March 8 Thursday – At 30 Wellington Court in London, England Sam wrote and declined an invitation to a festival by the City Liberal Club Chairman and Committee, London. Sam repeated the reason given to others during this period that his work could not presently be interrupted [MTP: Christie’s East Catalog, 14 May 1997, Item 89].

Sam also replied to John Y. MacAlister (whose incoming letter is not extant) with more plans and prospects of founding an American syndicate to produce and sell Plasmon, previously called “Vienna Albumen.” Sam wanted to “lay the scheme before Mr. Rogers or Tatlock,” who would then receive dividend for “floating” the needed cash. Sam asked if there was a Berlin company, and if so, what was the capital? Sam added that he’d declined the invitation of the City Liberal Club, and that yes, he would like a box at the theatre; he would advise of a date “before long.” He closed with a mention of proof-reading and thinking the book should be called “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg & Other Stories & Sketches.” In a PS he suggested bringing Lipton into the syndicate [MTP].

Notes: John Tatlock, Jr. of N.Y. Life, Ins.; Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton (1848-1931), Scotsman, self-made merchant who created the famous Lipton tea brand. Lipton failed five times to win the America’s Cup. See Mar. 9 to MacAlister.