December 26 Friday – Sam wrote from Hartford to Orion.

I am just starting off again. I ought to have answered you long ago, but am driven to death. We read in Hannibal the day before we read in Keokuk, & in Chicago the day after we are in Keokuk. Of course I shall strike for Keokuk by the first train from Hannibal; & after all shall get but little time with you, considering how far away Chicago is.

…Keep that ghostly face there, if you can, till I come. I want to see it [MTP].

Sam also wrote to Philip H. Sheridan, Union General in the Civil War.

“I beg to introduce you to Mr. C. L. Webster, who may not succeed with the conspiracy which he has in mind, but I very much hope he will ”[MTP]. Note: the “conspiracy” may have had to do with convincing Grant to write his memoirs.