February 22 Wednesday – Sam wrote from Buffalo to Orion. “Livy is very, very slowly & slightly improving, but it is not possible to say whether she is out of danger…” [MTL 4: 334].

He also wrote a short note to James Redpath: “They keep writing me from Cleveland to send along the next article—so let’s have it—but do find some other author than ‘A Retired Lecturer’—it points right at me, old boy.” He told of Nasby’s visit the day before and of Livy’s condition [MTL 4: 335-6].

Clemens then wrote a short note to Whitelaw Reid. “I thank you heartily for saving me that gratuitous snub in the Tribune, & shall be glad to choke a slur for you if I ever get a chance. I guess this emanated from some bummer who owes me borrowed money & can’t forgive the offense.” He added about Livy’s condition and sent “warm regards” to John M. Hay and John Rose Greene Hassard, whom he called “Hazard” [MTL 4: 336]. Note: nothing is known of the intercepted “slur.”