Transcription:
Marked Indianspolis letters Indianapolis, Sept.6th, 1891. My dear Mr. Muir, I have before me two letters - written
by you from near 'Snellings' in the spring of 1869 - more than twenty year ago As I have read them over I have felt a strong
desire to thank you for writing them- even though I may have done it long ago. They open up to me and describe in your own
way your life as a shepherd,---the life in nature, the birds, bees, hares, or squirrels - the trees, the mosses and lichens-the
sky and stars. The sheep, while cared for surely and carefully, did not fill your life. Just now these letters are just what
I want. I have to write a little paper on Robert Browning's Saul - in which David as a shepherd appears, and I need your description
and shall use it. You cannot help yourself, my friend I have had great anxiety during the past two years in regard to Janet.
I have been frightened lest she be a permanent invalid. But she is full of hope and courage and leaves no stone unturned,
nothing undone which may help her to health, and - God grant her life and health is my daily prayer She often speaks of yours
and Mrs. Muir's kindness to her and of your sweet children and lovely home. I am glad that Ed Coe has proved of service to
you. Sister C atherine and Mina are well, and all of the other friends. I do not hope for a letter from you, for I know how
busy you must be. My love to your wife. Janet, too, joins me in love to all. Truly and affectionately, Julia Merrill Moores