October 18 Monday – Howells wrote from Belmont to Sam about George Gebbie’s attempt at a “Library of Humor,” about seeing Edward House at the Houghton lunch that day, and praised Sam for his speech introducing Grant in Hartford on Oct. 16 [MTHL 1: 330-1].

Sam paid an undated bill from James Ahern, Hartford plumber, for work done July 9 & 16, plus pipes, elbows, etc. $2.50; This bill is filed with others written in late July, early August [MTP]. E.W. Clark & Son, “theoretical and practical roofers” billed $36.62 for roofing done Sept. 13, Oct. 5 through Oct. 8, labor & materials [MTP]. Note: One wonders what a “theoretical” roof is…