Letter from Annie K[ennedy] Bidwell to John Muir, 1881 Dec 21.

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\u27s, 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\u27s 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.https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/jmcl/36234/thumbnail.jp