Letter from John Muir to Helen [Muir], 1896 Jun 19.

[letterhead]02108[1]New YorkJune 19, 1896My own dear HelenOh Midge I\u27m awfully solemnly lonely & homesick to see you. It seems more than a year since I left home, so rumbled & tumbled was the time on the railroad & so hot & chokey & smoky & dusty, & then besides there was so much bumping & noise all night I couldnt sleep. But I had a good rest last night & feel better this morning. & I hope to hear that mother continues to get better & that you & Wanda & Mama & grandma are wellThe Harvard solemnities [2]your mother knows about still bothers me but not so much as before. & you know Papa always gets through everything some way or other. Mr Johnson was at the hotel waiting for me last evening at 5.40 P.M. & then we dined together. Then went to his house & saw Mrs. Johnson, then went to Delmonicos & found Lesla who seemed very glad to see me. & we are to meet again & have a good time soon. Mr Johnson wanted to take me to see the lawyer Choate but it was too late. He told Mr Johnson to be sure & let him know when I arrived. John Bouroughs also wants me to spend some days with [letterhead]02108[3]him at his home on the Hudson Also Mr Osborne & I dont know how many more. But of course I cant spend much time here however pleasant for then I could not go to Alaska even if mother gets well. If mother needs me Ill go straight back to her as soon as the Harvard ceremonies are over. & that will be on the 24th.I have just telegraphed to Mama, & Sister Sarah & expect to hear good news soon.I expect Dan will stay with Mother two or three weeks.Boo! how hard it is. I must [4]go & buy a new hat & pair of shoes Ill probably go to Cambridge next Monday & hope Johnson will go with me.I have not got a signle letter from home since I left, & that\u27s tough. Still the telegrams told you were well & that\u27s the best of it anyhowNow Good buy darling. dont forget your lessons & dont let papa\u27s papers burn. I send love to you all & hope everybody & the peaches & kittens are well & good.Your loving fatherJ.