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Apr. 16, '07. My dear Mr. Muir: I have hoped in vain to be able to go up to see you ere this, but I was away a whole month
-- trying a case, and then Mrs. Colby did not wish me to leave her and now two babies in the family keep me at home during
my spare hours. I have wanted to talk over Yosemite and Outing affairs with you. Garfield -- the new Secretary of the Interior,
informs me that Congress only appropriated 30,000 for the Yosemite Park this year, but this is quite a gain over State appropriation,
especially when one considers that there are no salaries and travelling expenses to deplete it -- and every cent of that amount
goes into actual improvement. I have in mind getting up a report on the Yosemite this summer since our Outing will be there
and presenting it to Congress next Fall. We could formulate some definite plan for the future and work to the accomplishment
of that end. What do you think of this? I hope that you will be with us on our Outing for a few days at least this summer.
It will be very easy for you to run up on the railroad and come in with us and spend a few daus in the Tuolumne meadows. We
will arrange everything for you and it will not necessitate a moment's planning on your part nor cost you a cent. We expect
to have a large pack train which will have very little to do except when our main party is moving in or out and we can meet
you at any time or take you out any time. Couldn't you bring Helen with you? It will be a great favor to me and a great pleasure
to us all if you will come for the whole Outing, of even for a few days. Very sincerely, Wm. E. Colby 03865