June 25 Friday — In Redding, Conn. Sam wrote to “any Inspector of Customs on the Hamburg-American line, Hoboken.”
Dear Sir: / I suddenly learn that the Kaiserin Augusta Victoria is due to-morrow, whereas I was not expecting her so soon. Miss Mary Clark is on board, & is bringing a dog for my daughter, Miss Jean Clemens.
I have not time to inquire what measures I ought to take, in order to get admission to the dock for the bearer of this note (my man-servant George O’Connor,) therefore I beg you to grant him admission, so that he can relieve Miss Clarke of her burden & carry out the customs formalities & requirements in her place.
If I am asking more than is usual, you may report me to my friend the Collector of the Port & I will make the due amends. / Very respectfully / ... [MTP]. Note: Sam spells Clark and Clarke.