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Bordeaux, November 10/83. My dear Mr. Muir: I was greatly delighted a few weeks ago by the coming of your friendly letter
of the end Of July; and if 1 have not already thanked you for it, that is on account of some illness of ay sister which has
prevented me from acknowledging with my usual promptness the favor received. The recollection of the good times enjoyed together
at friend Payot's in the modern city of the hills is carefully kept as vivid in my mind as it was five years ago at the time
when I left the newest city, as it were, of the New-World for one of the oldest cities of the old. Sinoe then I often, but
not as frequently as I would, have had the pleasure of meeting with you in mind by perusing either in Scribner's Magazine,
or in the papers generally provided by friend Payot, some of those very interesting and instructive descriptions of unexplored
regions so scientifically and poetically scrutinized by you;-and now I hope ere long to have the pleasure of reading a sketch
of your wanderings in Alaska and the arctic regions. I hope that your family and Ranch interests in Martinez: will not prevent
you from coming over this way next Summer to visit the Pyreenees. If you do, it will be a very difficult matter to hinder
me from joining in your Intended rambles over these mountains;-and my dear sister and myself will be delighted to have you
make your home with us during all your stay in Bordeaux. Unless some very unexpected change in my circumstances happens,
I am not likely to go again to California, and I really regret it. I have lived so long in that country and left there so
many good friends whose remembrance nobody nor any thing can cause to obliterate in this, that I certainly would again visit
California, if possible, with the greatest pleasure. Thank you, however, for your kind invitation at Martinez. Should circumstances
allow it, per chance, be sure I would be most happy to avail myself of it. With happy memories of the olden times and my
best wishes and regard for yourself and family, I remain, Dear Mr. Muir, Your friend truly. M. De Kirwan. Please do not
forget the promised photograph. 26, rue David Johnston, Bordeaux. 63