Letter from Charles N. Elliot to John Muir, 1912 Jul 9.

304 HOYT STREETPORTLAND,OREGONJuly 9,1912.Dear Mr. Muir:-I thank you for the inscription in my copy of My First Summer in the Sierra . This gives the volume that personal touch which I prize in the books I love, for, some way, I like to think of my books as having been actually handled by their authors and to be able to read in them a few words just as they came from the pen which wrote the book.I have Our National Parks and hope soon to possess your last book -- The Yellowstone -- which I have examined with great interest and pleasure at the book-store. I have read with bated breath the adventures of yourself and Stikeen -- but do not own a copy of the little volume, as I failed to get it when first issued, and I prefer, where possible to have the books of my favorite authors in their first editions.I am awaiting with eagerness your forthcoming Autobiography, which I see mentioned in Houghton-Mifflin\u27s latest catalogue. When my copy reaches me, I would like to send it to you for another autograph inscription, as I would rather have one there, had the two books been at hand, than in the one I sent you. Houghton-Mifflin Company wrote me some months ago that they did not know just when your Autobiography would appear as the MS was not then completed.You must not understand from what I write, that I am an autograph collector in the usual sense of the word. I would not want the handwriting of a man, no matter how famous, if I did not admire him and love his book. I have never purchased an autograph in my life and one obtained that way would have no charm for me. I am one, however, whom your writings, in books and in magazines has benefitted and given pleasure to for many years past. Loving the great outdoors, worshipping our great, wonderful mountains, I am compelled by circumstances to live ever in the City, and writings such as yours bring into my life the sparkling, invigorating ozone of the snow-purified mountain-tops, which goes fat toward expelling the dust and smoke with which the City fills my lungs. Books such as yours, and the distant view I have daily of snow capped Hood make my days at least endurable. So, I want once again to express my heart-felt thanks to you for your writings, and my hope that you may give to me and to the world many another volume of these beautiful word pictures of what you have seen in the mountains, the valleys, the glaciers of our mighty land.With affectionate regards, I am, ever[illegible]Mr. John Muir,1525 Formosa Ave.,Hollywood, California.0522