June 11 Wednesday – Paul Kester wrote to Sam from Accotink, Va. Kester had heard that Charles Frohman no longer controlled the dramatic rights for TS; Kester had made such a play—would Sam allow him to place it elsewhere? [MTP].

Sam’s notebook contains story ideas and some summaries of the “Five Boons of Life,” which Sam wrote in the Spring of 1902 at Riverdale, and was likely still under some revision. Rasmussen (A-Z p.143) gives it as his first publication in Harper’s Weekly (July 5, 1902): “Robin listening to a worm burrowing— squirrel burying a nut—ant with a grasshopper leg—cows turn heads one way—dog turns round 3 times— nigger’s palms & soles white (legend). The 5 Boons—death the best . Remains unchosen—later they come one after the other & beg for it. Make each a separate tale. Beauty, Fame, Riches, Long Life, Death” [NB 45 TS18]. Note: in the finished story a young man chooses Pleasure, Love, Fame, and Power, then, when all turn to ashes, Death.

Also in this NB entry a few other snippets: “ Dr. Tom—watermelon for dysentery. Old brown Windsor for chaps, abrasions. / Bricks under hat. / April fool. Cotton pie [TS 17].

Livy’s diary: “Mr Hapgood came for luncheon & staid until Thursday morning” [MTP: DV161].

George W. Reeves wrote to Sam, enclosing a letter (not extant) “from a very prominent lawyer at Tarrytown….if possible make an agreement with him that if he does not accomplish the object that you will not pay him more than $25.00” [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env. “Told him to employ the lawyer, with the condition mentioned in the closing sentence” (about the $25). The attorney was Henry C. Griffin, and his task was to get the assessed value of the Tarrytown house lowered to what Clemens paid for it.

Count and Countess Rochambeau wrote a short note of thanks in French to Sam from N.Y.C. on Waldorf-Astoria Hotel notepaper [MTP].