February 15 Tuesday – Elisha Bliss wrote to Sam. After pleasantries and tales of a “little ‘bender’” with Twichell, Bliss gave production numbers on IA, “Have sold about 5,000 so far this month,” then hit Sam with the bad news about Kitty (Kate) D. Barstow (Mrs. William H. Barstow):

And now about a matter I want help in—Mrs. Kate D. Barstow suddenly disappeared from our sky, owing $157.40. We hear nothing from her. Can you ascertain her whereabouts—Think she should be looked after—She always seemed to be prompt, till she stept out. We wrote to Washington & elsewhere but no, answer [MTL 4: 78n1]. Note: Kitty did not write Sam until Oct. 16, 1881, and then asking for assistance to study medicine. As per Sam’s Feb. 26 to Bliss, Kitty did eventually pay.