Letter from Helen [Muir Funk] to [John Muir], 1911 Jul 8.

Daggett, Cal. July 8, 1911.Bear Papa:-I am sorry you have been uneasy about my health, and I want you to know I am all right and that there is no need for worry. And here is the little man -- it is only a proof, but the finished pictures will not be done for about three weeks and I wanted you to see for yourself how big and healthy he is. This was taken the last time we were in Los Angeles He was then four and a half months old. Of course just as soon as the pictures are finished we will send you one. but in the meantime I send this.Buel has telegraphed you as Tom Hanna said you were worrying about me and wanted to know where we were. We have had to delay our trip this long on account of our friends., a middle aged man and his wife and little girl whom we have known ever since coming here. They have been to Bear Valley several times, and were to go ahead of us with their wagon and team, and fix things up so it would be easier for the baby and I when we got there. They could not leave as early as they had expected to go, and as the weather has kept cooler than usual for June here, and both Muir and I were all right, we thought we would rather wait than go on alone. We cannot go all the way in the machine, and it will be nice to have a team waiting for us at the end of the auto road. We leave here early on Wednesday, the 12th. As soon as we reach our new summer home, I will let you know how we stood the trip, and how things are there. And please don\u27t fret about us, for we are both just as well as can be. It is perfectly natural that I should lose weight, for the boy [O5070] takes all that used to go to fat for myself before he came. And then too I have never before had to go without fruit and Jelly and cooked apples and salad, and you know I have always eaten so much of these cooling refreshing things in hot weather before. Of course as soon as I get to a higher and cooler place, with a complete change. I will have a sharper appetite and wont miss the fruit and things so much. And now here is something you will be glad to hear. I asked the doctor about giving the baby cows milk, in part, and he said try it, and showed me how to dilute an sweeten it. So we tried and find that so far it agrees perfectly. He takes it from a spoon or a small cup, and I only have to supply about half as much of his nourishment as I did before. He also drinks lots of hot water- boiled - and he sleeps from five to six hours a day besides his night sleep which lasts till about five-thirty now as I am getting up earlier than I used to. His gums seem to be very slow and are no more swollen now than a while back. About twice a day he fusses a little and tells me he wants me to help him, so I wet a piece of cotton and rub his gums with it, and wash out his whole mouth to cool it, and then he is satisfied and goes on playing or goes to sleep. But of course we will keep close watch over him.Do you want me to return your letter from the publishers? I was glad to read them. And your First Summer book came a few days ago and is charming. I like the way it is gotten up too. The forest and stream pictures are cooling and refreshing to look at in a desert, and the flower pictures are beautiful. I always felt that it would make a delightful book, and you will see that it will have a big sale. I am so glad that the Yosemite book is so nearly finished. Who is going to[05070 illustrate it? Please dont work too hard on it and get all tired out before you start on your long trip. It is so nice that you are out of New York City in a quieter place. Just think what a lot of you have all over the world.I must not forget to tell you that my eyes are better, but then you will probably know it from this long letter. I write to very few, and the only reading I do [illegible] your letters to me. The rest are read to me, and I hope in a little while [illegible] be all right so I can read books.It is time to feed the baby now. He is in his little go-cart in this room, watching me write, and playing with his feet. And Oh yes, he can put his toe in his mouth.Ever lovingly[illegible][05070]