Returning from Alabama I have found your note of 4th reinforcing Mr Johnson’s of 23d June.

I have a deep and abiding interest in the subject. I shall be glad if Mr Johnson’s advice to the Yo Semite Commissioners through Senator Stanford leads them to consult me. I am not sorry that he gave that advice but am obliged to him for having given it. I do not clearly see for what duty it is suggested that the Century would engage me in case the Commissioners decline to do so. But, I am sorry to say that I fear there can be none that would be of much value for the Century’s purpose that my engagements will permit me to bind myself to. My views were, I think, fairly well expressed to the “interviewers” of the Examiner, to whose report Mr. Johnson refers but I have not seen that report and it would be singular, according to all my experience, if the interviewer succeeded in not misrepresenting me.

Putting out of view all differences of opinion or purpose directly or indirectly influenced by consideration of politics, jobs and money-making on a large or a small scale, it would probably be found, that, if we could get to the bottom of men’s minds, that there are radical differences as to what sh’d be [678]considered to be valuable to the world in the Yo Semite, justifying the Act of Congress in reserving it against a disposition under the influence of ordinary commercial motives. And so intricate and confused are the workings of men’s minds in regard to such a question that a statement on the point can hardly be made, assent to which, Theoretically, given the slightest indication of where a man would stand, practically. Before any other discussion, therefore, this is the point upon which a sharply defined proposition is wanted and persuasive, if possible conclusive, at least convincing, argument is wanted. For you will find men, angrily differing as to measures, using the same terms to define their sentiments and intentions, each honestly believing the other to be insincere or quibbling. All argument is thrown away, therefore, upon those with whom you cannot come to an intelligent good understanding on this point at the start. To find a firm {anchorage} in this respect is a part of my trade. Unfortunately it is no part of my trade to give good literary form to my convictions, and I am not good at piloting others to sound anchorage. If I could take a Centurion position and say to Galen Clark do this and do that, I could trust myself with a large responsibility. But for the present business of the Century in the matter I am afraid that if my engagements permitted me to give all the time to the duty that I could ask to do, I could not give it much aid.

I should like to have a talk with Mr Johnson and with Mr Muir on the subject. Are either of them likely to come to you at Marion? If so, might he not find it convenient to let me see him in Boston, or to make me a little visit here.

Yours Truly,