Transcription:
May 14th, 1895. R. W. GILDER, EDITOR. R. U. JOHNSON, ASSOCIATE EDITOR. C. C. BUEL, ASSISTANT EDITOR. Mr. John Muir,
Martinez, California. My dear Muir:- I have been hoping against hope that it would be possible for me to come to California
this summer, but as Mr. Gilder is to sail next week for Europe, to be gone during the summer, and, in fact, for a year, with
the exception of two months return in the fall, it does not seem possible for me to go so far away from the seat of war, and
I therefore feel that I must be counted out. I think there is not much hope, either, that Tesla and his friend will go. If,
however, there is any real probability of it I will let you know, Tesla cannot be counted upon in a matter of this kind, and
the only hope of his going would be in his friend - who is also his business adviser and associate organizing the expedition
and insisting upon his with him. I give up the chance of going with much reluctance, having nursed the illusion for quite
a while. You have been most kind in your offers of companionship and hospitality, and I heartily appreciate them. I thank
you for your personal letter. I think it would be injurious to you, as seeming to come from you, to have that 01983