Transcription:
Original letter returned to Miss Katherine M. Graydon To ? Martinez, Oct.22, 1900. My dear Miss Graydon: The ferns
are here, a splendid lot, in perfect order, and they are lovely. Of course you know you have my sympathy in your loneliness
-- loneliness not of miles but of loss - the departure from earth of your great aunt Kate, the polestar and lodestone of your
life and of how many other lives. What she was to me and what I thought of her I have written and sent to your Aunt Julia
for a memorial book her many friends are preparing. A rare beloved soul sent of God, all her long life a pure blessing. Her
work is done; she has gone to the Better Land, and now you must get used to seeing her there and hold on to her as your guide
as before... Poor Janet is not gaining strength, her mother tells me, but is still able to know her friends and to love them.
Wanda, as you know, is going to school, and expects soon to enter the University. She is a faithful, steady scholar, not in
the least odd or brilliant,but earnest and unstoppable as an avalanche. She comes home every Friday or Saturday by the new
railway that crosses the vineyards near the house. Muir Station is just above the Held house. What sort of a scholar Helen
will be I don't know. She is very happy and strong. My sister Sarah is now with us, making four Muirs here, just half the
family..We are all about as usual. May's*baby is a transcendental wonder - she actually toddles and talks. Write us a long
letter and let us know how yon prosper now the plague clouds are gone and the sky of your lovely isleAis once more clear.
Helen, looking over my shoulder, sends love. Many H.W H thanks - God bless you. Ever your friend, John Muir *May Coleman
Envelope addressed Miss Katherine Graydon. Honolulu, Hawaii. 02890