March 17 Friday – Sam wrote from Buffalo to Elisha Bliss. After notifying Bliss that he was taking Livy to Elmira the next day, Sam wrote:

“Now do you see?—I want rest. I want to get clear away from all the hamperings, all harassments. I am going to shut myself up in a farm-house alone, on top an Elmira hill, & write—on my book. I will see no company, & worry about nothing. I never will make another promise again of any kind, that can be avoided, so help me God” [MTL 4: 365].

{Continue Timeline to March 18 1871}