October 1 Thursday – At Quarry Farm in Elmira, N.Y. Sam wrote a note to the Hartford Postmaster that was not sent.
In this envelop came a letter (dated 6 weeks back) from Brazil, in which the writer says he is sending me a little book “by private hands.”
I seldom want the books that are sent me by strangers, but this time it is different! I would not miss getting this one for anything. I shall be glad to pay transportation if it can be found [MTP]. Note: this letter not sent, but referred to Whitmore between this date and Oct. 5. The donor is revealed in his Oct. 2 as the author, James Barnes.
Sam also wrote to unidentified men. “I prefer it to the other fountain pens because it carries its filler in its own stomach & I can’t mislay it, even by art & intention. Also I prefer it because it is a profanity-saver: it cannot roll off the desk” [MTP].
The Conklin Pen Co. ran ads containing a letter of praise with this date from Mark Twain. See insert 1904 ad.
October 1-5 Monday – At Quarry Farm in Elmira, N.Y. Sam wrote to Franklin G. Whitmore, enclosing the above Oct. 1 note to the
Dear Brer: / I was going to send the enclosed to the postmaster, but you can show it to him & pay charges & send the little book to “The Grosvenor” 10th st & 5th ave, N.Y. —where we shall all arrive next Monday.
I am dreadfully afraid the “private hand” has gone & lost that invaluable little book.
The Madame is doing nicely, & we all send love [MTP].