Title:
Letter from Charles N. Elliot to John Muir, 1912 Aug 9.
Creator:
Charles N. Elliot
Publisher:
University of the Pacific Library Holt-Atherton Special Collections. Please contact this institution directly to obtain copies
of the images or permission to publish or use them beyond educational purposes.
Contributor:
John Muir
Date:
1912 Aug 9
2008
Type:
Text
Format:
Image/jpeg2000
Identifier:
muir20_1170-md-1
Source:
Original letter dimensions: 28 x 21.5 cm.
Language:
eng
Coverage:
Portland, Ore.
Rights:
Copyright status unknown
Some letters written to John Muir may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). Transmission or reproduction
of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners.
Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Transcription:
letterhead August 9th, 1912. Dear Mr. Muir, I am at a loss how to adequately express my appreciation of your gift of
Stickeen, which has just reached me. I would that I might in some more tangible way than words, show you how deeply your delicate
kindness affects me. I have always loved your story of the little dog companion of your dangerous Alaskan adventure, and the
book containing it--a gift from its writer will ever be one of my most prized possessions. As I have said, I wish it were
possible to show my appreciation in some other way than a new letter, but I cannot in any way give you the pleasure your act
has given me. So must remain in your debt not alone for this gift but for your good letter, your inscription in My First Summer
in the Sierra and the perennial pleasure and help you writings bring to me. You see I am hopelessly in your debt. Regarding
Stickeen not alone to you is his little dog-soul immortal, but your touching tale has made him a member of that immortal animal
company to which belongs Rab and His Friends, Black Beauty and others whose soul-workings have been revealed to us by sympathetic
human eyes pens. I had intended writing you for one more favor, which I now hesitate to ask, in view of your generosity,
but feel impelled to risk troubling you, though I hope to be forgiven. I noted in a New York paper that you had written an
appreciation of Mr. E. H. Harriman, published by Doubleday, Page Co. for distribution to public libraries only, not obtainable
by purchase at the bookstore or elsewhere. I had our library obtain a copy for their shelves and have it before me as I write,
but I would like a copy of my very own, not only because of its author, but also because of its subject. Mr. Harriman always
seemed to me one of America's real noblemen. If I could buy the book I would not ask what I do, but, under the circumstances,
may I hope that you will write the publishers to send me a copy? If there is any reason why this is not to your liking, forgive
me and disregard my request. I enclose a copy of my daughter's Class Poem which is an exact expression of the sweet child
herself. The thoughts are all her own, and while the composition lacks artistic finish, it is interesting as the expression
of a sweet, beautiful unspoiled nature. Again thanking you and with affectionate regards, ever faithfully yours Charles
N. Elliot. 05245