March 24 Thursday — In Hamilton, Bermuda Sam wrote to Katharine Boland Clemens (Mrs. James Ross Clemens) in Redlands, Calif.
Dear Cousin Katherine:
I am grateful for the prayers of those good nuns, & for yours; they have already answered themselves, in giving me a deep pleasure.
I have lost that dear Jean, & my sorrow lies heavy upon me—but I would not bring her back if I could. Nor Livy, nor Susy. Death is the most precious of all the gifts this life has for us—& it is theirs. Peace to their sacred ashes!
About a month hence I shall be homeward bound, after half a year’s sojourn in these Islands of the Blest. Write me as soon as you get to New Caanan & tell me when I can have you at Stormfield. /Yours affectionately / ... [MTP].
Sam also wrote a postcard to Louise Paine in Redding, Conn. telling of his bronchitis. Text not available [MTP: Seven Gables Bookshop letter, 5 December 1969].
Sam also began a letter to daughter Clara that he finished Mar. 25.
Clara dearest, I hope my cablegram welcoming you home reached you. Paine is in a state of glad hurrah because you are coming, & I am the same. Claude & I are booked to sail April 23rd, I may possibly stay in New York a week or two, but shall be in the front door when you disembark at Stormfield. I suppose I shall lodge with my small mamma (Mrs. Robert J. Collier, who has adopted me.) She was here a week ago, with Robert, & I gave her your Berlin address, as she wanted to write to you.
My bronchitis has nearly disappeared, in this balmy summer weather, but the pain in my breast has attacked me frequently & severely these past 3 days—owing to extravagant & inexcusable imprudences in feeding—so I have spent the 3 days in my room, taming it down. I am in pretty good shape now, but shall keep to my room & a cautious diet a few days longer. I took Quintard’s medicine the first two days—I had never touched it before—but I have gotten through this present day without it.
My father died this day 63 years ago. I remember all about it quite clearly.
I miss Jean so! She was utterly sweet & dear those last days; & so wise, & so dignified, & so good, She is at rest; & for her dear sake I am so glad.
I would not bring back any of the hallowed Four [MTP]. Note: Four: Livy, Langdon, Susy, and Jean.