July 30 Tuesday – In Saranac Lake, N.Y. Sam wrote to Elizabeth (Ann Chase) Akers Allen (Elizabeth C. Akers) continuing his discussion of Percy Bysshe Shelley’s guilt in marrying Harriet and then mistreating her till she committed suicide.

I knew Symonds, & I know Morley. The word of either of them is sufficient for me. And so I concede that Shelley’s treatment of Harriet was probably not the sole cause of her suicide, but only 99 one-hundredths of the cause. That “connection” was the immediate cause, let us grant; & as Shelley was the immediate cause of that connection I claim for myself a generous liberality in letting him off on any terms at all, however slight. (And at bottom I don’t—he was guilty of the entire thing.) [MTP]. Note: See also July 17 to Akers. Symons is perhaps John Addington Symonds; John Morley (1838-1923).

Sam also wrote to William W. Appleton, wanting to retain Appleton’s man servant.He also thought they would only need livery service “as the family do not take much to driving about; but we shall be glad to put in a bid for the cow when we come” [MTP]. Note: Sam called on Appleton in N.Y.C. on Aug. 2; see letter to Livy of that date.