August 1 Saturday – At Quarry Farm in Elmira, N.Y. Sam wrote to Richard Watson Gilder, enclosing the July 30 from his nephew, Samuel E. Moffett, which asked for a seconding nomination for Mary E. Moffett for membership in the National Arts Club.
The enclosed is from my nephew, Samuel E. Moffett: I endorse him; on that will you grant his prayer? I’ve no doubt you dear & lovely Gilders are taking good care of Clara Clemens the beautiful but tough—you have our gratitude. And always our love.
SL. (for all Clemenses).
The Madam is still progressing—& Jean has arrived [MTP].
Sam also wrote to George Walbridge Perkins, Sr., Riverdale neighbor.
I never once thought! It is my fault that the hay was cut & sold—Martin proposed it & I said “go ahead,” never reflecting that it was your hay & not mine. But I give you my word it wasn’t coldly intentional, it was only habit. I often sell other people’s things—not that I want to do wrong, but merely because I am so used to it, & it was always the way in our family.
The money hasn’t been collected, & so I hope you will intercept it; but if it comes to me, Mrs. Clemens, who is distressed & ashamed, will be on the watch & see that you get it. (I could have been wealthy before this if I had had the right kind of help) [MTP].