Santa Barbara
May 3d, 1875

My dear Anita,


Above I send you a few ideas on the subject you named. I do so in the faith that your teacher permits you to make use of them. Otherwise I forbid your doing it. You had better show them to her, and let her be the judge of how far you follow blindly the language given you, and how far by the use of your own words, and by judicious combination of the ideas presented with your own, you show personal merit in composition. I received yours of the 25th April. I shall probably stay here all this week, but shall certainly be home by next Sunday.

I have put your picture in a locket, and I want you to tell Mercedes to have one of her taken in same shape, and to send it to me to put in the same.

Mrs. Harmon could not have received a letter from me the other day as I have not written one to her since you were at school. She must have been mistaken about my election as Judge of a Court. You know that I was appointed by Governor Booth on Dec, 31st, 1873, and have held the office of District Judge ever since; and the election for the office at the conclusion of my term does not come off until October next. Mr. Fawcett, who married Miss Pray, is to be my opponent.

I hope to hear from both of you soon. I like to hear from you. Your letters are a consolation to me when I am alone, as I am half the time. Do you get the papers I send? Do you get Harper's publications now? Did Mercedes write about them to New York? Did she get the $50 I sent her? I hope it will be well bestowed. We have beautiful weather here now; not too hot nor too cold. May Day was particularly lovely. I hear that San Luis is building up fast, and so is this town. Adieu, my little girl. Give my love to Mercedes, and respects to Mr. & Mrs. Harmon.

I remain, your affectionate father,

Walter Murray