December 14 Sunday – Sam wrote from Hartford to Robert Howland in San Francisco, old friend from Carson City days, thanking him for the pictures and reminding him to “put in an appearance here when you come east” [MTLE 4: 179].

Sam also wrote to Gen. William E. Strong, letter not extant but referred to in Strong’s Dec. 19 reply.

Sam also wrote to Robert Green Ingersoll [MTLE 4: 180], who had sent him copies of his books on religion and philosophy, including Ghosts and Other Lectures [Schwartz 185]. Sam wrote Howells on Nov. 17: “Bob Ingersoll’s speech…will sing through my memory always as the divinest that ever enchanted my ears.” Schwartz writes that Sam “found in Ingersoll’s ‘splendid chapters’ ammunition for his own battle with orthodox Christianity” [185]. Note: This “battle” would remain mostly undercover for many years.

James Redpath wrote from NYC asking if he might do a sketch of his life for the San Francisco Chronicle. “Can you write for me an unbelievable description of your home?” [MTP].