Transcription:
First draft of letter, in note-book Dec. 27. '04. Mrs. Chas. H. Allen. San Jose. Gal. Dear Mrs. Allen: I am very
glad to get your kind letter full of good news of all the Allen family. Had I not been tied up and almost smothered up with
work useful and useless I should have been with you oftentimes as in the days of lang syne. I have not written a word for
the press about my big trip to Russia, the Caucasus. Siberia, Manchuria, Korea, Japan, China, India, Egypt, Australia, New
Zealand, Timor, the Philippines, etc., but when I do I'll let you know. I'm now trying to write a little book on Yo semite
which I promised the Cent ury Go. long ago, but make slow grinding gl acier progress on account of endless interruptions,
and I don't see how I can find time for magazine articles, at least for a year or two. YOU may not have seen my last book,
so I'm sending a copy with this mail. I think it was in 1864 that women were admitted to the Wis. University, but I can't
be sure. I haven't a copy of the dog story to send you, but will try to get one. It was published in the Century Sep. 1897.
I shall always be glad to hear from you, and praying Heaven to comfort you, I am, with best wishes for the New Year, Ever
faithfully yours, J.M. Have been delighted hearing from time to time that Jessie was better. I haven't seen Dora since
she was a baby. How quick girls grow. Both of ours are women, Wanda within a year of graduation from the State Univ. Here
is Helen's photo. Wanda will send hers.03098