Transcription:
Martinez, Gal., June 20, 1893. My dear Brother John; I received your very kind and thoughtful letter a little while ago.
How good it is for you to think of me, dear John, and I thank you for it. Your letter did me lots of good. I am real glad
to know that you are pretty well, and standing your trip and writing and so much excitement of so many kinds as well as you
are. Take real good care of yourself, dear John, for I know you will pass through many dangers ere we see you again, and I
pray the Lord to watch over and keep you safe as in the hollow of His hand, and may you feel Him near as you look upon and
admire his many great and wonderful works on sea and land. Your dear ones are all pretty well. Little Helen is looking well
and Grandma was better when i saw her last. David is about the same as when you left, perhaps a little better. He rested some
while handling the cherries. Our folks are as well as usual, and I am better. I am getting fat - have not weighed so much,
I guess, for 20 years. I weigh 114 lbs. My weight has been from 105 to 108 lbs. for a long time. My porter seems to do me
good and answer every purpose, as it makes me sleep too. I am glad you found mother and all the rest of the folks pretty
well. I don't know whether you v/ill get this or not, but I felt as though i wanted to talk right back to you after I read
your letter. With much love and many wishes for a safe and pleasant trip, I am, Ever yours, Maggie Margaret Muir Reid
I have just been over to--- the house to get your address. Louie looks tired, but they are all well and happy over your good
long letters. Helen seems real bright and well. Her appetite is good and they tell me she never seemed in better health.
M.