December 15 Wednesday – Moncure Conway wrote from NYC.

My dear Clemens, / I have been doneing my level best to see a day when I could promise myself the great pleasure of visiting you and your wife at Hartford; but only this morning it dawns on me that towards the last of this year—say about 28th–9th, I should be able to stop for a little if you shd be at home. Still I know it is Xmas time, and it may not be convenient, and of course you will let me know if such is the case.

I have had a charming little visit at the Howellses in Cambridge. Said I to them, says I, “Do you know and adore the Clemenses?” Says they “We do!!” Then, says I, Let us embrace! We did. / Ever yours / Moncure D Conway [MTPO].

Reginald Cholmondeley: “They say you cannot come next year but if all be well come first Monday in August 77 / Yours truly”  [MTP].