Transcription:
7 Before leaving Yosemite I sent to the Overland an article opposing the use of soldiers as guardians of the Park except
as a last resort. I will probably hear from it soon. I am about to write an article on the geological formation of Yosemite.
The opinions of Whitney, Silliman, Russell and others are quite wrong, and have never been finally set right, although Muir
long ago took nearly the right view. 6 of the Park. For several reasons I would much prefer to decline such employment
- chiefly because people of one kind might thereby find an excuse for saying that my interest in the establishment of the
Park had been one for my own advancement. But, knowing myself to have been utterly free from any such thought, I could better
afford to put on a thick skin to such comments than to refuse the opportunity if it should offer itself. However, I will not
overconcern myself in respect to the matter, as I cannot think it possible that there will be occasion for either refusal
or acceptance. Fortunately, I belong to the blessed who want little, ask less, and expect nothing for themselves. But, all
the same, I thank you heartily for your good opinion and good will. Very Truly Yours Geo.G. Mackenzie