Letter from John Muir to [Robert Underwood] Johnson, 1895 Jun 18.

42Martinez, Cal. June 18 / 95My dear Mr Johnson,I think that all the talk of employing a reputable landscape gardener to lay out & manage the floor of Yosemite was intended to secure the cooperation of the Sierra Club in securing appropriations for the next two years. I never believed that the Yo. Commissioners really meant to turn over a new leaf in the management. California does not truly care for Yosemite for itself and here lies the difficulty.Left in care of the Century these city Dog Days you are in a hard & hot place & I devoutly pity you. Do care for yourself. Make many short excursions to Sargents Mrs Fields sea-washed ice-fashioned bluffs, Hudson Highlands, Catskills etc to save your life. I should deliberately choose a Gettysburg or Pitsburgh Landing battle against a smothering New York summer in the Century editorial rooms. Dont die. Dont suicide. Do care for yourself.Bancroft Library [in margin: Have been trying the days [Glory?]]I have another years work to do on the coast of Alaska at Yakatat Bay, Bristol Bay, & Cook\u27s Inlet, but I shall not I fear be able to do this the coming summer. I rather think that under the circumstances I shall go see the improved condition of the Yosemite National Park & explore in detail the Tuolumne Canon for my coming Yosemite guidebook. Then I shall think of you, & your important eyeglasses, & the grand earthquake taluses.If you should go to Sargents (as you had better) tell them that the meeting & blending of the sunset purple & rhododendron purple on their pond & the wide cool flowing verandah & the charming company remain with me & shall remain always.Ever cordially yrsJohn MuirBancroft librar