Letter from John Muir to [C. Hart] Merriam, 1912 Oct 8.

Hollywood, Cal., Oct.8, 1912.1525 Formosa AvenueDear Doctor Merriam:-I was delighted to hear from you; to know that you and all of the family were well and happy, and that you were in California. I wonder how long you are going to be among the redwoods and madronas. I shall try to see you just as soon as I can find a day. Like yourself, I have been very busy since I saw you last, writing up old notes and trying to plan work in the shape of other books, etc., without making very much progress.I have been down here about a week visiting Helen. Her husband, Mr. Funk, and the eldest boy, about twenty months old, have been very ill with something like the grip but all are well again. Helen, as perhaps you know, has two little sons, one of them only two months old, one of the brightest and best natured young men I ever saw. Helen and Wanda are both well. Wanda has three boys, making five grandchildren.I have to leave here for Yosemite Valley at the end of the week, to attend a Secretary of the Interior\u27s Conference on National Parks, beginning on the 14th. Can\u27t you come to this conference?It is an easy trip of only about a day each way from your hill, and a visit to the Valley would recall the pleasant times we had there with Mr. -Bailey and your sister, and when we were completing a long zigzag back and forth over the summits of the Sierra. You would see there also your friend Marshall, and Mr. Colby and other directors of the Sierra Club. I would like to have you help us also on this Hetch Hetchy business, which I hope is now drawing to a close one way or other. Then we would have time to talk over the work you are now on, and your grand plans now that you are free from official duty, and my trips in South America and Africa, etc., etc., etc.In the meantime give my love to Mrs. Merriam and Zenaida, and believe me,Ever faithfully, admiringly yours,JOHN MUIR0528