Transcription:
J.M.-2- square with him by laying the foundations for two more books, so that he will eventually have considerable new material
upon which to exercise himself. My hope for getting into the West this winter is completely gone. In fact, I am beginning
to figure rather anxiously on the time which will see the end of the office work which confronts me now. I am laying plans
for another trip to the West, beginning, if it is in any way possible, about the middle of May. But whether any such luck
will befall me is, I am afraid, very doubtful, for a good many reasons. If it does I will, of course, write you as soon as
I know myself, and this time I shall most earnestly hope to be able to accompany you on some longer trip than was my fortune
last summer. You know that my appetite for being in the woods with you has grown vastly by what it fed on. Both my father
and mother would send their best regards if they knew I was writing. They were both extremely pleased atyour remembrance of
them. Very sincerely yours, illegible 02186