Transcription:
2 trying to have Congress take favorable action during the present session will appreciate your assistance. Such a step
is necessary to insure the preservation of the big trees there. Now all depends on the views of the Secretary of the Interior.
The present Secretary will not permit any of the trees to be harmed, but we don't know what some future Secretary will permit
people to do with their own lands there. All of the meadows, the larger portion of the big trees, and nearly all of the best
camping places, are in private ownership. The owners have been paying taxes on these lands without deriving any benefit from
them for the last fifteen years, and the Government ought, in all justice, to buy them. A few lines to the President would
also be of assistance, as it would help the measure in Congress to know that he is interested in it. Anything that you care
to do in the matter will be entirely satisfactory. With regards, I remain, Very truly yours, Geo. W. Stewart. 03720