Elmira, Friday.
Meinem theŭres guten Freŭde:
We will switch, there—or shunt, as the English say—my German being about as limited as Jean’s, who says “Woshah, Washer ho’en” (Rosa, Wasser holen), “Papa ho’en Boony” (holen Blume), &c &c.
Kein Brief—merely a word to you & Mrs. Whitmore ‸(from all the Clemenses)‸ to say Jean was pretty sick, here, a couple of weeks, but is well again; I was sick a week & am well again; Mrs. Clemens has a crick in the neck, but is getting better; we lost a splendid cat but have found her again—in fact we have been having a thoroughly adventurous time, altogether, but things have quieted down, now, & we are [commonplace] again.
Been playing many games of billiards with former antagonists of mine—took them into camp, every one.
Before leaving Hartford, was advised by a man of good ju[d]gment to buy 200 shares Oregon Trans. at 71. Didn’t do it.
The old carriage is sold, for $300. I am glad.
That cat of ours went down to town—3 miles, through the woods, ‸in the night,‸—& attended a colored-people’s church-festival where she didn’t even know the deacons—was gone 48 hours, & marched home again this morning. Now think of that! That cat is not for sale. Talented cat. Religious cat. [several words canceled, including a canceled insertion] And no color-prejudices, either.
Ys sincerely
S L Clemens
F. G. Whitmore, Esq | Hartford | Conn [return address:] return to s. l. clemens, hartford, conn., if not delivered within 10 days. [postmarked:] elmira n.y. aug 12 11am
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