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Dowagiac, Mich., Sept 14, '85. My dear friend Mr. Muir, A very interesting incident occurred this A.M.I got hold of a
notice published in a Detroit paper of your account of the glaciers in Alaska, comparing them with those in Switzerland. While
my thoughts were occupied with your researches on the Pacific Coast I had handed to me your letter of August 9th, and very
much to my gratification. In regard to that Calaveras skull Prof. Dana wrote to me that their ethnologist (I can't call his
name) says it doesn't belong to the Post Pliocene age. Prof. Whitney has a friend in Santa Barbara who wrote a couple of articles
pub lished in S. B. Independent laudatory of his friend, but he couldn't prove to the contrary that the Prof. was deceived
by the miners as to the place where that skull was found. Well, it's of little consequence. I am now sorry I did not go up
to S. F. last spring before my return to Mich. I thought I would save 600 miles' ride, although the fare was paid to the city.
It's an old man now writing to you -- 83 yrs. I fear I will not stay long enough to see that Book . Remember me in warm regards
to Mrs. Muir and a kiss for that lovely daughter. I must heartily thank you for your letter, especially your prayers, which
I greatly need. And may the everlasting Heavenly Father bless you and yours abundantly with the good things of this life,
preparatory for an endless blessedness with Him through the grace of our Divine Redeemer. It is barely possible I may spend
next winter in Cal. at Santa Barbara where I have a sister living, if health and strength hold out. Truly your friend,
N. D. Stebbins. P. S. I will always be delighted to get a line from you, especially that Book .