Letters to a Friend 



There is a kind of hotel in the valley, but it is 

 incomparably better to choose your own camp 

 among the rocks and waterfalls. The time of 

 highest water in the valley varies very much 

 in different seasons. Last year it was highest 

 about the end of June. I think, perhaps, the 

 falls would be seen to as good advantage to 

 wards the end of June as at another time, and 

 at any rate there will be a thousand times more 

 of grandeur than any person can absorb. 



Here, then, in a word is the plan which I pro 

 pose: That you take the stage at Stockton for 

 Mariposa. At Mariposa you procure saddle- 

 horses and one pack-animal for your tent, blan 

 kets, provisions, etc., (a guide will be furnished 

 by the keeper of the livery - stable to take 

 charge of the horses,) and that I meet you in the 

 valley, which I can do without difficulty pro 

 vided you send me word by the first of June 

 what day you will set out from Stockton. Ad 

 dress to Hopeton. 



When you arrive in the valley, please regis 

 ter your name at Mr. Hutchings' hotel. I will 

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