Transcription:
June 1896 Monday morning, 7:30 My dear Helen and Wanda: and all of you: This is a lovely calm morning, and the mountains,
with their snow and gardens are charming, and recall grand days long ago when I gathered lilies here. I have just eaten a
big breakfast. Ham. Beefsteak, eggs, flap-cakes, etc., and I slept pretty well on the horrid palace car. I'm a little tired
talking-for everybody makes me talk. I hope you are not too lonesome, and that the cats are well cared for, and that you will
not forget the planting of the geraniums. I am going straight to Chicago, and then to mother. Will reach Chicago Wednesday
morning at 7:45. It seems more than a month since I kissed you good-bye. You must write me a letter, care of Mother at Portage,
for I will be wearying to see the words your dear little nana has written; and Wanda and mamma must write, too. My train
is going to start soon. I must go. Goodbye, dear. You must all see these lovely mountains. How white their tops are, with
sunbeams pouring over them. Your affectionate papa, John Muir.