October 19 Sunday – On this day (or the same date in 1901; see entry) Sam wrote a letter to an unidentified publisher: “…your printers need watching; they take some very large liberties with my spelling and punctuation,” etc. [MTP: Anderson Auction Co. catalogs Feb. 5, Item 90].
Sam also wrote to Susan Crane who had traveled with the family when Livy was returned to Riverdale on Oct. 15.
I was immensely ashamed! Discussing coal-strikes & such things with Mr. Dodge, it didn’t take me long to lose track of the fact that you were going to get off at Kingsbridge—it was just shameful. After a while I went back to rejoin you, & of course you were gone, & I felt like a colossal ass—oh, such a much! Don’t forgive—I won’t have it. By George, & you had been so dear & good, & had stood by Livy so generously through all that long & heavy time, & I was so grateful to you, & then manifested it by being such a much. No, I won’t be forgiven, I don’t deserve it.
For two days, now, Livy has been issuing orders through Clara just as if she were well & in full command, & we just can’t have it! Dr. Moffat says she must stop it, or she will bring upon herself another trained nurse & lose Clara’s society. She inquired how the financial outlook was, & when she found it was good & satisfactory she went straight to house-building, & knocked my project of selling Tarrytown cold in a minute.
General Clara is showing admirable competency, & everything goes smoothly along in a business-like way.
Jean is in her 12th week all right—no attack [MTP]. Note: Dr. Henry Moffat (1855-1926), the family’s physician from Yonkers. Moffat was a noted football athlete while at Princeton. At the time of his death he was considered the Dean of his profession, instrumental in buiding a city tuberculosis hospital.