December 18 Saturday – Arnold, Constable & Co. of New York invoiced Sam $10 for one cashmere rug [MTP].

The December bill from Western Union shows a telegram sent to New York, recipient unspecified (see Dec. 31 entry). The Jan. 1, 1881 bill from Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Co. shows a telegram sent to Boston, and two sent to New York (parties unknown, see that entry for others).

Thomas Bailey Aldrich wrote to Clemens: “My dear Clemens: / The Despot and I are going to New York on the train that leaves here on Monday at 11 a.m. The Despot says that she hopes you will join us at Hartford. The antique Osgood and the decrepit Fairchild will probably be along. The attenuated Howells declines. / With love to the whole family…” [MTP].

Mary Keily began a letter she finished on Dec. 20.

Ulysses S. Grant sent a telegram from New York: “I will be here on Tuesday” [MTP].