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Original letter in possession of Mrs. Mary Muir Hand Oakland. Sep. 11, 1874 . My dear bra highland Mary: I am off for
an excursion into the Sierra again and so farewell. I hope you find the world full of light and love and color and that your
life is clear to absorb and enjoy it. I had a letter from Prof. Butler lately. You must go there at times. How do you progress
with your painting? I have a friend here, W. Keith, a splendid artist with whom I wish you might practice. Yet I am glad you
did not come out here. I dislike the town and most of the spirit that pervades it the more I see of it, and then all hopes
of being long enough in one place to make anything like a home for you seems more improbable every day. Work hard and continuously,
for there is nothing like it. Yet be sure that you do not work fretfully and anxiously, for that is destructive to health,
and see that you do not want for anything you require while for the sake of independence you practice economy. It is easier
to practice a mean and hurtful economy than a wise and comfort making one. Have you any friend in Madison that you can trust
for counsel in case of need? I think Prof. Butler is true and faithful. Heaven bless you, my lassie, and cheer and love you
as you deserve. Fare ye well. Address Oakland as before. John Muir Envelope addressed Mary Muir, Madison, Wisconsin,
postmarked Oakland, Sept. 14, no year given Year 1874 supplied, because Muir appears, from letters to Mrs. Carr of about
this date, to have visited Oakland about this time 00693