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Hotel Normandie, Washington, Sep. 30, 1893. Dear Louie: Mr. Johnson and I came here last evening, and we have spent
the day industriously interviewing everybody we could find likely to be influential in Yosemite and forest affairs. We have
seen and had good long talks with Bowers, Hoke Smith, Fernow, Mr. Johnson's brother, Perkins and others whose names I have
forgotten. Perkins is stopping at this hotel, and I expect to see him again tomorrow before starting for Chicago. Mr. Johnson
goes with me to Chicago. We start at 11:35 A.M. It is now near midnight, and I am a little tired. We have seen all the public
buildings, were in the House and Senate, and heard speeches in both, etc. I should like to call on Mrs. Alexander, but guess
I'll not find time for her or for Miss Scidmore. Washington is a smooth, half shady, rather handsome town, but not impressive
after New York and Boston, London, Edinburgh, etc. The Capitol dome is not so very grand looking from the outside, but magnificent
as seen standing beneath it,-many fine paintings, statues, etc. Also went through the White House - rather nice dwelling,
but not at all awfully so. Johnson's industry and pluck are (is) boundless. Perkins says that on his way here he met J. P.
Irish, who began a violent attack on me for misrepresenting him in Yosemite affairs. Perkins says he stood up for me and was
at a loss to account for Irish's violence. Evidently he had been disappointed in his political hopes and was blaming Johnson
and me for doing much against him. His influence here is not great. Love to the babies and all. Ever yours. J. M.