Title:
Letter from D[avid] G[ilrye] Muir to [Ann Gilrye Muir], 1896 Jan 5.
Creator:
D[avid] G[ilrye] Muir
Publisher:
University of the Pacific Library Holt-Atherton Special Collections. Please contact this institution directly to obtain copies
of the images or permission to publish or use them beyond educational purposes.
Contributor:
[Ann Gilrye Muir]
Date:
1896 Jan 5
2008
Type:
Text
Format:
Image/jpeg2000
Identifier:
muir09_0024-md-1
Source:
Original letter dimensions unknown.
Language:
eng
Coverage:
Martinez Calif.
Rights:
Copyright status unknown
Some letters written to John Muir may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). Transmission or reproduction
of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners.
Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Transcription:
Original letter in possession of Mrs. Mary Muir Hand . Martinez, Calif., Jan. 5, '96. My dear Mother: I suppose you
think by this time that I ought to write you, and I think so too. To begin with, all of the friends and relations here are
well. John, Louie, Wanda and Helen have been here this afternoon, all blooming full of health. Maggie is just as usual, and
John R eid is getting a little fatter. John Jr. is 21 now and thinks he is quite a man. May and her husband have rented the
Woolford place and have moved into it. It is about as far from Maggie's as from your house to the new Presb yterian church.
Mr. Coleman (May's husband) has also rented all of the Strentzel or Muir ranch except what I rented last year and have again
rented for another year. Well, Mother, I (or rather we) made a little last year.We were able to pay our interest on the ranch
and reduce the principal considerably. I have also paid the interest on Mr. Rogers mortgage on your house and reduced the
principal to 400.00, so we will pound away the best we know how for another year and hope to do still better. SO now John
has no ranch to look after and can stick to his books. He is well pleased with the way I managed his orchards and vineyards
last year. I know I made more money out of it than he could have done, for I am with the men every day and all day, while
he was only with them perhaps half an hour per day. We have had very fine, clear, warm weather for over two weeks. Have had
very little rain yet, and some of the weather prophets predict a dry winter. Last year we had too much, 32 inches. 15 or 20
inches would answer our purpose. We are beginning to feel more at home here, and Ette and myself like it very much. We joined
the Congregational church in Martinez Nov. 1st, and attend when the roads are good and when we are not too tired. We have
a splendid minister and some good church friends. We received your Christmas booklet and thank you for remembering us. Have
had letters from Carrie and Anne lately - they all appear to be happy and well, but have not heard from will for a few months.
Am sorry the crops were again poor about Portage and the prices so low. I am sorry for the merchants also. I don't think times
are quite as bad in California. I suppose by this time you have enjoyed a visit from Dan. I would like to see him and his
family. They were very good to us when we were with them. I wish he would write to me. I suppose it is pretty late to wish
you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, but I now do so. With love, also to Sarah, Joanna, Annie and all the youngsters
- Ette joins me in sending love and good will to all, Your son, D avid G ilrye Muir Envelope addressed Mrs. Daniel Muir,
Portage, Wisconsin . 06178