March 29 Monday - Raymond A. Blakemore wrote from Boston to advise Sam that he’d invented a “word counter” to be attached to a typewriter, and asked the favor of Sam’s opinion if “such a machine would be of material advantage to you and other authors”’ [MTP].
George H. Brennan wrote from NYC. Brennan had met Clemens “several years ago” as a reporter on the Boston Herald, and again “one day last summer on the top of a Fifth Avenue coach.” Thus he had the courage to send a copy of his “theatrical story ‘Bill Truetell’ which had been published [MTP].
S. DeWitt Clough wrote from Chicago to advise Sam he was sending a copy of Backbone. Some chapters in the book “may suggest experiences of your own...”. He also enclosed (in file) a title page from Success Thoughts, a book he was preparing—‘“Will you help me to help others by furnishing just a brief chapter from your own successful experience (?]” [MTP]. Note: not in Gribben,
Stuart Hilder wrote from Washington, D.C. to confirm a story he’d heard about being called to dinner was indeed given by Mark Twain [MTP].
Adah Price wrote from Delta, Colo. to Sam after having read RI which had taught her how to laugh again after great tragedy [MTP].
Bruce R. Silver wrote from Roxbury, NY to ask Sam for “a statement’ approving of the resolution that all important international differences should be settled by arbitration. This for a school debate [MTP].
Sam Sullivan for Wallace & Co., Grocers, NYC wrote to Sam that he’d left Charles & Co. and opened his own store. He would like to fill any orders Clemens might have [MTP].