January 23 Tuesday – Sam wrote from Hartford to Louise A. Howland, wife of his old Nevada mining buddy, Robert M. Howland. Evidently the Howlands had been in New York and Sam apologized for being laid up with rheumatism.

Luckily the scare is over. Clara’s membranous croup is not that; Susie’s scarlet fever is not scarlet fever…So I’ve lost my chance at old Robert, for which I am mighty sorry; but as soon as I get around again I’ve got to go to New York with Madam on shopping & business; & so we hope to at least get a glimpse of you & the children [MTP].