Letter from A. Ross Matheson to John Muir, 1908 Aug 17.

Creator

A. Ross Matheson

Creator

A. Ross Matheson

Recipient

John Muir

Transcription

[letterhead]17th August, 1908My dear Friend MuirI am visiting the Muskokas and also Bradford where in the bygone days of long ago, we spent such happy times together. It is still comparatively wild here altho the stroke of the woodman and the advance of civilization have changed it from what it was in those days[in margin: ] Saturday:Last night as I watched the several hundred fashionably dressed men and women dance in the ballroom in this042642[letterhead]veritable palace I could not help but wander down the years when you were whittling out your wooden clocks or studying an handful of wild flowers with that enthusiasm that has brought you to fame and glory [Barrie?] and [Orillia?] were the boundry line of civilization although George Turner had his little store at what is now Muskoka Wharf and was the entire community Hotels line the banks of these [numerable?] islands and private residences of the wealthy of Canada and the U.S.04264 3[letterhead]Friday I took a launch and went to Bala Park on the West side of Muskoka Lake Saturay I finished in Skelton [illegible] and in the afternoon [s?]ailed to Rosseau from there I took a canoe and went up Shadow river Its waters are deep and silentIts peculiarity is that it runs directly East The primeval forest is practically undisturbed and as the suns rays steal in through the trees peculiar shadows add to its wierdnessA family of Chippewa Indians passed me in a [red?]4[letterhead]boat their dress and their excellent English pronunciation showed the manners of the White Man and Civilization Your travels have been far and your observation accurate and keen but I doubt if you have ever seen more beautiful lake scenery than you saw right herePrivate yacts and large steamers are constantly hurrying past and to all parts of these lakesI wish you were here with me04264 5[letterhead]I left home about a month ago and after spending Eight days at the Ter Centenery at Quebec my eldest son the Dr was with me I strayed up hereThe Pageant, The Prince of Wales Lord Roberts the British fleet, the French Fleet, The American Battleship Vise President Fairbanks and the soldiers and Sailors of Canada made it an event of great importance to Canada042646 sixth,[letterhead]I shall remain here another week and then go home and buckle down at work againI received the card you sent to the farmI am still finding a whole lot of pleasure in the farm and spend one day a week there.My youngest son passed the bar about 2 years ago and is practicing law in Brooklyn and already doing good work04264 7[letterhead]My eldest son as I informed you in a previous letter is a physician in Brooklyn He is making a fine reputation as a surgeon If you can spare a moments time I shall be delighted to hear from youI am sincereley [Yours?]A Ross Matheson37 Seventh AveBrooklynN.Y.04264