July 12 Tuesday – Sam returned to Elmira and Quarry Farm [July 11 to Whitmore]. He wrote Frederick J. Hall encouraging him to rush into the canvass for King David Kalakaua’s collection of Hawaiian Legends book, while “this flurry is up” [MTLTP 219]. Note: Sam’s dictum for an optimized subscription method limiting itself to two books a year, seems to have been ignored due to all the wondrous possibilities.

Sam also wrote his sister Pamela Moffett of family matters. He hadn’t been aware of the serious of her son-in-law, Charles Webster’s neuralgia. Sam recommended surgery or complete rest. He was encouraged to hear “such prosperous accounts” of his nephew Samuel Moffett and new wife Mary. Sam wrote of his girls:

It is not all holiday here with Susie & Clara this time. They have to put in some little time every day on their high school studies. Jean thinks she is studying, too, but I don’t know what it is unless it is the horses. She spends the day under their heels in the stalls — & that is but a continuation of her Hartford system of culture [MTP]

Note: Moffett attended the University of California at Berkeley and worked part time on an Oakland newspaper. From 1887-9 he was on the editorial staff of the San Francisco Examiner [MTNJ 3: 301n7]. He would become a well-known magazine writer and editor of Collier’s Weekly.

Sam also sent a short note to Franklin G. Whitmore about a “fix” to Sam’s billiard table and asking about tax statements he hadn’t received, save the West Middle School tax [MTP].

Check #  Payee  Amount  [Notes]

3786  Mme. Fogarty  335.00  N.Y. Dressmaker