August 17 Friday – Sam’s notebook: “MacA & W to lunch” [NB 43 TS 24].

At Dollis Hill House in London, Sam wrote to John Y. MacAlister.

I don’t know when I have been so disappointed. I got all work cleared away & was ready for friends & luxurious leisure. And the weather—well, it was imported for the occasion.

That death was very sudden—instantaneous. I called on the widow yesterday afternoon & learned the particulars [MTP]. Note: Charles Russell, Baron of Killowen and Chief Justice died Aug. 9.

Sam also wrote to H.H. Rogers, enclosing Richard Watson Gilder’s July 17 letter and offer.

I wish I could live on offers. Here is this one, which offers to raise my rate $50 a page above McClure’s— which was $50 above previous rates. “Puck” offers me $10,000 a year for “one hour per week” to be devoted to editorship, & if that isn’t enough will pay considerably more. Pond offers me $10,000 for ten nights. I have declined all these offers, & others. For I know you will not be able to do without my advice in financial matters, & I must keep my talents unembarrassed & ready.

Sam also discussed sailing plans and their need for “promenade- deck quarters” for Jean’s benefit. They were considering a suite on the St. Paul leaving Oct. 6, “but if we filled it it would transfer the vacancy to our purse,” or the Minnehaha on the same date, due in N.Y.C. Oct. 15 or 16. They planned to stay at the Everett House for a week while searching for a flat or a house for the winter. He mentioned Brander Matthew’s visit and the judgment they could get a place in Matthews’ neighborhood, 93rd Street and West Ave [MTHHR 449].

Sam also wrote to Franklin G. Whitmore, directing him to seek the $ 200 he needed for Sam’s Hartford home expenses from Frank Bliss. He also shared plans to return, stay in New York City for the winter and possibly furnish a place there from the Hartford house [MTP].