September 13 Wednesday – Sam wrote two letters to Livy, in care of Drexel Harjes & Co. Bankers, Paris., one at 10 a.m. in Hartford, and another upon returning to New York. He described his contact with Frank Fuller, taking in a play with Dr. Clarence C. Rice, his Hartford visit, and prospects:
[From Hartford at 10 a.m.] Well, when the worst comes to the worst I can go to India & Australia & lecture. I can clear off these debts easily in that way. I don’t feel uncheerful, and you mustn’t, my darling. …I have seen the Robinson family & the Bunces — shall see no one else this time. Love you all [MTP].
[From New York]. Livy darling it is mighty sorrowful work writing daily uncheerful letters to you & yet concealing my reasons for being measurably cheerful & hopeful myself. But my reasons are so uncertain & intangible that they are not worth putting on paper; & they might be only a preparation for disappointment anyway. These are certainly terrific times, & no one can foresee the outcome yet; still, they are improving, everybody concedes that.
Sam also wrote he was grateful that “dear old Jean is out of the doctor’s hands again” [MTP].
Being unable to borrow money in Hartford, Sam wrote from there to Susan Crane (letter not extant) seeking $5,000 [Sept. 17 to Livy].
In New York Sam also wrote to daughter Clara. His cold had prevented him from spending time in her window-open draft room, and his “hot and stuffy” room kept her away, but vowed, “next time we’ll not have any colds.”
You were just as good as you could be, and I haven’t found the least fault with you, except playfully. I’ll give you three or four weeks notice, so that you can have an unhurried Hartford visit. It looks as if we shall be obliged to stay on this side several months. My coming to Elmira looks remote, but I shall get there by and by.…You are better placed than the rest of your family. With lots and lots of love, Papa [MTP].
Sam also wrote to daughter Jean, telling of Clara losing her trunk key at customs, dancing the last night on board till 11 p.m., and taking an afternoon nap at the Murray Hill upon arrival. He told of his trip to Hartford but wrote, “I did not see our house, but I know it is still there because Bunce said so.”
I’ll thank you to kiss Mamma for me, & Susy, & also yourself — which you can use a looking-glass, you know — & say to all three that I love them. Papa [MTP].
Sam also wrote a short note to Laurence Hutton in Onteora, N.Y. advising that daughter Clara was with him but “up yonder making a long visit in Elmira,” and he would “join her presently.”
Give my love to all that good company, including Mrs. Hutton in the front row. And when you desire some mighty satisfying music, get Beckwith to sing “By the humping jumping Jesus” for you [MTP]. Note: Carroll Beckwith, artist.
Sam also wrote a short letter to Franklin G. Whitmore.
Dear Brer:/ I ran up to Hartford, but I didn’t know I was going till I started. I expected to stay three days & see you all, but as I had missed a mighty important appointment by going there I saw that I’d better jump back here & attend to it — which I did.
Sam told of Clara’s planned visit to Hartford and he meant to “go up with here & we shall make a considerable visit,” and of “bachelorizing” with Dr. Rice, as his family was away [MTP].