July 4 Tuesday – Mollie Clemens wrote from Hartford to Sam, relating how Orion had felt “blue” after receiving a letter from Pamela, though he rallied. “For the first two years or more, I had very little faith in his being able to make the invention work, but my desire has been so great, I have gradually grown into the belief that it will be a success.” She told of their new quarters and obliquely thanked Sam for his money sent enabling them to afford it. She closed with “We are delighted at the prospect of your lectures paying you so well; and at their popularity” [MTP].

Orion also sent Sam a note: “The letter you refer to [Pamela’s] did no great harm. After a day’s sky-colored absent-mindedness I considered that your opportunities for judging of the concern were not so good as mine, and I went ahead.” He talked about his invention and hoped to get a patent on a “rough model.” He admitted being “a preternatural ass” for wanting Sam to write for Bliss for nothing. “I might as well have requested you to send him a file of bank notes” [MTP].