1869 Yosemite Valley Dec 8th Dear Doctor Your last with your face? reached me ere I started for the mts I enjoyed the
ever glorious rocks waters of this godly temple, but I was called from the world of Natures beauty to the hard outside world
of mortal facts. I am engage ed to make a sawmill in this place so will be here all winter It seems most sacreligious to mar
the harmonies of these divine waterfalls with the screeching of a mill to set the white waters of Yo semite to work ere it
is tranquil in its passage from the sky. Winter will soon turn the key upon us we will be locked, Snowbound in this the grandest
earthly mansion that the Lord has in all the open world. But you must write for Indian Tom comes to the valley once a month
on snow-shoes brings the mail. Of course you are busy happy among your wise men bones