November 17 Wednesday – In Hartford Sam replied to James G. Bennett, Jr., owner-editor of the New York Herald, who requested a copy of Edward House’s book on the war between Japan and Formosa (Taiwan). Sam answered he couldn’t let go of the book because House had not so instructed him to do so, but that one George Simmons in New York had a copy, and was known by John Russell Young of the Herald [MTL 6: 591-2].

Thomas Shivers Hubert (1860-1953) wrote from Warrenton, Ga. to Sam:

Dear Sir: / Excuse the liberty I take in writing to you but I must give way to my “whim” and write.

      I have read two of your works viz, “Innocents Abroad” and “Roughing It.” I am pleased with both and often have cried while reading it. For instance, In the latter book when yourself & companions were lost in a snow storm and asked each other to meet you in Paradise, I could not refrain from giving vent to my tears. In your quaint style of writing one moment I would be in tears while the next in laughter[.]

      Now, Mr. Clemens, I hope you do not think me a “non est” or “non compos mentis” but I must ask you to write to me. Tis true we are unknown to each other yet when I intend making a tour around the world I will pay your expenses to have the felicity derived from you as a companion.

      I have not yet finished my college course yet can find sufficient time to devote to you and your letters.

      Let me hear from you soon stating I can claim you as a correspondent / Truly yours… [MTP]. Note: Hubert later obtained a degree from Vanderbilt University and became a Baptist minister in several Southern states. Of all the offers and pleas Clemens received, Hubert’s offer to pay Sam’s way on a world trip for his companionship is an unusual one, but given to the idealism of a fifteen-year-old boy.