October 19 Wednesday – Sam wrote from Hartford to James R. Osgood about illustrations for P&P, which had been delayed. Sam thought the canvassing book was “mighty handsome” [MTP].

He also wrote a letter and sent a telegram to Kate D. Barstow, answering her letter of Oct. 16 [MTP]. He later wrote on the letter “Telegraphed her I would do what she had asked.” Note: See Oct. 20 entry and also Joe Goodman’s warning to Sam about “that succubus—Kitty Barstow”, Jan. 22, 1884. Sam one check for $25, and agreed to support her with like amounts through her schooling (see Oct. 29 entry.) It is not known if Kate ever paid Twain back. Likely she’d borrowed or attempted to from Goodman, but the cause of his estrangement is not known.

Orion wrote: “We received yours of 15th to-day.” The height of the river precluded him from finding the big hickory nuts Sam wanted. He asked for Jean’s photograph. They were all well. He wrote of their father’s writing of 60 years ago, and copied a letter for his auto. He finished the letter the next day [MTP]