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From Olivia L. and Samuel L. Clemens
to Jervis Langdon
26 February 1870 • Buffalo, N.Y.
(MS: CtHMTH, UCCL 00433)

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Buffalo Feb. 26th 1870
Our Home, 242. Del.

My darling Father

Your note came to late in all respects, I had already written Mr and Mrs Barnard,1 such a note as it was it went home unsealed so that Mother could read it if she chose, it was truthful, and yet I think would be satisfactory—

The laundry tubs were already changed when your letter came, and I cannot really regret it, because that selar cellar was very damp— I did wish at the time that I had you here to counsel with at first‸when your letter[ came]‸‸When your letter came‸ I felt like mourning that I had done it, but I reflected that as I had done to the best of my ability, I would not worry, that is your phylosophy, Father—

The cost of moving the tubs, t carpenter and plumbers work is to be 28.00—they are all moved now— You may readily believe that we shall be slow to make alterations—

I am as happy in housekeeping as you can immagine— I have been all about the house this morning, all through the cellar, told Patrick2 about looking over a barrell of apples that are decaying— I wish that you and Mother would run up and see us next week. Can’t you do it,? we will rest you like every thing—

I had two disagreeable things to speak with Ellen and Harriet about this morning, and I did dread it, but I went right at it, and being assiled in [that that] way the mountain became an anthill and amounted to nothing at all—

I have, as yet had none [‸of‸] the trouble that ladies groan over, but I suppose a three weeks experience is hardly enough to crow over, Hattie Marsh Tyler was here yesterday and was telling me about how much trouble the Buffalo ladies have with their girls, I hope it will not come to me and some way believe it will not— No more this time dear, darling Father, we do love you with all our hearts. I use we advisedly—

—Love to Grandma, Mother[,] Sue, 3 and all, I shall write again today or tomorrow—

Lovingly Livy—

Dear Father—It was to please me that Livy moved the wash‐tubs, I maybe—because I said “Let them be moved, Mrs. Clemens—I have hunted high & low & cannot find anything [about] the house to alter or improve, & it is entirely too bad—it is not showing proper respect to a father who pulls his house to pieces all the time—Move the wash‐tubs, madam, into the woodhouse, Madam, pile the wood in the stable & put the horse in the laundry—I tell you something must be altered quick, or your father won’t like it.”

Lovingly Your Son

Samuel.