August 27 Sunday – Sam wrote from Elmira to Annie Moffett Webster. Sam, trying to clear up the accusations about Annie’s husband, Charles Webster, wanted her side of the story. Sam asked a numbered list of questions about Pamela Moffett, Charley, Annie and deeding half of Annie’s house; about Dunkirk land; about Pamela’s will; silverware, a sewing machine; and Pamela’s state of mind.

“Of course my impulse is to cast this whole muddle out of my mind & busy myself with my work; but justice to Charley will not permit that. Maybe we can manage your part of it by letter; let us try; & later finish it up by word of mouth” [MTP].

Mollie Clemens wrote to Sam & Livy about preparations for transporting Ma back to Keokuk. She felt Ma would “bear the trip well, if she is as well as she is now when we start.” She thanked Sam for his offer to send Ma by boat but Mollie had made arrangements for the usual way [MTP].