Letter from John Muir to [Annie K.] Bidwell, 1907 Mar 27.

Martinez, March 27 /07Dear Mrs BidwellYour charming invitation to visit you is one after my own heart & you may be sure one or both of us will make haste to Chico as soon as we can. But alas the old freedom to roam is mine no longer. & even so short a trip as the Rancho Chico one may have to be indefinitely postponed.Helen & I are all the family now though Wanda is not far off she & her husband are living in a home of their own.I\u27m delighted to get tidings of you & your sister & Mrs Gray & Sir Joseph for I like all that blessed company so lovingly a part of dear auld lang syne. Helen has got through the winter very well, much to my relief & I hope she will soon be as sound & strong as ever. Come & visit us at any time Our home is within a few miles of your way to San Francisco.When I was last at Ken I failed to see Sir Joseph but had a pleasant call at his daughters home. She told me her father was at a sanitarium but hoped to be back home & at work in a few weeks. Your news of him is the latest. How precious the glowing warmth & beauty of these old memories never to fade. Faithfully your friendJohn Mui