Transcription:
Had a good time with Gray Sir Joseph Hooker. Spent a week at Chico with Gen Bidwell, sailed alone in a wee skift? 200 miles
on the Sacramento 250 on the San Joaquin, 120 on Lake Tahoe. I have just returned to my old quarters to peg away the winter
with my pen. And you have no doubt had a fine visit rambling about your old home, now you are here to teach. I wish you a
Happy New Year Emily notwithstanding your strange unsisterly sin of blank silence. I asked McChesney what chance there was
for a position in the Oakland schools he said it would require a long pull to gain one, that you would require to be here
to make the acquaint- ance of the directors. Some teachers labor wait more than a year for a comparatively poor place, poor
pay. Could nt you get the position once offered you in the Chico Academy, that would be satisfactory I should think I could
introduce you to the Bidwells if you do not already know them. When ever I can be made available in anyway in the furtherance
of your interests be kind enough to let me know I will forgive your long mysterious naughtiness. Remember me to the friends
I met with you in your Yuba hills: believe me ever your faithful brother John Muir