Transcription:
3 to object to in any way The reasons, that I have given, for going to Alaska are absolutely correct, as it was the desire
for wealth and fame that caused me to go; and I would not have the least objection that my best friends should know it, although,
as you intimate, it might be imprudent, and be the means of defeating my purpose: and for some such reason as this, I shall
probably leave it out or modify it to some extent, but I do not imagine that I shall ever be able to look at things just as
you do. The hard knocks in life that I have had, have convinced me that the first and most important thing for a man to learn
is how to make a good living for himself. That is the first and most important thing that a man can think about who is not
financially independent and if I should go to Alaska 03847 4 just for the sake of studying the country, when I had not
the means to afford such a luxury, I might well be called a crank. I am afraid that you do not realize the fact that it is
not every man that can afford the luxury of high principles. However the suggestion is a good and I am glad that you called
my attention to it, as the more I think about it, the better I can realize that, although I did go to Alaska to acquire wealth
and fame, there is nothing to be made by telling people about it. I shall probably stay here about ten days longer. Then
I will go to Sanfrancisco, and about the first of April I will start north for Seattle. I am glad I came down here as I feel
that I have been very much benefitted. And the time has not seemed long. Yours very truly Peter L Trout. 03847