March 22 Monday – In Boston, Howells wrote to Sam about the “charm and the solid delightfulness” of A Tramp Abroad.

Well, you are a blessing. You ought to believe in God’s goodness, since he has bestowed upon the world such a delightful genius as yours to lighten its troubles [MTHL 1: 293].

William Haskell Simpson (1858-1933) wrote on Univ. of Kansas Chancellor’s Office, Lawrence, Kansas letterhead.

Dear Sir: / The “Sticks”—an organization that meets once a fortnight to discuss American authors—have placed your name upon the list for the 19th of April. We would be pleased to hear from you in any manner that you see fit. Were it not that modesty forbids I would ask whether it is true that you never went to a circus, nor fell in love with some other fellows girl, nor played “hookey,” nor wrote poetry. Delicacy also forbids my asking whether the rumor that you are investing your surplus funds in raising a new species of tadpole for the Boston market, is a true one or not.

      I enclose a stamp for reply, partly because Postmaster General Keys clerk recommends it and partly because it is a good custom; one handed down from antiquity. / Respectfully … [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env. “And a curse on him.” Sam often thought such inquiries to be impertinent and had a general dislike of such “literary” groups. His curse, however, did not take, as Simpson became a big shot with the Santa Fe Railroad.

Kate W. Fay,  “One of Miss Porter’s scholars” wrote from Farmington, Conn. asking for Mark Twain’s autograph [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “Funny”

Mary Keily finished her Mar. 16 to Clemens [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “From my friend the lunatic”