a year and a half since my last visit-. When in Portage I shall try to get some good pictures of [Whelan?] and [Howard?] and of myself also - If I do I will not fail to send you some. What we have of Whelan are not to my liking or you should have had some.You tell us of singing birds and green grass - while we see ice and snow. Not many days ago it was no less than 46 degrees below zero Mercury was frozen. It is not nearly as cold now but we are having brisk winter weathe

Letter from Mary [Muir Hand] to [John Muir], 1894 Dec 16.

Kearney, Nebr.Dec. 16, / 94My dear brother John,Your very kind little letter was welcomed and I thought to answer it immediately but was hindered.You ask if one of your books was sent to us. No. but I shall be delighted beyond measure to see one. You are very kind indeed to remember meA letter from Portage tells me how much they enjoy your book there, and I know it will be appreciated here by us all.We are in usual health.Sending you Holiday greetings, and a promise to write longer when the precious book comes, I remain,Affectionately Sister Mary0189

Letter from Mary [Muir Hand] to [John Muir & Louie Strentzel Muir], 1886 Jun .

Phillips, Wis.,June, \u2786.Dear Brother and Sister:Our correspondence seems rather limited. It should not be so much so, seems to me. Since Annie has been with you I have known and heard much more of you as a family, which I have greatly enjoyed, I assure you, and I trust that such acquaintance and knowledge of each other will increase in the future. We cannot make you a visit this summer, but if all goes well we fully intend to do so sometime.John, I shall always regret your not seeing us in our own home last summer. Only a week or two before starting on our trip a letter came to us from Portage, I think, saying that it was very doubtful if you could leave your home. I wanted to give you a picture, and might have taken one for you, only I hardly expected to see you. I have finished a water-color of Father\u27s face for you, and knowyou will like it much better than the rough one you saw. I have put very little color in it, as you will see, for I did not wish to give full flesh tones - Father\u27s face was so clear and his hair so white that I think you will like the picture better as it is. I should so much like to be with you when you criticise and make improvements according to your suggestion, but please write me of changes you see necessary, and maybe I shall be able to improve on mine. I cannot help thinking that it looks very much as he often did when well, and shall be impatient to hear your opinion. However I will wait sending it until I make a water-lily piece for jtou, Louie, and send both together. The lilies do not open here until sometime in July.Annie writes me that you would enjoy seeing some of our Phillips flowers, but it would be difficult for me to get much at present that would interest you, and it is rather late for some of our most pleasing flowers. But I will send you clippings from one of our weekly papers of flowers collected, and analyzed here last year by the editor. The date will show the order of their appearance. I think none were printed after July. I will inclose two little blossoms from a plant I rooted a year ago last spring and ask you what it is. The slip was one you sent with the first box of flowers. You sent one like it this time too, and I should like to know the name. It blossomed for me last year and this year too, and has been greatly admired by all who saw it. It is so different from anything we have here. I am trying to root two or three little woody slips that you sent me lately. I return you many thanks for the grand box full you sent me, and wish they had come looking better.Mr. Hand sent for a lot of new roses not long ago, named varieties, some very choice. They are all doing very well, and some have nice buds already. We have not had them two months yet. We are all very fond of roses. What grand large roses you have! John, you did forget to send me the photo of little Wanda.I should like to hear from you sometime. We are all well. Willis sends love - Love to all.Affectionately,Sister Mary [Muir Hand

Letter from Mary [Muir Hand] to John Muir, 1885 Jan 31.

Phillips, Wis,Jan. 31, \u2786.Dear Brother John:As Willis is writing to Annie I will send you a few lines. I send you my photo, which I hope you will like. I also send a photo of our house. It is not of much account, but as you did not come here last summer you may like to look at it. The photographers work has been imperfect and it is spotted. Doubtless you will be looking some for Father\u27s picture. I hope to send it ere very long, and I know I can improve on what you saw. I will not forget the waterlily picture for Louie, when next June lilies come.Thus far we have had a very pleasant winter and are all well as usual. I trust you are enjoying good health. Love to all, and a kiss for Wanda.Affectionately,Mary [Muir Hand

Letter from Mary [Muir Hand] to John Muir & Louie [Strentzel Muir], 1882 Dec 24.

[4]Thus far we have had a very pleasant winter at present it is very mild The snow melts some every day — Our boy sends his cousin Wanda a kiss – so he says – He is getting to be as full of pranks as the day is long — We both join in love and good wishes to you —,Affectionately, Sister Mary.01092[1][Phillips?], Wis. Dec, 24/82—John and Louie,Dear brother & Sister We wish you a “Merry Christmas” Perhaps the wish may reach you in season – although this letter may not find you until nearer “New Years” May the year be a happy one to you both, and in it may your darling Wanda develop more and more in all the graces that make her sweet and pleasing — — — My big-sisters write me that there is a [Page 2][2]possibility of your making us all a visit next year. Oh how we all hope you may!- We anticipate pleasure beyond expression at such a meeting – Is there no wisdom in hoping that we may all meet in a family reunion The family has grown to be so large in all its branchings, that it would not be an easy matter, as some one is apt to be sick or some one has the care of a little one – or some something comes to make a hinderance but we will hope that a day may come that brings no hinderance with it.[3]In your last letter John —you sent me a picture to enlarge for you, as I promised to do in a letter written some time before – I have not forgotten it, but will do it some time. D.V. — I have not been well enough to do much in picturing for some time. During the summer I made two little flower-pictures in oil and one in water colors that is all – We are expecting more of Wheler’s photographs ere very long – and then we will send you one May we look for one of Wanda’s some time?

