October 11 Saturday – In from Boston with him the
York Harbor, Maine Sam wrote to William Dean Howells after returning day before: “Say—stay where you are till you die. I’ve written 28 letters to-day connected with moving” [MTHL 2: 747].
Sam also wrote to update H.H. Rogers on the impending move to Riverdale:
We expect to attempt the flight next Wednesday, 15th, leaving here at 8.45 a.m., & reaching Riverdale 9 hours later—about 6. p.m. The physicians agree that Mrs. Clemens can venture it.
We have cut the trip down 2 hours at each end by hiring special locomotives. We’ve got an invalid car, & it goes through without breaking bulk—whole expense, $340. Cheaper to go by yacht. I mean for us, not for you.
It is a long time since I have seen the patient, but the reports are pretty fair. But she is no stronger than she was when I saw her.
Jean’s case is miraculous—no attack in upwards of 10 weeks [MTHHR 511].
Sam also wrote to Miss Whiting. “Indeed I should have answered the boys & thanked them, but I did not get the letter” [MTP: Swann Galleries catalog, Apr.3, 2003, Item 197]. Note: may have been daughter of Charles B. Whiting, President of Orient Ins. Co., Hartford.
Sam’s notebook: “No, read something. It is 76th st & East River (where I read ‘Two Little Tales’ [)] ” [NB 45 TS 30]. Note: Sam then entered the Boston excursion with Howells, placed in Oct. 10 entry.
William E. Dodge wrote from Riverdale, NY to Sam, “startled and pained” by “your daughter’s letter that Mrs. Clemens was still ill and weak.” He offered his carriage for their homecoming [MTP].