Transcription:
John Muir -- 2, control my feelings and actions for the sake of my threegirls. If I could afford to do so, I would give
up myposition and fight to retain Hetch Hetchy Valley as a parkto an extent that would startle even you. and I honestly believe
I would win, hut as I said above my mouth is gagged under present conditions. Therefore, for all time, please know that Marshallwill
stand fire now and forever; he is honored by being onthe side with his good friend Muir, and even if Muir himselfShould agree
to destroy the wonderfully beautiful HetchHetchy Valley by creating a lake for supplying power to San Francisco, Marshall
would cross swords with him, his dearestfriend, and would fight to the last ounce of his ability. Can I state my position
stronger or clearer? This letter is personal to you, Mr. Muir, and Iask you, please, to never again suspect my loyalty to
thecause, no matter how or from whom you may get your information. I regret more than I can say that I can not, for financialreasons,
remove the gag that my official position compelsme to respect. It is one of the greatest trials I have had inlife to keep
still when the battle is on; under cover of05497