May 15 Saturday – Sam wrote from Hartford to Edwin Pond Parker (1836-1925). Parker became Pastor of the Second Church of Christ, Hartford, in Jan. 1860. He was Chief Editor of the Book of Praise (Congregational, 1874) and wrote hymns and poetry. Sam wrote that he’d been “taken suddenly sick” and since the doctor considered it serious, Sam had considered donating $150, “but thanks to a kind Providence am wholly out of danger this morning, & recovering quite fast.” Sam complimented the Rev. Parker on a “fine poem in your column today” [MTLE 5: 104].

“Mark Twain on Plagiarism” ran in Leisure Hour, and quotes Sam’s account of unconsciously borrowing a dedication from Oliver Wendell Holmes [Tenney 9].

Wellington & Burrage, Boston, invoiced Sam $88.00 for “old Spanish screen, 68 tiles and panels”; dates of purchase and payment not listed [MTP].

Orion Clemens wrote to Sam with a scheme to bid on the Hannibal Courier at the May 22 auction. He would send more auto. MS. the next day [MTP].