March 11 Thursday – Sam wrote from Hartford to Howells, sharing the plot of Prince and the Pauper, and noting:

“Imagine this fact—I have even fascinated Mrs. Clemens with this yarn for youth. My stuff generally gets considerable damning with faint praise out of her, but this time it is all the other way. She is becoming the horse-leech’s daughter & my mill doesn’t grind fast enough to suit her. This is no mean triumph, my dear sir” [MTLE 5: 37]. Note: Sam’s two daughters were now nearly eight and six, the perfect ages to enjoy such a tale and act as clear-eyed mini-critics.

Sam also wrote to his nephew, Samuel Moffett, now in Atlanta planning to go to Washington. Sam enclosed a couple of notes for Moffett to use, but couldn’t think of anyone in Washington for him to “knock around with,” noting “everything is changed since my time there” [MTLE 5: 41]. He wrote to Ainsworth R. Spofford, Librarian of Congress, in Moffett’s behalf, saying his nephew “would like to burrow a little into our grand literary storehouse” [42].

W.A. May wrote from Scranton, Pa. to Sam.

Your letter with its unexpected accompaniment was received today. It created a great deal of pleasurable excitement amongst us, and we heartily appreciate your interest. There was the inevitable alloy with it however—we would not have an article from you written for us. Good as your money is your words are better and we seek after the best.

      Were I not afraid of Mr. Charles Dudley Warner, I would write to him for an article. Thanking you very sincerely for your kindly interest and donation, and begging the favor of sending you copies of The Cartridge Box when issued, I am… [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “Edition of Cartridge Box / 1880”; Sam’s to May is not extant.