Transcription:
Lufkin Texas March 15th 1912 John Muir Martinez Cal Dear Friend John I have purposed writing you sometime soon, ever
since last August, when I returned from my last Pacific coast journey. You being in South America at the time, knew nothing
about it, and most probably have not learned about it since. When I was last with you I was quite determined, health and strength
being spared, to make another good leisurely visit to the Pacific. I had a short one to Seattle at the time of their Worlds
Exposition, combining business with it, and seeing the neighboring towns. Last summer our bretheren had their General Missionary
Convention at Portland Ore. This great convention is always a matter of much interest to me, so I determined to go, and with
it see Edward and family at Hollywood. Brother-in-law and family in Pasadena. Ascend Mount Wilson, and with other accessible
fine views, get a good inspection of the great observatory. At San Francisco, see three cousins and a respectable group of
second cousins. Go up to Martinez and wag my jaw with John Muir for a few days. Take in the convention. See other relatives
and friends in the towns up to Vancouver B. C. Then steer homeward to Milwaukee. A two months job. And it took about that
time, but missed some of the best parts of the program. Notably the Mount Wilson ascent. I did not like the idea of a 9? mile
ride each way on mule back. Friends thot I should not entertain it, so reluctantly gave it up, and as a compromise ascended
Mount Lowe. The last part of 05162