New Orleans, Saturday, 10 PM
Livy darling, we are in the midst of a whirlpool of hospitality—breakfasts, dinners, lunches, cock-fights, Sunday schools, mule-races, lake-excursions, social gatherings, & all sorts of things. And I enjoy it, too, though it is powerfully taxing, on both mentally & physically., & I shall be glad of a rest by & by. However, I go to bed early, sleep soundly, rise early, snatch a couple of hours’ rest at noon, drink little or nothing, & consequently start out in a fresh & vigorous condition every morning. The weather is mighty hot, but I do not mind that. Called on a friend at 7.15 this morning; met an engagement at 9; breakfasted with some editors at a club at 10; met an appointment at 11; stripped & lay quiet till 1; drove with friends to the mule-races; returned at 5; dined with [fr] some new acquaintances; spent the evening at Cable’s; have just reached home, now (10 P.M.), & am somewhat tired. So, with your permission I will stop writing & go to bed. But I miss you, & I love you; & it would delight me beyond measure to end this journey this moment, & step into our house & rout out you & Susie & Bay & Jean & give you all a hug or two.
Lovingly,
Saml.
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Mrs. S. L. Clemens | Hartford | Conn [return address:] return to s. l. clemens, hartford, conn., if not delivered within 10 days. [postmarked:] new orleans la apr 30 4pm [and] rec’d. hartford conn. may 3 12A
Textual Commentary
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Previous publication:
Provenance:
See Samossoud Collection in Description of Provenance.
Emendations and textual notes:
fr • [‘r’ partly formed]