December 3 Thursday – At the Villa Reale di Quarto near Florence Sam wrote to Eleanor V. Hutton (Mrs. Laurence Hutton). “I thank you ever so much for your congratulations, & for sending me that accurate description of me. Been in bed a week, but am getting around again. With love to you both…” [MTP].
Susan Crane wrote to Sam (here used the forwarded copy for Rogers typed by Jean with a few comments added by Sam):
Dear and Holy Samuel. / That picture which I intended to draw for you early in November was delayed for a manifest reason.
Lewis sat in the warm sunshine, on the edge of the porch, waiting for me to walk up from the farm barn. He wished to arrange some of the conditions of the lease of his farm, for we have no written contract. We were so warm that I laid aside my wraps, and he sat in his patched, faded blue overalls, with his white head uncovered.
We talked of the farm, and he told me how near he was to securing the old Bible stolen from the Dunker meeting house after the battle of Antietam, he wishing to restore it to the old church, etc.
We never talk long without Lewis giving me considerable philosophy, and this porch-visit Nov. 3rd was no exception.
As it drew to a close, I brought to Lewis your offering and mine, for the month, and said “I do not know whether the gift will be continued from Mr. Clemens’ friend or not, it is doubtful as he has met with some losses.” He turned on me a look of surprise, disappointment and inquiryand said, “if it’s not asking too much. I have thought that friend might be Mr. Langdon, and he did not wish to have me know of his generosity.”
When I said “no,” Lewis seemed relieved that Mr. Langdon had not met with losses. He thought a few minutes, as if to put down any selfish consideration, then said, “I wish you would ask Mr. Clemens to thank his friend for what he has done for me, and tell him I am very sorry he has lost money, and not just because I shall miss his gift to me.”
[in right margin, in SLC’s hand: Now this ought to touch you, Mr. R!]
Lewis’ look and tone conveyed more than the words can, of sincere sympathy. During the month he has called several times, but he has not mentioned the subject. Yesterday as I was at luncheon, I heard his voice and Molly came to say she wished to see me, but that she would give him a dinner, and I need not hurry to see him.
In due time Lewis appeared, with an old gray overcoat half covering the usual light blue suit. Covering no one knows how many other suits. In his hand an old, much worn ennamel cloth tra veling bag dated 1860. but looking as if it might have come over in the Mayflower. The entire equipment save the illuminated face of the man, was well worn and very old. In the bag was the historic Bible, which he wished me to see, and a forty year old hard tack. Lewis was delighted to have the Bible with the hope of starting it on its return to Antietam today. He drew a long breath as he handed me an envelope, saying, “all the good things come together today.” It was the check from Mr. Rogers for $20.
Lewis went away very happy and grateful, for our monthly offering was added, and he saw his way to live through the winter in real comfort, and by degrees meet all his just obligations, for he too has found farming expensive.
He has worked so hard, to see so much effort wasted, and to see so many things go wrong, it is a joy to see his life brightened at last in just this way. It was an inspiration on your part, and has given happiness to others beside Lewis. He appreciates. and is grateful in a truly manly way—and if prayers can help those for whom they are uplifted you and Mr. Rogers will be helped every day when you are not thinking. [in right margin, in SLC’s hand: I will pray for you, too, unless you buy me off. SLC]
But I fear the uplift helps only the reverent soul that would bestow all good upon his fellows.
[in right margin, in SLC’s hand: Meaning you or me, no doubt. Perhaps me.] Good night and most lovingly….[MTP; enclosed in Dec. 16 and 18 to Rogers].
Sam’s notebook: “Lunch, 1 p.m / Madm Villari / 27 Viole Regina Victoria / Go with me see the priest” [NB 46 TS 30].Note: Linda Villari. See Villari’s note of Dec. 7.