March 26 Friday – David Watt Bowser wrote from Dallas to thank Sam for answering his letter. Laura Hawkins Dake, his teacher, was “so glad that you are such a famous man, and that you remember her so kindly, for she remembers you as the best friend of her youth” [MTP].

Orion Clemens wrote to Sam. “I turned to my other truck because as soon as I sent the MS. I concluded it was a failure. / Yes. I have Ma’s word for it that Pa really pitched me out to the floor, as stated. / I will send you homor-pathetic daily instalments of MS. Is it too much to ask you to pencil suggestions and return MS. every day?” [MTP]. Note: Orion’s autobiography.