November 14 Friday – Sam wrote aboard the SS City of Chester en route to Livy—“7 day out.” Sam wrote of a half-gale and some rolling of the ship, an injury or two to passengers, a leaky dead-light in his cabin and of repairs to his clothing. “I have read all night during this [rough] weather—sleep would only tire me.”

What did Sam read? A copy of Samuel Richardson’s Clarissa Harlowe was in Sam’s library. The book was inscribed: Saml. L. Clemens/ Cabin 55 & 56/ Steamer—City of Chester. It was also signed “Harriet Ward, London, October 23rd, 1868” [Gribben 578] —possibly the prior owner.

Sam worried about Livy, probably feeling guilt for leaving her again so soon in her condition [MTL 5: 475].