Transcription:
4 distribution of water. So many rivers springs great lakes little lakes abounding over there; while here, our valley will
not even allow us to manufacture a fairly good-looking pond It is perfectly unjust. By the way, our neighbors new house may
be built very soon. An architect came up last Friday with Mr. Mrs. Swett; Emilie has actually been out at the ranch 2 weeks,
and declares she has come to stay there Harry Williams also is there, boarding, as Mrs. W. has gone for a month s visit to
Menlo. I have not been so well as I hoped: fever and sleeplessness at night, and much trouble about breathing in the day-time.
Dr. Gibbons says the cause is undue pressure on the spinal nerves and that I will probably be much better in 2 or 3 weeks.
01187 1 Martinez, Cal. August 31, 1885. Dear John, Your note of Aug. 26, from Livingston has just come, and I am glad,
and yet, sorely fretted at heart to think of your hurrying so. Only one week in the Rocky Mountain wilderness for John Muir
O my beloved, you are cruel to yourself. Yet, now that I think what a blessed Sabbath day that must have been, face to face
with the dear mother you have longed to see for so many years it seems after all the best. Poor mother, how hard it will be
for her to let you go again far away. If only 5 My letters from Portland and the Yellowstone will probably reach you this
week, unless you fly away from Portage as from the others. Do not hurry too much dear, there is more need to stay and comfort
your poor mother s heart while you can, and she has waited for your coming a long, long time. Please remember to telegraph
to me when you start home and who comes with you. You spoke of returning by way of Portland: is it necessary with the ticket
you have? If I dared to risk the jarring of the cars, Wanda and I would meet you at Truckee for a little 01187