April 29 Saturday –Sam’s notebook records a mule race staged to benefit the Southern Art Union, a group promoting New Orleans artists:

Mule race with Burke & Houston. Later mentioned the Voudoo superstitions. Among old creoles if one meets a funeral he removes his hat & walks back with procession one block.

At the mule races managers wore rosettes large as sunflowers. Riders dressed in silk and velveteen costumes of the gayest colors. All leaders of fashionable society here [2: 550-1, &n54] Note: Edward A. Burke, managing editor of the New Orleans Times-Democrat; James D. Houston, a tax collector in New Orleans [MTNJ 2: 550n53].

Sam wrote from New Orleans at 10 PM to Livy, relating the day’s events, which were many:

Livy darling, we are in the midst of a whirlpool of hospitality—breakfasts, dinners, lunches, cock-fights, Sunday schools, mule-races, lake-excursions, social gatherings, & all sorts of things. And I enjoy it, too, though it is powerfully taxing, both mentally & physically, & I shall be glad of a rest by & by. However, I go to bed early, sleep soundly, rise early, snatch a couple of hours’ rest at noon, drink little or nothing, & consequently start out in a fresh & vigorous condition every morning. The weather is mighty hot, but I do not mind that. Called on a friend at 7.15 this morning; met an appointment at 11; stripped & lay quiet till 1; drove with friends to the mule-races; returned at five; dined with some new acquaintances; spent the evening at Cable’s; have just reached home, now (10 P.M.), & am somewhat tired. So, with your permission I will stop writing & go to bed [MTP].

Judge Horace Russell wrote to Sam asking him to speak & respond to toast at Dec. 21 dinner [MTP].