Letter from Mary [Muir Hand] to [John Muir], [1909] Jun 22.

Creator

Mary Muir Hand

Creator

Mary [Muir Hand]

Recipient

[John Muir]

Transcription

[3]You must feel richer now in having two grandsons a namesake too - a little John Muir - my sincere wish is that he may become as great and good a man as you will wish him to be.—We have one grandchild- Wheler's little Helen - named for our Helen - she is now nearly three years old - very bright and pretty. Your letter says "in the big house on the hill - living all alone"[1] June 22, [1909]My dear brother John,Your recent letter came and was most welcome. About six weeks ago I was taken with "La grippe" - and am not yet well or you could have had a letter from me sooner. When in Crete recently Anna Waterman showed me one of her California letters - telling of your daughter Helen's serious times with typhoid Poor girl - she has certainly had tiresome times with04530 [2]ill health - Her lung trouble so long necessitating isolation from home - also the other sick times that came when she was younger.When your letter told of five weeks in the hospital - - I thought the fever was soon under control or was mild in form or they hardly could have let her go in so short a time. — When Wheler had typhoid, he had been employed by a surveying party and was far from home - good medical attendance could not be had as soon as needed- and his trouble first took the form of peritonitis - from which he suffered greatly. He was taken to Denver and placed in a hospital there, and by that time well defined typhoid conditions were recognized - He had to remain in the hospital about three months - and it was eight months before he was able to work again;The fact that the right care could not be had for many days made his case the more serious. [6]a home in Seattle. A short time ago Helen received a letter from the young woman -- who is a long time friend of ours -- The letter mentioned a new book written by you - and published lately. She did not remember the title - review of the book was very favorably mentioned in "The Interior" I must look it up- Our young friend went on the say - "Every one speaks highly of everything John Muir does or has done - and his name[4] 2.I am glad Wanda is so near you - it must take part of the loneliness away to know she is close by -- Even though the "big house has but you as an occupant - but as you express it - you are "too busy "to sulk or growl" I had to laugh at the last wordsThe idea of such words even thought of or having any place whatever in describing a mental state or condition of yours - John Muir in a sulk or growl - - Impossible04530 [5]You who are ever remembered as placid - peaceful and patient - and living in the higher - the most beautiful in the realm of thought.A Los Angeles newspaper dated April 13-1909- was sent to me by friends of ours - Kearney people - who were spending some time in Pasadena. - The paper "Los Angeles Daily New" - contained a copy righted print about 4 & 6 inches in size, showing you and John Borroughs as you "sat upon the Maryland piazza after lunchion"No doubt you have seen the newspaper with mention of "John Muir and John Borroughs as guests of honor at a dinner given by Col. A. H. Sellers at the Maryland"I was very much pleased at receiving the paper. - The Kearney friends spend part of every year in California - They were at the "Maryland" when you and Borroughs were there.Last summer two Kearney young people removed to [7] 3-is well known, out home—If I can find where to send for the book - will do so - and would treasure it-Now my dear brother I wish I could slip to your side sometime when you are lonely - and or troubled and do just a little to comfort you. or do much for you, if I could.—This morning a letter came from Anna Waterman - telling of the very serious condition in which Johnnie Reid's wife has been - or is now04530 [8]I hope all is more favorable nowSurely Wanda had quite a family of babies- to are for with the twins too - Give Wanda my best wishes I ever remember her with pleasure -.I must close this - or you will wish it shorter - it will take too much of your valuable time to read it.With loveyours sister Mary.Kearney, Nebr.June 22-