February 25-28 Thursday – At 21 Fifth Ave, N.Y. Sam replied to the Feb. 21 from John B. Downing, (“Alligator Jack”).

The year must have been 1860 I think, though it could have been the fall or winter of ’59. In June ’58 Bart Bowen was Captain of the A. T. Lacey; for I went from New Orleans to Memphis with him to find & care for my brother who had fallen a victim to the explosion of the Pennsylvania’s boilers. I was a cub at the time. I could not have risen to the dignity of going down to look at the river in such aristocratic company as that of licensed pilots earlier than a year later, for I would have to be of the elect myself in order to attain to that distinction. I was under the impression that I never saw Bart Bowen in life after he disembarked me at Memphis. I was also under the impression that he never stood a pilot’s watch after he stepped down a grade & became captain. Do not let this language mislead you. I never lost any part of my respect & affection for him on account of that of retrogression; no, he was a high-minded, large-hearted man, & I hold him in undiminished honor to this day. I seem to remember the river-inspection trip you speak of, & that the boat was the Edward J. Gay; but it is very, very dim & uncertain—as vague & shadowy as are the long-vanished faces that looked out over the breast-board, & whose blurred features you have called up out of the grave of my memory.

I thank you cordially for your most kind invitation, but I do not think I shall ever make another land journey, except by request of the Court & the Sheriff [MTP]. Note: See Aug. 15, 1881 and Aug. 18? 1881 entries for information on Downing.