September 1 Saturday – Sam wrote from Elmira to Andrew Chatto.

I’ve just finished writing a book; & modesty compels me to say it’s a rattling good one, too—“Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” (Tom Sawyer’s comrade.)

Osgood & I leave for Canada the 26th of November, arriving in Montreal the same evening, where I shall remain a couple of weeks, on copyright bent [MTP].

Sam also wrote to James R. Osgood.

Welcome home, & drink hearty! …

I’ve finished “1,002” (Arabian Nights Tale,) & likewise “The Adventures of Huck Finn;” had written 50,000 words on it before; & this summer it took 70,000 to complete it. We expect to spend Sept. 13, 14, & 15 at the Brunswick, New York—don’t forget it if you are down [MTP] Note: “Finished” was not exactly true. Sam would spend another six months in Hartford revising the book, and would not let loose of it until mid-April, 1884 [Powers, MT A Life 477].

W.C. Bower wrote from Union Springs, Ala. A begging letter for funds to complete a half-finished church [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “A race of beggars / No Answer”

Dean Sage wrote investment advice and was “glad to see favorable notice given your last book” [MTP].

Charles Webster wrote about business matters: plates that Slote must have kept; Sam’s testimony; cancellation of Forshee & Co. book agency [MTP].