Vol 3 Section 0519
Sam also wrote to Sarah H. Godfrey in Chicago, who evidently had sought the name of the last boat Sam served on when the Civil War began. Sam answered it was the Alonzo Child, and that she “lay at wharf in New Orleans when Louisiana went out of the Union on the 26th day of January, 1861.” He further stated he returned home on the Alfred .T. Lacey, escaping the blockade at Memphis “by only a couple of hours”
[MTP].
Sam also wrote to Andrew Langdon, apologizing for being away when he called.
I cannot make out the name of that sculptor as you write it, but it does not resemble the name of any sculptor I am acquainted with.
Olivia and Clara have gone to Washington to-day. Otherwise they would join me in sending affectionate regards [MTP]. Note: Andrew was a wealthy cousin of Livy’s. Livy and Clara went to Washington for Clara’s American debut on Jan. 22.
Sam also wrote to James B. Pond, asking him to send “the first volume down to the house” for him to sign for Winston Churchill, who was touring with Pond as a manager. Sam didn’t think it likely that Churchill wanted him to write in all the volumes [MTP]. Note: the books were likely Sam’s Uniform edition.
Sam also wrote to Robert Reid (1862-1929), well known artist connected with the Players Club, that he’d “reached home from the South on Saturday night,” too late for him to go to some engagement. But, he couldn’t have anyway as he worked “every day, now, Sundays & all, & do not go out in the daytime, lest the interruption break the thread of the work.” Sam was “proud & glad” however, that Reid wanted him around when “making a good time for…friends” [MTP]. Note: Sam returned from Washington on Jan. 19.
Sam also wrote a short reminder to H.H. Rogers. “I shall be at Helmer’s—corner of Madison Ave & 31st St tomorrow (Tuesday) after 5. Remember? SLC” [MTHHR 457]. Note: George J. Helmer, osteopath.
Sam also wrote to Robert N. Stanley in Highland Park, Conn., who evidently was one of many reacting to Sam’s Jan. 4 City Club speech:
You do not need to apologize to me for saying such pleasant words. It is my belief that the things which I have been saying tally with the feelings and opinions which reside in the hearts of all the intelligent men in the nation, but I shall not expect many of them to come out and confess it. They will confess bye-and-bye, when the tide turns and they feel sure they are swimming with the majority… [MTP].
Sam also wrote to William T. Stead in London, England, founder of Review of Reviews.
I am afraid we shall not dethrone Mr. Croker, but a strong effort is being made to do it, and there is a sort of bare possibility that it may succeed. Still, there is also the possibility that if we dethrone him we shall get nothing but a flat man in his place, and there will be no advantage in that.
Sam also directed Stead to send Review of Reviews to his new N.Y.C. address, and said he had not rec’d “Lest we forget” but was hoping it would come soon [MTP].
Note: Richard Croker (1843-1922), American politician and a leader of NYC’s Tammany Hall. After his mayoral candidate, Edward M. Shepard, was defeated in 1901, Croker resigned leadership in Tammany and retired to a country life in England and Ireland. Croker had been involved with thoroughbred race horses in America and England, his horse winning the Epsom Derby in 1907. Thus, Stead would have been familiar with Croker.
Sam also wrote to Ike Stern in Keokuk, Iowa, declining to attend a banquet there [MTP].
SLC used mourning border for most letters from Susy’s death on, then from Livy’s death on.