Transcription:
Rough draft of letter Martinez, January 27 1908 Dear Mr. President Roosevelt : I wish you another of your great new
years. When I was walking with Emerson through the giant Sequoias above Wawona he quoted the Scripture, There were giants
in those days, mighty men of old, men of renown. Many are beginning to see that there are giants in these days also, by none
made more manifest than yourself in the work you have done and are doing joining the oceans, controlling and putting to right
our land-ways and water-ways - mountains, forests, deserts, gardens - overcoming all obstacles like a glacier, serene amid
the maddest maelstroms, going ahead with the strength of God's simple, unchangeable, foundational righteousness. The world
is growing better, though hard to believe it in the midst of the mad commercial maelstrom now whirling over the country like
sand and dust storms on a desert, but these shall pass away - things refuse to be mismanaged long. Good citizens here as everywhere
admire you and love you. You have all our hearts, and though we regret your presidency is drawing near the end we are glad
to know that your work will go on and that in reality you will be our President as long as you live. I thank you for saving
the Tamalpais redwoods, and doubt not you will save our great Yo semite Park from the commercial money changers. Not a decent
citizen of all the country or the world who knows the facts of this Yo semite affair is in favor of spoiling it. To make reservoirs
of city parks or cathedrals would hardly be greater crimes against right use. This greeting has been delayed by my daughter
Helen's illness. I have taken her to the Mohave desert and fondly hope the dry healing air will bring back her natural Scottish
wholeness and strength. Through everything, my dear Mr. President, I am, Faithfully yours, John Muir 04047