March 25 Wednesday – A. Hoffman writes:

“Immediately after his return from Bryn Mawr, Sam agreed with Livy to close the house indefinitely and leave for Europe at the beginning of June. They had several good reasons for their planned hiatus. Both Livy’s overall health and Sam’s rheumatism would benefit from a prolonged exposure to some health spas. Running the Hartford house cost more money than they had and more attention than Livy could continue to give it, and in any case the charm of the Nook Farm community had faded. Clara had outgrown her New York music teacher and would benefit from a fresh instructor abroad, while Jean would acquire languages more easily in Europe. Sam and Livy decided that Susy would also accompany them, despite the obvious joy she was experiencing at college. Livy wrote a friend that she couldn’t bear to have an ocean between Susy and herself; she did not mention that this trip also would put an ocean between Susy and Louise Brownell” [367]. Note: The Clemenses had planned to go to Europe before Susy entered Bryn Mawr, but settled on the Catskills due to financial pressures from the typesetter[

Frederick J. Hall wrote to Sam suggesting that Webster & Co. raise $45,000 immediately. Hall had gained promises for $15,000 of that amount and asked Sam to raise the balance [MTNJ 3: 615n150].

Frederick E. Church wrote from Hudson, N.Y. to Sam that during his “charming visit at your house Mrs. Clemens and I had a little talk about coffee and I have the impression that she expressed the desire to secure more of that Central American sort.” Church wrote that Mr. Spies had three bags and he would try to get one for Livy. On the envelope Sam wrote, “Preserve / F.E. Church, artist” [MTP].

Annie B. Jennings for the N.Y. YWCA wrote to Sam pleased to hear that he would read for them Apr. 23, but the cards had been mailed already announcing Apr. 22 [MTP].

Sarah C. Parrott wrote from Litchfield Co., Conn. to Sam soliciting him to read at a church benefit for their “poor little church” [MTP].