Creator

Annie K[ennedy] Bidwell

Recipient

John Muir

Transcription

Rancho Chico,

Dec. 21st,1881.

Dear Mr. Muir:

Last summer, during your absence in polar regions, I received a note from Genl. Alvord, a friend of Prof. Butler's, asking me to forward you the enclosed "slip," as he could not ascertain your address in the East.I sent, in reply, your parting note to us, asking Genl. Alvord to forward it to Prof. Butler, as your address would thus be given him, and the news of your little daughter's advent.
Ever since, I have intended writing you, but postponed so doing, ever hoping for the leisure moment, which never will come. but has to be forced. I also have that article of yours on Mountain Sculpture, which I will send when you tell me how. I fear trusting it to the Post office without your order, and have hoped to have taken it some time, when General and I could drop in on you! I forgot it when General visited you.
General reported the babe a beauty.He does not usually admire babes, but said yours was a "beautiful lovely babe." He regretted being so hurried in his visit that he had so little opportunity to become acquainted with Mrs. Muir; but next spring we wish you and Mrs. Muir and the babe to make us a visit.I am thinking of going East on Jan. 3d, for a short visit, to take Guy Kennedy, as my parents are so urgent for me to do so.But expect to return before spring fairly sets in.
We had such a charming visit from Dr. Parry and Prof. Hilgard, and afterward from Dr. and Mrs. Parry, of which you have learned, but I can not resist telling you again, as it is a pleasure to recall their visit, again and again.We were truly glad you returned so soon from the land of ice and death, and hope your appetite has been appeased for the present.
I am so busy preparing for Christmas that I can scarcely rest a moment, as I am director for Christmas eve, for our Sabbath School, and we have begun preparations in the Pavilion, where we are to have our celebration.The tableaux are to be sacred, with angels, etc. Also I have many other duties.
Please remember me cordially to Mrs. Muir, and with wishes for a "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" for you, and wife and little one, believe me,
Ever sincerely yours,

Annie K. Bidwell.

Location

Rancho Chico, [Calif]

Date Original

1881 Dec 21

Source

Original letter dimensions: 20 x 25 cm.

Resource Identifier

muir04_0749-md-1.pdf

File Identifier

Reel 04, Image 0748

Collection Identifier

Online finding aid for the microform version of the John Muir Correspondence http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt0w1031nc

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

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.

Pages

3 pages

Keywords

Environmentalist, naturalist, travel, conservation, national parks, John Muir, Yosemite, California, history, correspondence, letters

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