Letter from John Muir to [Margaret (Hay) Lunam], 1897 Oct 15.

Martinez, California Oct. 15, 1897My dear CousinI should have written you before. but I was away in the Rocky Mountains & Alaska. I hurried back earlier than usual & it was well I did so far our loved Mother Strentzel was very sick, & about two weeks after my return she died at the age of 76. How small our little family now seems you will know.I am much surprised to hear of the sudden death of Mr Dick. How different from that of my motherinlaw, who was an invalid more than 40 years.My Sister Mary is now with us. She has been here more than three months on a visit but is now about to start for her home in Nebraska. Maggie is quite poorly at times but is not now worse than02349 2usual. David is quite well; his two daughers from Wisconsin paid him a visit this summer. & all the rest of our family were in usual health when I last heard from them. Possibly Mrs M. & the girls may visit Scotland after Helen is a little bigger. She is now 11 years old & very bright. I\u27m working away with my pen but making slow progress Im writing some more forestry articles & a little book on Alaska. Did you see my articles in the August & September Century magazine & in the August Atlantic Monthly, if not I\u27ll send copies.Remember me to Mr Buchanan, Mrs Kelly, Susan, Cousin Matthew, & Mr Notman.I trust this will find you & Maggie in good health & that the coming winter will be easy with you.Ever Affectionately Your CousinJohn Muir0234