February 25 Sunday – At 10:30 p.m. in New York at the Players Club, Sam wrote another long bi-weekly letter to Livy, which he added to on Feb. 26 and Feb. 27. He’d had dinner with Mary Mason Fairbanks, her daughter Alice (Mrs. William H. Gaylord) and Alice’s daughter, who were in the city for a few days. Sam remarked on Mary’s “age & infirmity,” having to be supported when she walks. She was 39 on the Quaker City and now was 66. Sam also added a paragraph of concern for their daughter Susy, who was possibly anorexic. He related the events of the previous day, Feb. 24, and then filled in this day’s activities:

…& didn’t wake again till 10 this morning; was still sleepy, & resumed; but the next time I woke up — at 1.30 this afternoon — I was refreshed clear through to my marrow. So I wrote the letter [for Rogers] & copied it; then prepared my readings, & my day’s work was done.

I shaved & dressed & went to see Mother Fairbanks; then out to Mr. Rogers’s, arriving before 9. I gave him the [dedication] letter, which he said was beautiful; then talked an hour with the family & four of Fairhaven guests, & returned here [Players]; for 13 letters have come since I went away, & they must be answered to-night. I must be up at 7.30 to meet Mr. Rogers & Mr. Hall at 9 on the Websterco affairs. Mr Rogers said to-night that he had thought of some little additions & possible improvements of the plan. I knew he would. His mind takes no holidays.

Sam then discussed his hope for selling stock through J.M. Shoemaker, or perhaps some in Paris or London.

So, you see, we are rich people who haven’t any ready cash. ….here money is unspeakably tight. All I want to be sure of is, that we can be comfortable for another six months; then the new machine will be out & will make things easy for us [MTP].

Sam also wrote on Players Club stationery to his sister, Pamela Moffett. “By the power & pluck and genius of a better man” (H.H. Rogers) the typesetter, Sam claimed, “is on its feet, and permanently.” Insensitive to Pamela’s affection for her late son-in-law, Sam blasted the Webster & Co., that he claimed “was insanely managed from the day it got the Grant book till now,” which also showed little respect for Fred Hall’s efforts. Sam claimed Webster & Co. owned him $110,000 and Livy about $60,000, and the banks and printers $83,000, with only assets doubtfully worth $60,000.

But I am going to get out at whatever loss. Webster — however, the blatherskite is dead, let him rot in peace.

I sail for France nine days hence, whether I get my matters arranged or not; for I have left Livy to fight her way long enough among strangers, in indifferent health & with a sick daughter on her hands. Susy’s health — but she hasn’t any; it has all wasted away.

Give Annie my love and very best wishes [MTP].