May 8 Tuesday – Sam’s May 7 telegram to Parsloe ran on page one of the Washington National Republican [MTLE 2: 66]. Also in the Washington Evening Star (4-1) [MTP].

John Thomson Ford wrote Sam of the opening of Ah Sin and enclosed notices. His letter is on letterhead for the Treasurer’s Office of the National Theatre and Opera House:

      Before going to Baltimore I write hurriedly to you. I came here to see “Ah Sin” [illegible word] out, and was fully satisfied with the performance. The audience was forced, house crowded, cash receipts near $500. The play was well acted and the applause was liberal and sincere. The female parts were—especially the Plunketts’—very good. Parsloe was himself not strong but well individualized in the character, nervous to timidity and evidently greatly missed you as he needed backing up—advice—bolstering.

      With help the play can be made an assured success. You ought to be here to be its wet nurse until it can do for itself….I have urged the President to come tonight. Yours hurriedly J.T. Ford [MTP]. Note: Harte had read his signature J.I. Ford, and it does take some squinting. It’s not known if President Hayes so attended.