April 7 Wednesday – Sam gave another “Roughing It” benefit lecture, this time for the Connecticut Retreat for the Insane, Washington Street in Hartford. He used a sheet of drawn icons as his notes [See MTL 6: 405]. Twichell was in attendance and thought Sam’s “Nevada” lecture was given “with great success” [Yale 80].

Marvin Henry Bovee (1827-1888) wrote to Sam:

My dear Mark: / You will look at the signature, and wonder who the audacious man is that addresses you as though he were an old friend. Well, I am an old friend, and you cant help yourself, though you never saw me.

      But you will see me, Mark, as this is the year of jubilee with me and I am around among the people.

      During the past twenty years, I have delivered over 600 public lectures in the different states of the Union upon the “improper use of hemp,” —otherwise called Capital punishment. And the capital part of the punishment was, that for six hundred lectures, I received—the applause of the people, and that is more than many lecturers can do.

      But then I made it lively for the hangman. Those professional neck-breakists have “gone from our gaze” in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana, where they are forbidden to separate the “spinal column” of any individual unless the twelve men “good and true” (good as putty usually, and true to their stupidity) shall unanimously recommend the separation of soul and body. The good work goes on. But I am calling upon my brother lecturers with vigorous good nature. I pass the hat, I’ve got a large one. Hundred dollar bills changed, if requested—into twenties and all put in the hat. Geo. William Curtis sends $25. Frothingham won’t be outdone by Curtis and sends his cheque for $25.

      Mark: you need n’t send any thing. I had rather call and receive it. I can’t help it if I do love you. You shouldn’t be so attractive. But I have a little prejudice against you after all. When you were abroad, report has it that you played “old Sledge” on the “grave of Adam” and euchred the Pope at Rome by “dealing Jacks off the bottom of the pack” the same as we do in the West.

      But I’ll call and see you the latter part of the week. Ever thine, / Marvin H. Bovee.

I lecture in Boston the early part of next week [MTP].

Note: Bovee was a Wisconsin farmer who served one term as a democrat in the Wisconsin senate, where he was central to abolishing capital punishment. He then went on a nationwide crusade to abolish the death penalty and wrote at least two books on the subject. Wisconsin Historical Society page calls him “a gifted orator.” See also his note to Sam of Feb. 10, 1876. Sam wrote on this letter, “From some bore who wants to destroy the death penalty—with an eye to his own future, doubtless.” Clemens could spot ego a mile away, and was equally scornful of sham and those who tooted their own horn. Mentioned are: George William Curtis (1824-1892) and Rev. Octavius Brooks Frothingham (1822-1899), lecturers of the time. “Old Sledge” was a card game, also called “Seven-up.”

Ladislaus W. Madarasz wrote thanks for Clemens giving permission for him to use “Col. Sellers” as a pen name [MTP]. Note: see the writer’s letter of Apr. 2. Sam’s permission letter is not extant.

Charles H. Webb wrote to Sam from Brooklyn, NY.

Dear Mark,— / I don’t know whether or not I’ve ever done any favor for you, but, if I have, do one for me!

Help me out of having a disgusting legal row with Bliss. (My fondness for fight has vanished since I married a peaceable little woman) [MTPO]. Note: Sam replied on Apr. 8.