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Hotel St. Denis, San Francisco, Cal., 23 June, 1902. To Prof. John Muir, Martinez, Cal. My dear Sir: Joe and I returned
yesterday evening, and we had a splendid -- a most delightful trip to the Big Trees of Calaveras. I am almost sorry that we
returned without going to Yosemite, but I really was afraid to venture. Such a jostling, such a battering as I got on the
trip to the Big Trees, that although I am very glad now that I went, I am not perfectly sure that I would have gone had I
known what an experience I would have had. I almost hung on by the skin of my teeth while in the coach or car or omnibus,
or whatever they called it, and once when I got out at a place not so very angelic, though they called it Angels I was literally
and truly one sided, and walked in that fashion -- a spectacle to the beholders It was the result of the battering and from
being in one position to the right for a number of hours A cup of coffee and a little food and a solid sleep of six or eight
hours restored me perfectly, and I awoke ready and alert for a new trip and the wonderful Big Trees. Surely the finest and
most gorious sight for my decaying eyes that I ever had, and I glory in the thought that I shall not close them forever without
having seen them these wonderful ancients of the earth. Joe says I must tell you that we expect to go, possibly on Thursday
next, and expect to have a fine time on the route. I thank you, my dear sir, for your kind letter of introduction to Mr. James
M. Hutchings who was as good and kind to us as he could possibly be and in all ways helped us. He gave me some pure and good
seed (I think) of the Sequoia, which I shall attempt, perhaps in Charleston, S.C., or on my cousin's splendid land at Stiles
Pt., James Island, opposite the city, or perhaps even in my old yard and garden at Bluffton on the seacoast, but not with
the hope or expectation of my seeing them in full bloom, germination and fruitage, in that sand, sea-island home of my own
where indeed I may never erect my tabernacle again. But I may live with the Hope Before I stop with my pen let me thank you,
my dear sir, for all your kindness and courtesy to Joe and myself. You were very good to us both, and please thank Mrs. Muir
and your daughters Wanda and Helen for all their kindness to us both. If on my last trip to N.O. anything occurs which may
be charming or interesting to us and possibly to you, I shall write you. Please give our kindest regards to Mrs. Muir, and
your two daughters, and believe me, Truly and sincerely yours, J. H. Mellichamp03014