June 8 Thursday – Clara Clemens’ second birthday.
Sam wrote from Hartford to Frank M. Etting, asking what responsibilities authors would have at the Philadelphia Centennial celebrations. Sam had written a sketch of Francis Lightfoot Lee to bring there the first week of July [MTLE 1: 66]. Note: on June 3, Sam wrote Mrs. Fairbanks that he planned to stay home for the Centennial. He often changed his mind, even more than once, about attending events.
In Cambridge, Mass., Howells wrote to Sam about his summer plans, and various submissions to the Atlantic. He asked at the end of the letter, “What about your novel? Or is it two of them? If it’s two, why can’t you let us print one in The Atlantic next year?” [MTHL 1: 141]. Note: In his Aug. 9 letter, Sam wrote he put away his “double-barreled novel” a month before, and began Huckleberry Finn (see n.4).
Dr. John Brown wrote from Edinburgh, Scotland.
My dear friends—far too good & forgiving— I have got the photos of the two, my one & the new one— We are delighted with them & Mrs Barclay hungers for a copy— She has the historical photo of small Susie in its ormoulu frame on her mantel piece to astonish & bewitch & charm all beholders— Why have I never all this long time written one word of thanks & love? I cannot tell—except that I am unworthy of all your regard & constancy & that I have been & am in a strange—wild, miserable state of mind—so that they whom I care most for, suffer most from my indifference & misery—this is no excuse— I hope you are both well— I am sure you are happy— John is well—& his [illegible word] I hope flourishing & he is good & steady & sensible & fortunately very different in much from me.
My sister is oldering a bit—but full of devotedness & affectionate activity My daughter & her little April & her huge Captain are well— The good Barclays are well & often speak of you & Judge Nicolson always asks for “Mark” & his ——eyed wife—
If I can I’ll write soon & longer— Try to forgive your old friend who is in some things better than he knows himself— With much regard Yrs (both) & the two’s / ever Affecty J.B. [MTPO].
J.A. Durkee wrote from NYC to enlist Sam to “lend your influence and pen” to the opening of a new two-penny morning paper similar, but in opposition to, the NY Sun. Durkee claimed to be the “Dry Goods” man in Keokuk from 1854 to 1866 and knew Orion [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env. “From an ass”.
R.E. Haliburton wrote from Prescott, Ontario. What’s legible thanks for “information you favored me with” and copyright in Canada references [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env. “Son of ‘Sam Slick’ ”