Transcription:
letterhead enjoyed in Italy, and? taking steamship from Naples back again to the country of all countries. Mr. Muir I am
extremely fortunate inthe securing the love and respect of a noble girl. She has a beautiful character and it ennobles a man
to be entrusted with the care of such a person. She enjoyed your letter to me, and has always admired John Muir, and is proud
that you are my distant friend. I hope on our return from Europe, when we get settled cozily in our little St Louis home,
that you will drop in upon us. If we get as far West as California, we will surely accept you kind invitation to call upon
you. As my brother, Brai mond? lives near Folsom, we expect to make the trip someday. If this letter remains unanswered many?
days, I will presume that you are away in the mountains gathering more knowledge for us lazy mankind to have for the asking.
Your sincere friend, Marcius C. Smith. 02887