February 12 Monday – “American Humorist. Mark Twain” New York: Funk & Wagnalls, by H.R. Haweis was a biography and criticism which argued that though Sam built a reputation as a humorist, he should be taken seriously; emphasized his travel writings [eBay Antique Book Central, Sept. 28, 2009, Item 400075870148]. Note: in the Sept. 1998 issue of Firsts 8.9 p.45, Mac Donnell writes: “Issued separately in wrappers and also bound in cloth by the publisher with others in the series. Haweis was known as a ‘radical curate’ and was friends with many American authors. Exactly one month later [see Mar. 12, 1883] a reprint of this work was issued by John Alden of New York, also in wrappers and in cloth. This is apparently the first separately issued biography of Twain.”

Lockwood De Forest for Tiffany & De Forest billed Sam for $69.00 for 1 carved molding and 7 narrrow brass tiles, Jan. 24 and 30 respectively. A note with the bill: “I am very glad that they have proved what you want & hope that they will look nicely” [MTP].

J.E. Ferguson wrote from Wash. DC, clipping enclosed of a poem, “The Bartender” and a sketch (not in file) “Ferguson, The Martyr” based upon Ferguson the guides in IA. He hoped Sam would reply [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the back, “Literary Ass”