September 17 Monday – At Dollis Hill House in London, England Sam wrote to Frederick J. Hall, with Livy adding a line or two and signature. They expressed the “perfect visit” of Hall. Sam recounted an anecdote he read the night before in Domestic Annals of Scotland:

Last night I read…under date 1637 (cattle-stealing times) that a statute was framed forbidding the sale of hides, flesh, etc., until proof was forthcoming that the property was “lawfully becomit”…So they had German words there in those days, & it is quite likely that a person couldn’t even become a canary without considerable risk, in case the would-be seller lacked the backing of two reputable witnesses…[MTP: Sotheby’s London Catalog, July 21, 1992, Item 47]. Note: the text quoted from this letter, as with many others sold in auctions, is incomplete.

Sam also wrote to W.H. Helm, London publisher, thanking for “that welcome review,” hoping he deserved “the good & graceful compliments” paid him.

Already the packing & fussing & arranging has begun, for the removal to America; & by consequence the peace of life is marred & its contentments & satisfactions departing. There is not much choice between a removal & a funeral; in fact a removal is a funeral, substantially, & I am tired of attending them. I hope your bicycle is in order & that you will let me see you again before we go [MTP].