August 6 Sunday – In Krankenheil-Tölz, Germany Sam wrote to Frederick J. Hall. He apologized for asking for monthly reports when Hall was under such pressure — just send two items, the cash liabilities and assets, which would be enough to “perceive the condition of the business at a glance.” Sam expressed appreciation for the “tempest” Hall was going through, though Sam never saw newspapers there.
I have been overwrought and unsettled in mind by apprehensions, and that is a thing that is not helpable when one is in a strange land and sees his resources melt down to a two-months’ supply and can’t see any sure daylight beyond. The bloody machine offered but a doubtful outlook — and will still offer nothing much better for a long time to come; for when Davis’s “three weeks” are up there will be three months’ tinkering to follow I guess. That is unquestionably the boss machine of this world, but it is the toughest one on prophets…[MTLTP 356-7].
The MTP has restored the remainder of the letter since the above was printed. In the restored section, Sam acknowledged receipt of £50 check, and wrote his intention to send PW to Hall the next day, Aug. 7.
It’ll furnish me hash for a while I reckon. I am almost sorry it is finished; it was good entertainment to work at it, & kept my mind away from things.
We leave here in about ten days, but the doctors have changed our plans again. I think we shall be in Bohemia & thereabouts till near the end of September, then go to Paris & take a rest.
Sam also wrote he would not forget the help that Daniel Whitford had afforded in holding off the Mount Morris Bank debts. He added a PS that Livy felt he’d “reproached” Hall, and claimed he didn’t do so, or even “thought of such a thing.” Livy also suggested Hall not send them any money for a month or two and Sam was willing — just to help out. Last, Sam wished that Chatto would send “his little yearly contribution” and mentioned the Daily News subscription which had not yet come [MTP]. Note: without financial news from America, Sam’s worries were that much more heightened.