Transcription:
Rancho Chico, Dec. 18th, 1877. Dear Mr. Muir: I cannot resist dropping you a few lines expressive of the great pleasure
your charming letter afforded us, and promising to reply as soon as possible. Just now my time is so occupied with preparing
Christmas gifts for our Sabbath School, that it is impossible to do much else, and when I write you I want plenty of time
at my command, as I have questions to ask, and also wish to give you some items from Mrs. Gray's letter. (Dr. and Mrs. Gray
both express a hope that you will write them about your trip with us.) It would have afforded me the greatest pleasure had
you come to Rancho Chico to recruit, on your return from the mountains, and we both hope that you will ever feel free to come
whenever you feel so disposed. We claim a visit from you this winter, notwithstanding our distance from you, for you almost
promised and we cannot excuse you, for we have promised ourselves that you will not disappoint us. Of course it is more interesting
here when the flowers are in bloom, but we shall be glad to see you at any time most convenient, or agreeable, to yourself.
If you do not come now, remember you must come later. But I must close, or I shall not have an excuse to write my letter
Many thanks for the sweet rose leaves. I will send you a fern leaf from a fern our gardener found near our house, recently,
and new to him, but doubtless old to you. Trusting you are well, and willing now for a while to dwell among mortals believe
me, Sincerely your friend, Annie K ennedy Bidwell