January 17 Thursday – Sam wrote from Hartford to James R. Osgood, still apologetic.

My Dear Osgood— / I have thought, and thought; and as a result, I wish to accept the kind offer which you made yesterday, if you are willing to let me. I hope you can and will stop on your way up. I am not well content with myself over yesterday’s talk, yet I do assure that I never meant to be unjust toward you in a single word or thought./ Truly Yours/ S.L. Clemens [MTLTP 166]. Note: It’s not clear what Osgood had offered, but note 1 of the cited source says it “probably involves the removal of JRO [Osgood] from the subscription selling” of Sam’s books. Sam probably owed money on the production costs of LM; Osgood may have offered settlement.

Sam also wrote a one-liner to Charles Webster that he’d received a “Slote check for $773…” [MTP].

Charles Webster wrote to Sam of business: bindings ordered on LM and confusion surrounding a stopping of 10,000 books bound [MTP].

Worden & Co. wrote to Sam of a $2,000 margin call. O.T. had slid to 23 & ½ [MTP]. Note: he would finally sell out May 19 at $12; see entry.