April 22 Thursday – At 23 Tedworth Square in London, Sam wrote to Douglas B. Sladen declining an invitation of some sort.

“I do not go anywhere in public, or I should gladly say yes. I am very sorry, for whereas I have so much respect for a mile that I seldom walk one, I would walk five to see Lord Roberts” [MTP].

Note: Lord Roberts: Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts (1832-1914), Anglo-Irish distinguished Field Marshal, perhaps the most successful commander of the Victorian era. He was known endearingly as “Bobs” by his troops. Sam was undoubtedly familiar with Roberts’ part in the siege and capture of Delhi, India and relief of Lucknow under Sir Colin Campbell during the 1857 Indian rebellion. See Feb. 22 and 23 1896 entries. As with Grant and Sherman, and the West Point Academy, Sam admired acclaimed military men. The letters after Roberts’ name represent a smorgasbord of awards.