December 4 Monday – In New York Sam wrote two letters to Livy; the second with a paragraph to daughter Jean. In the first letter he opened with reassurance of his love, and apologized should he “bust out into momentary impatiences.” That he had written anything which made her cry caused him pain; he would try his “best not to do so again.” He referred to “that miserable business of Clara’s going to Berlin,” and saw “no other way” but for her to stay with Livy for the time being. He also wrote about two photographs of himself, and Livy’s reaction in three letters he’d just received:
Your eloquent abuse of that infernal hand-bill portrait caught me unawares at breakfast & made me laugh my teeth loose. You see, I’m not capable of understanding why a body should care what sort of a portrait is published of him. I can’t feel any way but indifferent about it. Still, for your sake I must go to Ellsworth [of the Century] & tell him to modify that portrait somehow. …
I have been re-reading your noble blast at my circus picture, & it kills me with laughing, just as before. I must send it to Sue. Don’t you remember that photo? It was taken by Normand Smith under the apple tree at Lilly Warner’s side door.
Sam also reported that “Fiske’s letter is delightful. Land I wish we were spending a week or two with him!” Prof. John Fiske (1842-1901) born Edmund Fisk Green was an American historian and philosopher who wrote several volumes on early American history. See Gribben 232-3.
Sam also expressed concern about Susy and the mixed messages of her health that Livy seemed to send in letter and cable. In the second letter, Sam related the meeting of the day before (Dec. 3) with Rogers, and listed the number of blocks totaling 310 that he’d tried but failed to walk (31 miles). He added a paragraph to Jean:
Dear Jean, I’m ashamed about that St. Nicholas business & am trying to think of ways to atone. I have just been ordering the “Cosmopolitan” to be sent regularly to you & the cost charged to Mr. Walker, the editor. If it fails to reach you let me know. Walker told me to do this. / Papa [LLMT 281].
Sam also wrote to Sue Crane, sending Livy’s “latest blast” at the Century’s advertisements of him.
..every time I read her explosion it nearly kills me with laughing. To her, the libel is so real & so important; whereas to me it is a matter of inconsequence. …Read Livy’s blasphemies five or six times, Sue — with intervals between — they improve in vividness & energy right along.
Thank you, dear, for your good offer, & I wish I could accept it; but this cat has got to stay here & watch this mouse. / Lovingly, / Saml.[MTP].
Sam’s notebook: Murray Hill Hotel, Dec. 4/93 Mr. Rogers, T.K. Webster & Chas. E. Davis. Agreed that my option shall be to demand & receive any time during 3 years, $240,000 cash, or $500,000 stock, or keep my royalties, as I shall elect [NB 33 TS 43].
December 4 Monday ca. – On or about this day Sam wrote Frederick J. Hall to meet him at the Murray Hill Hotel at half past 5 p.m. with all contracts between himself and Hall and Webster beginning in 1885 [MTP: catalog Seven Gables Bookshop]. Note: for this time of day, this could not have referred to the Dec. 3 meeting with Rogers, Davis, Hall and himself.