Letter from Mother [Ann Gilrye Muir] to John Muir, 1878 May 16.

[4]trust for the time to come Our heavenly father is strong to deliver in times of deep trial and danger – and is ever ready and willing to protect all that give there cause unto his hands I trust you will be preserved in all your goings out and all your comings in The girls all join me in earnest loving wishes for your best interests from your affectionate Mother 00794 [1] 1978 Portage May [ 16th?]Dear John Your last letter to me of March 6th was gladly received, during March Joanna wrote you a letter, and I also wrote you one, and lately we have both been anxiously waiting for a response fro you but as yet we have received none, probably your multiplicity of business has hindered you However I am happy to know by David of your welfare – your fortieth birthday was remembered with many heartfelt loving wishes for your prosperity and for your preservation in[Page 2][2]the many dangers to which you are exposed, we alo partook of [ (curran scones) –?] A letter from your father informs us of his good health and happiness in Canada he wrote for your address as he wished to write to you John Reid has returned from his Western tour but has not quite decided what course he will pursue Sarah has just come to Portage to spend a week among us, she has not been here for a long time – Mary has been home for the last two weeks – and is still engaged in her favorite work – painting - I thank you very much [3]for the portrait your sent me last, and hope to see the original some time. I have had the pleasure of reading about your favorite bird, and also your late trip to the mountains about Lake Tahoe – you know I am extremely interested in all your travels and writings and enjoy reading about them very much – I already begin to think of the many dangers to which you may be exposed during the coming summer, but a kind providence has preserved you in safty, amid many dangers, and trials, in the days and months that are past, and we will still