Date:  Tue, 14 Mar 1995 11:21:16 -0500

From:  AAllan[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]AOL.COM

Subject: Sam in 1839



Flexner probably got his 1839 cite from a work we should keep on our

reference shelves, _A Dictionary of Americanisms on Historical Principles_ by

Mitford M. Mathews (Chicago, 1951), (right next to Craigie's _Dictionary of

American English_).

 The citation is, Havanna (N.Y.) Republican, 21 August 1839: What in sam hill

is that feller ballin' about?

- Allan Metcalf