Creator
John Muir
Recipient
[Joseph C.] Pickard
Transcription
[First draft of letter, in note-book #59] (2)
[Martinez, 1901].
My dear Prof. Pickard:
I should have thanked you long ere this for your kind review of my humble but glorious life, had I not waited to learn what i could of poor much enduring Mrs. Carr, She is now living at Santa Paula, Ventura Co., with a brother of Prof. Carr, well cared for, her memory mostly gone, helpless, yet cheerful, holding on to life with wonderful tenacity like a storm-beaten,fire-scarred Sequoia. Some four or five years ago, when last I saw her, her memory began to fail, though her health was good and in long walks she seemed tireless. Then after one of the boys, Al, the youngest, had stolen most of her money, a trustee was appointed by the court, and she went to the Old Ladies' Home in San Francisco. Thence to Paso Robles, thence to Dr. Carr's brother. Ned, her best boy, is a hopeless alcoholic wreck, while Al keeps out of sight. The other two, Ezra and John, died long ago, as I suppose you know.
You ask when I left the University. In 1864, I think -- anyhow I studied 4 years there. Has he a family? I have a wife and 2 dellgitful girls fond of everything good, 15 & 20 years of age, the eldest to enter the State University next term. Is he a singer? Yes, I sing, and some say my voice is sweet, but l am mostly a devout timid listener to God's songs. The universe is one song. Where does he live? In God's outdoors - the universe at large. His home nest is in a picturesque valley opening into the bay of S. F. where can his book be obtained? Published by the Century Co. Am now finishing the last chapters of a second which is to be published this year by Houghton Mifflin Co.
It seems wonderful to me and encouraging that you should be so interested in my lonely life,spent mostly in the shadows of the great Am. wildernesses, with no thought of being heard of, and that you have so truly seen and entered into that life.
I remember seeing you at the State Fair [Madison,1860] and being surprised at your interest in my bits of mechanical inventions; also later a visit to your library, and I think your son Charlie was one of my boys. I also remember your brother, Superintendent of Pub[lic] Instruction, and teacher of Bible class in the Baptist Church. I'll try to find him. What is his address in Palo Alto? and next time I'm in Pasadena I'll try to find your sister.
Are you coming to Cal.? If so, do not fail to come to my house - Muir Station on the Santa Fe road is less than two hours from our home.With kindest regards, I am,
Faithfully yours,
John M[uir]
02890
Location
[Martinez, Calif.]
Circa Date
[1901]
Source
Original letter dimensions: 22.5 x 14.5 cm.
Recommended Citation
Muir, John, "Letter from John Muir to [Joseph C.] Pickard, [1901]." (1901). John Muir Correspondence (PDFs). 4538.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/muir-correspondence/4538
Resource Identifier
muir11_1110-trans.tif
File Identifier
Reel 11, Image 1110
Collection Identifier
Online finding aid for the microform version of the John Muir Correspondence http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt0w1031nc
Copyright Status
Copyrighted
Copyright Statement
The unpublished works of John Muir are copyrighted by the Muir-Hanna Trust. To purchase copies of images and/or obtain permission to publish or exhibit them, see https://www.pacific.edu/university-libraries/find/holt-atherton-special-collections/fees-and-forms-.html
Owning Institution
Holt-Atherton Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library. Please contact this institution directly to obtain copies of the images or permission to publish or use them beyond educational purposes.
Copyright Holder
Muir-Hanna Trust
Copyright Date
1984
Pages
1 page
Keywords
Environmentalist, naturalist, travel, conservation, national parks, John Muir, Yosemite, California, history, correspondence, letters
