January 14 Tuesday – In Riverdale, N.Y. Sam wrote to Edward W. Ordway in N.Y.C. “I only want to write. But that I shall get the time is not likely. I did hope I was going to get it, but that was a dream” [MTP]. Note: Ordway was active in the Anti-Imperialist League and had pulled some sort of vague promise from Sam to write a piece for the cause.

Sam also wrote to Howard E. Wright of the American Plasmon Co.:

I forgot to ask you to give me the name & address of the best gout specialist you know. My wife is a victim of that disorder.

Tell me. Will the American Plasmon Co open books now & call for subscriptions to the stock? I wish to put three friends in, they to hold the stock 14 months & then hand it over to me at what it cost them if they don’t want it [MTP]. Note: The American Plasmon Co. would be reorganized from the Plasmon Syndicate in March.

Ernest Shipman of Shipman Brothers wrote to Sam.

The season has not been very good for “Pudd’nhead Wilson” and we fear we are going to be stuck for quite a few of those lithographs of yourself, and have taken advantage of the popular demand for them, by disposing of some of them as a work of art.

Our representative is having some little trouble in some cases as parties who would purchase only too gladly, not knowing of our right to the ownership, refuse to purchase without some note or letter from you, showing that we have the authority.

If you will furnish us with a line to this effect, we will very much appreciate it [MTP]. Note: Sam’s answer see ca. Jan. 15. Shipman Brothers was dramatizing PW.

Sam’s notebook: “Longfellow (?)” [NB 45 TS 2].