April 21 Wednesday – Sam finished the letter to Moncure Conway. Sam enclosed Howells’ review of TA. Elisha Bliss was too ill to work so Sam dealt with his son, Frank Bliss, and took it upon himself to order the electros for Chatto, and then wrote Conway [MTLE 5: 75-7].

Sam also wrote from Hartford to Elisha Bliss. William Seaver had written asking if he could get a copy of TA for review. Seaver wanted to “saloon” Sam “at the Union or Lotos” should Sam come to New York. Would Bliss please send Seaver a copy of the book? [MTLE 5: 80].

Sam also wrote to his mother and sister, probably in response to a letter asking for news of the family. Sam didn’t know of any news except the “very pleasant week in Boston” and the andirons they “laid in a stock.” He enclosed a toy truck for “Annie’s babies” [MTLE 5: 81].

Sam also wrote to Howells, thanking him for the good time they enjoyed at dinner while in Boston. Sam wrote of missing the Fairchilds on their visit and of Joe Twichell visiting the evening of Apr. 20 [MTLE 5: 73]. Note: MTHL 1: 299 puts this letter as Apr. 19-20; the purchase of the brass fender in Boston shows the Clemenses were there as late as Apr. 20, however, so that Twichell’s visit must have been in the evening of the day they returned to Hartford.

Jesse Madison Leathers wrote to Sam (long envelope only survives) [MTP].

Leo C. Evans  (New York humorist) wrote to Sam, clipping enclosed from the Kokomo Tribune of Apr. 17. “I sent you some time ago a reply to your speech on the New England weather. I do not know whether or not you ever received it. Please acknowledge enclosure…” The article was “Society for the Propagation of Truth” and was about a society supposedly formed by Twain, Eli Perkins, Josh Billings, Nasby and Max Adeler [MTP].