Transcription:
To Mrs. Richard Swain First draft of letter, in note-book 59 (64) Martinez, Cal., Oct. 21, 1900. Mrs, Richard Swain,
That you have so long remembered that sketch of the wind-storm in the forest of the Yuba gives me pleasure and encouragement
in the midst of this hard life work, for to me it is hard, far harder than tree or mountain climbing. When I began my wanderings
in God's wilds I never dreamed of writing a word for publication, and since beginning literary work it has never seemed possible
that much good to others could come of it. Written descriptions of fire or bread are of but little use to the cold or starving.
Descriptive writing amounts to little more than Hurrah, here's something Come When my friends urged me to begin, saying, We
cannot all go to the woods and mountains; you are free and love wildness; go and bring it to us, I used to reply that it was
not possible to see and enjoy for others any more than to eat for them or warm for them. Nature's tables are spread and fires
burning. You must go warm yourselves and eat. But letters like yours which occasionally come to me show that even nature writing
is not altogether useless. Some time I hope to see Japan's mountains and forests. The flora of Japan and Manchuria is among
the richest and most interesting on the globe. With best wishes, I am, Very truly yours, J. M. 02890