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Martinez, Cal., July 12, 1889. My poor dear John, It grieves us to think that you have been suffering and miserable
while we were too far away to comfort you. We long so to see you, and Helen keeps asking why dear Papa stays away so long.
Do come home soon for one day at least. The children are well, and Helen is not so restless and nervous. Cousin Fannie must
go back to the city tomorrow, as Mrs. Low cannot get along without her, leaving Grandma's sewing unfinished. Your manuscript
lines are lovely, and just deliciously refreshing for these dry days. How I wish I could go to you, and read all before you
send away to New York. Do come soon, Lovingly yours, Louie Muir We sent about 50 bxs. of apricots today to A. Levy.
He telegraphed last night for 75 bxs. shipping apricots, but father had none and Ah Hee said ours were too ripe and I so tel
egraphed him. Hee put them in large boxes, and there was not time to repack them after I saw them, but I thought maybe Levy
could repack some and so sent them to him instead of Justi. Yesterday we sent 50 bxs. apples and some plums and pears to Justi,
the Bartletts are growing nicely. Frank peddles some fruit in Martinez every time. Received the receipt for 600 from Mr. Hihn.
The Chinamen have been trying to sulphur the vines, but the mornings have been very windy. Tokay vines are growing awfully
long. Chinamen topping them to-day. Here is a letter from another man who wants to go to Alaska with you. No letters from
home have come for you. Excuse the general appearance of my letters. I have been unusually lame this week, and Helen will
play on the bed beside me.