Letter from Louie Strentzel to [John Muir], 1879 Oct 9.

• Main Author: Strentzel, Louie
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Scholarly Commons 1879
• Subjects: Environmentalist; naturalist; travel; conservation; national parks; John Muir; history; correspondence; letters; Blue Glacier; glacier; Alaska
• Online Access: https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/muir-correspondence/504; https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/context/muir-correspondence/article/1503/viewcontent/muir03_1161_md_1.pdf

[in margin: 419] 00868 October 9, 1879. O Friend Beloved, if ever the dear Lord leads you out from the depths of those blue glacier caves, and will let me once more look upon your face, that I may know you are not become only a white wraith of the northland – there will be no happier woman than I in all the wide world. Then I can rejoice with you in all the marvelous wonder and wildness with which your soul has been thrilled for the summer time of this new year. But now! remembering you[Page 2]wrote that even you could not in your dreams forget those dangerous ways! I can only think with shivering dread, and pray for the merciful care of God over you. This morning when I began to answer your letter from the northern midnight, I had no thought that it also would be finished at midnight, and in Oak- land, but so it is. Word came that my former teacher Mrs. Colby who has been dangerously ill, was much worse to day, and I brought mother down to see her, but have not heard to night. I was in the State Grange meet- ing until eleven o’clock, yet feel too restless for sleep, and besides, we must cross to San Francisco early inthe morning, while the Victoria steamer leaves at noon,- so I can send to you only this poor note for remem brance. And after all, perhaps it will never reach you, for Fate seems to have willed only punishment for me because I was not patient. This last time, your letters came while I was at Mrs. Upham’s, and I did not know until too late for the “California”. all very pleasant at 920 Valencia. Bennie and I are very good friends. – Little Helen is well. Papa said yesterday, to tell you that he believes “Alaska berries are just nothing to compare with Alhambra Corinths and Alexandrias in October.”! Mother is still quite unwell, but is gaining strength with the cool weather and more time for rest. Goodnight, Louie