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66 First draft of letter, in note-book T. P. Lukens Martinez, Feb. 21, '05. Dear Mr. Lukens: We are all very sorry
to hear of Mrs. Lukens sickness, and deeply sympathize with you. I am glad to learn that you are going ahead so bravely with
your tree planting on the mountains. No doubt thousands of them will grow to bless the valleys long after we have fallen like
the leaves. I have been hard at work in Sacramento for two or three weeks on the Yosemite recession bill. It has passed the
Assembly, and we expect it will soon pass the Senate. I hope to see you before the end of another year, though I am desperately
overloaded with work. Faithfully yours, John Muir 03098