May 20 Monday – Sam’s notebook: “2 p.m. Stenographer / John Mackay after 2. 253 B’way” [NB 44 TS 11].

Check # Payee Amount [Notes]

114 Whitmore 110.00

At 1410 W. 10th in N.Y.C., Sam wrote on Frank Bliss’ May 15: “Dear Bliss: You have correctly stated the situation (above) as I understand it” [MTP]. Note: See May 15.

Sam also wrote to Barbara Mullen, wishing he could say yes to her invitation to speak at her high school, but he had too many engagements, it was “so far,” and he was “a very busy man but a very tired one.” He apologized for the US mail as her letter was postmarked May 7 but had just now reached him [MTP]. Note: in a May 30 followup thank you for a program Mullen since sent, Sam revealed that the high school was in Hannibal, Mo.

Sam also wrote a line to James B. Pond: “Your book is making friends all the time, and I am glad for it deserves it” [MTP].

Sam also dictated a typed letter to Franklin G. Whitmore.

“I enclose check for $110.

“Yes, buy the coal, now, but buy it on the basis of our absence, for we are obliged to spend another year in New York City.”

Sam thought the Whitmore’s invitation was “lovely,” but they needed to go to Elmira “on account of Mr. Slee’s ebbing life” [MTP]. Note: J.D.F. Slee died on June 7. See entry.