Vol 3 Section 0441
August 18 Saturday – Sam’s notebook: “Susy died 4 years ago. / All remained at home at Dollis Hill & saw no company” [NB 43 TS 24].
At 7:30 a.m. at Dollis Hill House in London, Sam replied to Joe Twichell (incoming not extant).
No, it was not gastritis alone that the Chief Justice died of—that was a journalistic error: he had a cancer.
I get this from a physician.
It is 7.30 a.m. I have been waking very early, lately. If it occurs once more, it will be Habit; then I will submit and adopt it.
This is our Day of Mourning. It is four years since Susy died; it is five years & a month that I saw her alive for the last time—throwing kisses at us from the railway platform when we started West around the world. Sometimes it is a century, sometimes it was yesterday [MTP].
Sam also wrote to John Y. MacAlister, declining an invitation for this day but encouraging him to visit the next day, Aug. 19. Sam explained: “This is our Day of Mourning for our lost daughter, who died this day four years ago” [MTP].
August 19 Sunday – Sam’s notebook: “Third-personing speeches a fad. / Winston Churchill’s. / Ethel Newcomb’s remittance collected by a scullery maid. / Xing cheques. / Endorsing Bk notes & entering the numbers” [NB 43 TS 24].
August 20 Monday – At Dollis Hill House in London, England Sam began a letter to John Tatlock, which he finished on Sept. 23 (perhaps mislaying it in the meantime). For this date:
“Thank you for the pamphlet which records your work; work which I do not understand, but which I hold in high reverence largely for that reason” [MTP]. Note: Tatlock was one of the proposed investors in an American syndicate for the sale of Plasmon.
Sam also wrote to H.H. Rogers.
And now if you will send me five thousand dollars I shall be glad—not that it is needed immediately, but on the 29th of September, when the second half of the Plasmon payment is due.
I didn’t tell you the name of the ship we sail in. This was partly because I didn’t know. But I can tell you now: it is the Minnehaha or the Minneapolis—the former, I think—& sails on the 6th of October, reaching New York 9 or 10 days later. Which will surprise this family for they have gathered from remarks of mine that she is the new 4-day boat [MTHHR 450].
Sam’s notebook: “Jim Clemens. / Whitely (letter in my pocket.) They said ‘4 lb sugar not sent.’ / Cigars—bad. / MacAlister (book) / Auxiliary stores (letter) / Steamer Chairs” [NB 43 TS 24]. Note: Army & Navy Stores Auxiliary Stores were likely where Sam bought some cigars (See Jan. 3, 1900 NB entry).
August 21 Tuesday
August 22 Wednesday – Sam’s notebook: “Chatto & W[Indus] tea & dinner” [NB 43 TS 25].
August 23 Thursday – At Dollis Hill House in London, England Sam wrote a short note to W.H. Helm, London publisher. “They have arrived, & I am very much obliged. I shall apply the test to all of them to-day” [MTP]. Note: Gribben lists Studies in Style by W.H. Helm for 1900 [306].
Sam’s notebook: “See 27th. / Visit the ship at Tilbury” [NB 43 TS 25].
SLC used mourning border for most letters from Susy’s death on, then from Livy’s death on.