March 17 Thursday — In Hamilton, Bermuda Sam began a letter to Albert B. Paine in Redding, Conn. that he finished Mar, 18,
Dear Paine,
Yesterday afternoon I thought I was going to sail for home about a week from now and put myself in communication with Mr. Taft & the Secretary of State in regard to the vice-consulship here but it is not going to be necessary right away; for I have had a conversation this morning with the visiting inspector-general of consulships and find that Mr. Allen’s occupancy of the post is not in immediate danger and that if at any time there should be any danger I can get news of it plenty long enough in advance to block the game.
Clara has not asked for any money so I suppose she needs none, since I told her to speak freely in case she should want any. Still you may send her $200 a month for if she doesn’t need it, it won’t be in her way anyhow.
I hope you will make “Stormfield” absolutely fly-proof if by any possible ingenuity this can be accomplished.
I would rather have ten snakes in the house than one fly.
Of course Clara can have the lobster-pot and its land if that is her desire therefore don’t sell it without consulting her if you can rent it [to] Jervis or somebody for a rental representing interest of 10% or 15% on its value I should like it very much [MTP]. Note: Sam crossed out the paragraph about Clara, referred to in his Mar. 18 addition to the letter.
Albert Bigelow Paine wrote from Redding to Clemens beginning on Mar. 17 that he finished on Mar. 18. Again he wrote details of canceled checks and balances, and also again of the Fruit stock. Harpers had still not sent the Mar. 1 royalty of 15,000, but wouldn’t “push too suddenly”