August 16 Thursday – Sam wrote from Elmira to his mother, Jane Clemens. He expected to be in Elmira until mid-September. Livy remained poorly and “improves so slowly.” Rosina Hay, their German nursemaid had left their employ, replaced by a new girl who only spoke German:

Rosa went away to-day—to get married. She has been with us eleven years; & I believe this is the first time she has been away from us a day in that time. All the children are mourning for her—but poor Jean thinks she is coming back, & nobody undeceives her. Jean looks just like you, most of the time, & like me when the devil is in her. Also when she walks. She is a great old comfort & satisfaction. / I can’t remember to drink the Rock Spring water, ma. They bring it to the room, mornings, but I forget to drink it [MTP]. Note: Rosina Hay married Horace K. Terwilliger in Elmira’s Park Church on Sept. 4.

Sam also wrote from Hartford to Mollie Clemens after receiving news that his mother was acting somewhat senile and delusional.

      It is distressing. It is as pathetic as it can be, the way Ma’s infirmities affect her. May I never be old with ruined faculties!

      I have written Ma, as you see. It will be many a long month, I fear, before Livy’s health & the heavy requirements of her family & housekeeping will make it safe for her to add to her freightage of care. There has been no time since last spring when it would have done to invite Ma.

Sam also asked about some aspect of the game that Orion or Mollie was perfecting for him, relating to William the Conqueror [MTP; MTBus 223].

William Swinton wrote, clipping enclosed from the Pall Mall Gazette:

“Yet Mark Twain has shown, in parts of ‘Tom Sawyer,’ that he can construct a splendid sensational plot, and it is to be wished that he would ‘cease his fuming’ and develop his genius in this direction.” [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “Swinton starts a mag & wants story by M.T.”

Charles Webster wrote about business matters: Sam’s examination in the Duncan suit to be Aug. 22; Webster to be in Elmira on the 21st; Osgood and book agents [MTP].