[Boston—Wednesday, 22 March 1876]
Wednesday March 22. Jamie left for Hartford in the morning, where he is to lecture. He was invited by Mark Twain to stay at his house, whither he gladly wended his way.
He had scarcely gone when I started for the Centennial Rooms and a world of errands. Mr. Tom Appleton was waiting for me as I left the house for the carriage. He kindly invited us to lunch the next day. At first I declined because Mr. Fields was away but as he had invited other guests & J. had already seen his pictures, I said I would go with pleasure.
I barely reached home in season to receive a delightful lunch party of my own, Mrs Pitman of Somerville, Mrs Sewall (“Why thus longing”), Lucy Larcom, Mrs Diaz and Mrs Fairchild. The talk was wonderfully simple, sprightly and uninterrupted. I think we were all refreshed by the meeting. Mrs Pitman brought me some flowers. Mrs Diaz and L.L. stayed all night.
In the evening I went round for half an hour to sit with Mrs Putnam to see what measures could be taken for saving the “old South.” A note from Mrs Chandler Robbins proposing a method for raising money caused me to think no time was to be lost but I find until the court decides we need do nothing.
