ment of fame, rather softened her mood for a little while into a sort of defense of him, possibly in some hope of reconciliation, though she held to the picture of her own suffering. When, in the fall of 1871, there was an announcement of his return, now as a famous man, she addressed a long prose letter to the public, through the Salem Mercury and the New Northwest, on November 15, and followed it up with a long poem in the New Northwest on November 24. Following is the prose discourse, done apparently with an eye to what Joaquin Miller would think of it when he should see it. In any case, it was good press-agenting and he could at least appreciate that feature of it.
A Communication to the Public by Mrs. M. M. Miller.
From the Salem Mercury, November 15, 1871
Sir: As Joaquin Miller is now expected to arrive in Portland, I deem it my duty to say a few words in his behalf to the people of Oregon. I have received many letters from different sources requesting me to disclose as much of his conduct toward his children as I will. Although I feel that these things concern no one on the face of the earth but my children and me, still he belongs to the world now, and I have remained silent until remarks have been carried so far as to make my children the subjects of idle gossip, and deem it right to now ask a truce to charges and accusations and request of you to behold the poet, and receive him in a manner that will give due tribute to his genius and success. Mr. Miller has earned a fame, and an appreciation of his efforts should be awarded him. He is a man of literary culture and research; he has read constantly, industriously, and has command of the very best of literature, ancient and modern. It has been his sole ambition for years to go to Europe and acquire a literary fame. He felt, and justly, that he was gifted,
