September 15 Tuesday – The Clemens family left Elmira and Quarry Farm and traveled to New York City [Sept. 5 to Gerhardt; MTNJ 3: 189].

“A handsome horse and a phaeton” was delivered to Walt Whitman in Philadelphia as a gift from his friends, to aid him in “his financial embarrassment.” The name of Samuel L. Clemens was among those who donated for the $500 gift [N.Y. Times, Sept. 16, 1885 p5]. (See Aug. 6 for Sam’s contribution.)

Frederick D. Grant wrote a small note with mourning border: “I think I can get the lines together you wish. I will be in N.Y. the last of this month…” [MTP].

Theodore W. Crane wrote:

Dear Mr Clemens / Your Telegram just reached us, while sitting on the stoop trying to comfort the cats who seem to miss you all, as much as we do[.] The place, from the tent to the lower gates seems funereal and desolate—we look for Jean and she is not—for Clara & Susie and they do not appear—The Donkeys hang their heads & mourn their occupation is gone & they soon go into winter quarters & the Cats will be distributed (except Sour Mash) to new owners—all this should not be—Sell the Castle & build on Quarry farm, and let Susie teach the Deestrect school and Clara & Jean become her pupils—

I will keep you posted about the Coal business, and we will keep our spirit alive until you return next June or we go to you in the winter—Sue joins me in very much love to all your good family. / Theodore [MTP].

William Tecumseh Sherman wrote from St. Louis to inquire about publishing his notes made in 1871-2 traveling in Europe [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “General Sherman / Answer today”