April 2 Friday – Sam wrote a $9.08 check to D.R. Woodford, coal and hay dealer in Hartford [MTP].

Ladislaus William Madarasz (1854-1900) wrote from Poughkeepsie, N.Y. to Sam:

Dear Sir: As I am about to take a trip to Europe, where I expect to remain some two years, and will be a correspondent for a paper; I have taken the liberty of writing to you, as to whether you would object, to my using “Col. Sellers,” for an assumed name; and, also, if you could give me some advice, as you have “gone through the mill,” (excuse the expression,) and perhaps discovered some ideas, that would help one who has had but little experience. I have written before Debating Societies, (Essays) and all have been well received. Have read quite a number of Books on Travels, and, am only 20 years of age. Speak the German, Spanish, (or rather Mexican not a pure Spanish) Hungarian, (native language) and can read French but can not converse, but it would require but a very short time to acquire it in Paris. / Hoping this has not inconvenienced you any, / I beg, leave to remain / Your Most O’b’t servant / … / P.S. I took the name Col. Sellers from your “Gilded Age,” a splendid book, have read your “Roughing It,” will read “Innocence abroad” [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the letter “Wants to use “Col. Sellers” as a nom de plume.” Sam gave permission and Madarasz wrote again to thank him on April 7.