March 24 Friday – En route on the Kaiser Wilhelm II to New York, Sam wrote to daughter Susy, relating an anecdote told by the nephew of Longfellow about Professor Charles Eliot Norton of Harvard and his introduction of his lifelong friend, William Hunt.

“One day, many years ago, I had come — back from — Italy, & I sat with — William Hunt talking — & I had in my — pocket — a little silver — box — a beautiful creation of — old Italian art — & I was impatient to know — if he would like it — for I had brought it — for him — & I took it out — & gave it to him — & watched his face — with eager solitude — for the light I hoped would break there — & I said — ‘Do you like it?’ Ah, his eye flamed! — & he said — ‘Do I like it? Norton — — it is a God damned ultimate of art!’ Gentlemen — here stands — before you — the brother — of that most noble genius — and he — too — is a God damned ultimate of art!”

“The house came down with a storm — Norton’s tears were already flowing, & as he turned to lead Hunt forward, Hunt leaned his head against a pillar & burst out crying.”

There, Susy dear, that is the very loveliest anecdote I have ever heard in my life, & one of the most touching — for I can see Norton, & hear his voice grow unsteady & finally break down at the end. It is as if the sweet & reverent Sieur de Jainville were telling this reminiscence of his idol the sacred Saint Louis of France [MTP]. Note: Sam addressed the letter to Susy at the Hotel Royal Danieli, Venice. William Pitt Preble Longfellow (1836-1913) was one of the “art-chief’s of the Exhibition” associated with the Columbian Exposition of 1893.