Letter from John Muir to Katherine Graydon, 1900 Oct 22.

[Original letter returned to Miss Katherine M. Graydon]To[?]Martinez, Oct.22, 1900.My dear Miss Graydon:The ferns are here, a splendid lot, in perfect order, and they are lovely. Of course you know you have my sympathy in your loneliness -- loneliness not of miles but of loss - the departure from earth of your great aunt Kate, the polestar and lodestone of your life and of how many other lives. What she was to me and what I thought of her I have written and sent to your Aunt Julia for a memorial book her many friends are preparing. A rare beloved soul sent of God, all her long life a pure blessing. Her work is done; she has gone to the Better Land, and now you must get used to seeing her there and hold on to her as your guide as before...Poor Janet is not gaining strength, her mother tells me, but is still able to know her friends and to love them. Wanda, as you know, is going to school, and expects soon to enter the University. She is a faithful, steady scholar, not in the least odd or brilliant,but earnest and unstoppable as an avalanche. She comes home every Friday or Saturday by the new railway that crosses the vineyards near the house. Muir Station is just above the Held house. What sort of a scholar Helen will be I don\u27t know. She is very happy and strong. My sister Sarah is now with us, making four Muirs here, just half the family..We are all about as usual. May\u27s*baby is a transcendental wonder - she actually toddles and talks.Write us a long letter and let us know how yon prosper now the plague clouds are gone and the sky of your lovely isleAis once more clear. Helen, looking over my shoulder, sends love. Many [H.W&H] thanks - God bless you.Ever your friend,John Muir[*May Coleman][Envelope addressed Miss Katherine Graydon. Honolulu, Hawaii.]02890https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/jmcl/40104/thumbnail.jp