January 6 Monday – In Riverdale, N.Y. Sam wrote to Virginia F. Boyle, “Poet Laureate of the Confederacy” that he was unable to thank her in verse but “in the heartiest of prose” did so [MTP]. Note: see Feb. 14, 1901.
Sam also replied to the Jan. 4 of Elisabeth Marbury , confused about a claim by Charles Bancroft Dillingham versus Marbury’s supremacy in a matter of a commission for an unspecified dramatization. He had acknowledged that Dillingham’s claim was sound, then conceded Marbury’s power of attorney superceded Dillingham’s claim, even though Dillingham had collected the money and sent it without any bill for commission.
“Pray examine it [her power of attorney] & tell me. I certainly owe a commission to one of you; & the first thing I know I’ll find I owe it to you both. It can grieve me, but not surprise me, for my business methods are my own invention, & they result like that sometimes” [MTP]. Note: see July 1, 1897 for more on Dillingham.
Sam’s notebook:
The Independent Fire Co. & its shiny clothes & engine.
Ed Buchanan plays Roman soldier in tin armour in St. Louis.
The mesmerist—chase nigger with pistol—describe Dr. Grant’s house—[NB 45 TS 2]. Note: story ideas or ideas for his Auto.