Letter from Mother [Ann Gilrye Muir] to [John Muir], 1871 Nov 9.

[4]I read the newspaper clippings with much interest - - and am glad you are so much known and appreciated. I trust you will yet fill a more honorable and important position than you have yet attained to if compatible with your highest good - -The girls join me in sending you much love May God bless you and keep you, - is the sincere wish of your affectionate Mother00544 [1] Farm 9th Nov 1871Dear John Your very welcome letters are always a scource of much pleasure to me - With my mind I often follow you in your wanderings in the valleys and on the mountains, ever praying that the Lord will comfort and protect you at all times - this summer and fall I have enjoyed a ramble in the woods very much - the trees and flowers, and plants, looked more beautiful, to me than ever before, and I took care of the garden - sowing the seeds and gathering the vegetables for the first time - [1]perhaps you do remember that it is 22 years today since I first met you and David and Sarah - at our first Wisconsin home - How very thankful I was - to be at home with you all again - Many changes have taken place since then and many blessings have been showered upon us, mixed with some trials - and though the family is widely scattered, yet we are still all spared, by His great mercy - Around home every thing moves on about the same as usual - your father is very busy [3]husking corn - Anna intends staying at home this winter but Joanna intends to teach We were glad to have Mary home during the vacation she looked very well, and is very thankful to be able to study at Madison so long I am very thankful to you, for your kindness towards her - for any thing I know - the rest of the family are all in their usual health John Reid has bought a small farm near David Galloway - but dont intend to live on it he has let it, and will still live in Portage