Vol 3 Section 1091
James A. Renwick wrote a one-sentence letter to Sam: “In relation to No. 21 Fifth Ave, which you have leased from me this day for three years from October 1, 1904, at $3,500. per annum, I would say that I hereby agree to put the house in repair, in accordance with our conversation of this morning” [MTP]. Note: Sam referred to this letter and Renwick’s Dec. 7 in his May 31, 1905 to attorney John Larkin. Sam wrote on the env. “Mr. Renwick’s letter promising to put N.Y. house in order.”
Joe Twichell wrote from Castine, Maine to Sam.
I can’t wonder—and I don’t—that with the light of your life gone out you sit dazed in the dark seeing no meaning or reason in anything, the Universe appearing to you only a confusion of unintelligible phantasmagoria. But it makes my heart ache for you, old fellow. I wish I was with you—why I hardly know— I have anything to say to you; not now; but I would like to be where you are, and have you in sight, and wander about with you, silent or talking, & what not. For I am ignorant of the thoughts you are thinking. I, indeed, believe that behind the riddle there is a hidden and awful wisdom [MTP].
August 17, after — Elfred H. Bartoo wrote from NYC to Sam, enclosing:
a business circular which is being sent to the Architects of America, one of whom I have the honor to be. When reading it I was reminded of your description of school childrens productions under the modern system of education and of the English acquirements of the young Hindoos in India. This suggested sending it to you….If I had the “nerve” I would request the privilege of a short interview… [MTP]. Note: Now dated “after Aug. 17”; was Mar 17.
August 18 Thursday – In Great Neck, N.Y. Sam wrote to his niece, Julia Langdon Loomis (Mrs.
Edward Eugene Loomis).
Julie dear, I was not able to leave town Monday afternoon in compliance with my engagement—I was worn out & broken down, so I gave up & went to bed at 8 in the evening. Next morning I reached your house by 9 or half-past, but you were gone: you, & Edward & all the dear Idas. I should have been very very glad of a glimpse.
This is a country place of Mr. Broughton, Mr. Rogers’s son-in-law. I worked so hard on matters of urgent business that I came down here day before yesterday to rest, but had to go back to the city yesterday to complete & secure a 3-year lease of No. 21 Fifth avenue. I meant to go up again to-day—on those other matters—but gave it up & am putting in the day in bed. I hope to get rested this time; if I don’t, I shall stay a day or two longer.
I learned from Clara yesterday that Jean is on crutches & doing very well. Clara herself does not progress to suit me. Last year I was not with your aunt Livy on this day; this time we three that are left are apart. It is better so, I think. It is a heavier day than ever, now, & each can bear it best alone.
Goodbye, with dear love to all of you [MTP]. Note: Sam referred to the anniversary of Susy’s death.
Sam also wrote to H.H. Rogers.
I have been house-hunting & house-negotiating for 9 days; & for the last 3 days I have been almost too tired to sleep. But Mr. Broughton brought me down to this quiet & beautiful place & I have put in a couple of nights in sleep of a most solid kind. To-day I am taking the whole day for a holiday. It is noon, & I am not dressed yet. But I finished the house-business yesterday, & signed the lease—3 years. It is the quietest place I could find; & Clara is going to need the quietest kind of rest for many months to come, I think. She is not perceptibly better or stronger than she was when we arrived at this side. Katy says she is thinner than her mother was.
Jean & her horse were knocked 50 feet by a trolley-car lately. The horse was killed, but Jean escaped with a torn tendon, & with 4 wounds on her back & neck, one at the base of her skull, & 5 on her forehead, eyes, nose, & mouth. She is getting along much better than Clara, however, & is beginning to get out on crutches, now.
SLC used mourning border for most letters from Susy’s death on, then from Livy’s death on.