April 7 Friday – Returning from a trip to Spain, Lucius Fairchild stopped to visit Sam on the way to see his brother Charles Fairchild. He left an umbrella at the Clemens home (see Apr. 8 entry) [Rees 9; MTNJ 2: 513n267].

Pamela Moffett’s visit, which began Mar. 13 ended this day or the next; she returned home to Fredonia $1,000 richer. During her stay, Sam had recalled staying at her St. Louis home the years he was learning to be a steamboat pilot. Sam insisted he repay her [457n81].

Sam also wrote from Hartford to James R. Osgood, listing sales after a long canvass of three prior works, and first quarter sales averages. He ended by questioning the legal fees charged and asking Osgood to pay a portion of them [MTLTP 154].

In Boston, Howells wrote a short letter to Sam, confirming the Apr. 14 luncheon with Osgood and Aldrich in Boston. Though quite busy, Howells had gone through the proposed material for Sam’s latest book, The Stolen White Elephant, advising what to keep and what to omit. “That new piece about Lying is capital” (“On the Decay of the Art of Lying”) [MTHL 1: 399].

Jane W. Bruner wrote from NYC to Sam, having rec’d his letter with Mr. Gillette’s note. She wanted her play read even if it was negative. She wrote, “I want to know my fate, & get back to my children” [MTP]. Note: see Mar. 29.