Letter from Mary [Muir Hand] to [John Muir], 189[9] Sep 21.

[1]Kearney, NebSep. 21. 189Dear brother Johnand family - No doubt you have about given up all thought of hearing from me. I have been for too long in writing, but never mind I may do better in days to come. Before me lies a letter, partly ready that was written for you a month ago. If you will give credit for a little good intention, I will proceed to rewrite some of it.I thank you for the Atlantic Monthly you02624[2]2.sent us nearly a year ago.We enjoyed your article The Yellowstone Park, very much indeed, and greatly appreciate your kindness in sending it. Willis thinks it very fine.A short time ago our near neighbor, Mrs. Prof. Morey gave me an Atlantic Monthly to read containing your article The Yosemite National Park. We were greatly pleased, as we always are with your writings.Some time ago I sent my copy of The Mountains of California to a neighbor, the lady is so charmed with it she wants a copy and02624 3.will get one when possible.Since seeing you, my time has been well filled at least so it seems to me. Housework, sewing, mending, painting, some reading [illegible]. making a continual list being always repeated. I have made some portraits that we like, one of you John - that quite pleases me. Has Mr. Keith made your portrait? You know he told me he would see you in a few days.I have often wondered whether or not you heard of Thomas Hill026244.and should like to know if the report of his death is true, or if he still lives.And you have latily returned from another Alaska trip. I read your name in the list of members of the Harriman Expedition , a distinguished company indeed. We would appreciate hearing you give an account of the pleasure and profit that came to you: From so distinguished a party wisdom and fun, must have been continual.I received a good letter from Carrie [Orven?] some weeks ago02624 5but she told me - Louie that you were sick, I hope you are now quite recovered.Wanda I will write write to you some day, for I owe you a letter, and this partnership letter is not enough. I heartily thank you for the valuable present you sent me at Christmas time. the Batenburg centerpiece. It is quite admired by my friends here; some of them are making Batenburg lace, and are interested they have done some fine work.6.Willis had sad news last week. His brother living in Spokane, Washington wired him of his father severe illness, and two days later wired of his death. The remains were taken from Spokane to Portage to be laid there with others of the family. Grandma Hand died about five years ago. Willis started for Portage four days ago and will not be home for a few days yet.We are all in usual health, I am real well Helen send love to Wanda and Helen.AffectionatelyMary.0262

Letter from Mary [Muir Hand] to John Muir, 1894 Feb 4.

Kearny, Nebr.Feb. 4. / 94.My dear Brother John;Your holiday letter and card came to me and was greatly enjoyed, not so much enjoyed not as a visit would have been, but as you could not arrange to come our way, the next best was a letter from you.Your recent long trip must have been grand indeed, both from what you write and the home people write, and mother must have been very grateful for all the pleasant news you brought from her long loved home in Scotland. She sent me a tartan kerchief at Christmas time saying that, the others had one and01779 Kearny, Nebr.Feb. 4. / 94.My dear Brother John;Your holiday letter and card came to me and was greatly enjoyed, not so much enjoyed not as a visit would have been, but as you could not arrange to come our way, the next best was a letter from you.Your recent long trip must have been grand indeed, both from what you write and the home people write, and mother must have been very grateful for all the pleasant news you brought from her long loved home in Scotland. She sent me a tartan kerchief at Christmas time saying that, the others had one and01779 3.be spared from home for some time to come, yet will hope to have the happiness some day of visiting your valley, and the little families gathered into it. The San francisco Fair is a temptation to hurry up--but that will have to pass.Our winter thus far has been an unusually pleasant one. A week or two ago we had wind and cold but it is mild again.We are all in usual health The children are growing well in spite of windsLove to you allAffectionatelySister Mary0177

Letter from Mary [Muir Hand] to John Muir, 1880 Dec 12.

[4]rightly managed. Our “wee laddie” as you have called him – is well and happy as a bird. I think he shows signs of being a geologist and botanist or scientist or something. I read Joanna’s letter lately received from you and saw your little glacial sketch. Willis wrote to you since we received your June letter but perhaps you failed to get it, as you have not answered. We shall hope to hear from your ere very long. Hoping you are well, I remain lovinglyYour Sister Mary.00963[1]Phillips Wis. Dec. 12. /80.Dear brother John,For some time I have been fully aware of the fact that I ought to write to you. I think I have not done so since hearing of your marriage Your letter of June 18th. came to me when I was too sick to answer it. I have just been reading it again — It has kept well and is still interesting — as is the case with all of your letters I never destroy any of them. You mention[Page 2][2]the possibility of making us a visit in our “Home in the pine woods” – I trust you will — and should be most happy to see our new sister too. I extend to her a sisterly greeting and shall hope to make her acquaintance. You mention the fact that I have never sent you any of my sketches The truth is I do not feel sure enough to say that I could suit your liking — but when you come I shall consider it a happiness to bestow upon you any painting penciling or sketch in my possession[3]that you may chance to like — I almost feel under obligation to you my brother — for all that I have, and as I have said it will be a happiness to give you anything of my work — I am still doing some picturing crayons altogether at present. Have not done anything in either water or oil colors for a long time but hope one spring to make a winter scene in oils — When the pines are loaded with snow we have a most magnificent view from our front window which would be quite grand on a picture – i