Creator
J. H. Mellichamp
Recipient
John Muir
Preview
Transcription
Hotel St. Denis,San Francisco, Cal.,23 June, 1902.To Prof. John Muir,Martinez, Cal.My dear Sir:Joe and I returned yesterday evening, and we had a splendid -- a most delightful trip to the "Big Trees" of Calaveras. I am almost sorry that we returned without going to Yosemite, but I really was afraid to venture. Such a jostling, such a battering as I got on the trip to the Big Trees, that although I am very glad now that I went, I am not perfectly sure that I would have gone had I known what an experience I would have had. I almost hung on by the skin of my teeth while in the coach or car or omnibus, or whatever they called it, and once when I got out at a place not so very angelic, though they called it Angels! I was literally and truly one sided, and walked in that fashion -- a spectacle to the beholders! It was the result of the battering and from being in one position to the right for a number of hours! A cup of coffee and a little food and a solid sleep of six or eight hours restored me perfectly, and I awoke ready and alert for a new trip and the wonderful "Big Trees." Surely the finest and most gorious sight for my decaying eyes that I ever had, and I glory in the thought that I shall not close them forever without having seen them these wonderful "ancients of the earth."Joe says I must tell you that we expect to go, possibly on Thursday next, and expect to have a fine time on the route. I thank you, my dear sir, for your kind letter of introduction to Mr. James M. Hutchings who was as good and kind to us as he could possibly be and in all ways helped us. He gave me some pure and good seed (I think) of the Sequoia, which I shall attempt, perhaps in Charleston, S.C., or on my cousin's splendid land at Stiles Pt., James Island, opposite the city, or perhaps even in my old yard and garden at Bluffton on the seacoast, but not with the hope or expectation of my seeing them in full bloom, germination and fruitage, in that sand, sea-island home of my own where indeed I may never erect my tabernacle again. But I may live with the Hope!Before I stop with my pen let me thank you, my dear sir, for all your kindness and courtesy to Joe and myself. You were very good to us both, and please thank Mrs. Muir and your daughters Wanda and Helen for all their kindness to us both. If on my last trip to N.O. anything occurs which may be charming or interesting to us and possibly to you, I shall write you. Please give our kindest regards to Mrs. Muir, and your two daughters, and believe me,Truly and sincerely yours,J. H. Mellichamp03014
Location
San Francisco
Date Original
1902 Jun 23
Source
Original letter dimensions: 23 x 14.5 cm.
Resource Identifier
muir12_0470-trans.tif
File Identifier
Reel 12, Image 0470
Copyright Status
Copyright status unknown
Copyright Statement
Some letters written to John Muir may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Owning Institution
University of the Pacific Library Holt-Atherton Special Collections. Please contact this institution directly to obtain copies of the images or permission to publish or use them beyond educational purposes.
Page Number
Page 4
Keywords
John Muir, correspondence, letters, author, writing, naturalist, California, correspondent, mail, message, post, exchange of letters, missive, notes, epistle
