Three letters from Rochester

10-24-1890

10-27-1890

These two letters from James Sibley Watson, telling of how he fills his time and keeps from worrying by hunting, are significant due to their timing.

The first letter, written on October 24, 1890, was probably received in Santa Barbara on October 30th. The second letter, mailed on October 27th, was received sometime in early November, and forwarded to Emily's house on Prince Street, where it arrived on  November 9th.  By this we can deduce that Emily, J.G. and Libbie were on their way home by early November 1890, presumably having done everything possible to secure Emily's divorce.

Jimmie writes: "I keep hoping for news from you all the time & when none comes I am so impatient & nervous. If it was not for the hunting I don’t know what I should do. I will take your letter out & read it to Loyal & Lawless & also to Flossie & the puppies & I know they will understand it & send you their love."

It will be awhile before Jimmie and Elizabeth Sibley know that Emily is on her way back, and even longer before they all reconnect in Rochester.

10-28-1890

This letter from Elizabeth Sibley was received in Santa Barbara on November 3rd, so we know that Emily had left Santa Barbara by that date.  While Jimmie's two letters were sent to the Hotel Arlington, this is the first letter sent to 1628 State Street, and thus the first evidence we have that this is the house Emily acquired to establish residency.