May 7 Thursday – In Riverdale, N.Y. Sam wrote on the top of a May 6 letter regarding a poet-humorist convention, to William Dean Howells.
Set-fire, You! Imagine yourself 22 & in it! New to glories, new to attentions, new to banquets, new to “dress” tuxedos, new to being gazed at and envied, new to being important, new to reverent salutation by tug-whistles, new to right companionship with God Who sits purring and comfortable all sermon-time, Sundays, while the praises & distinctions come up. [in bottom left corner:]
I’m still confined to my bed—indefinitely [MTHL 2: 770].
Sam also wrote to Franklin G. Whitmore, upset that Whitmore had shared Richard M. Bissell’s (the purchaser of his Hartford home) letter (not extant) which evidently expressed disbelief that the Clemenses could not move out shortly. Sam listed all the reasons why they could not, noting there was no one to supervise the removal of their goods except Livy, who was unable to do so.
If Godalmighty Bissell were in these circumstances, he would “understand” that he would need the whole of the suggested interval & several months on top of it.
I believe it was indiscreet to send us his letter—if he is a gentleman he certainly wrote it in confidence to you. If he supposed you were not going to conceal it from us, he meant to insult us. I think he will be astonished & hurt when he finds you revealed it to us [MTP]. Note: Clara lined out the G word.