April – On an unknown date in April, Sam telegraphed Howells that Webster had gone to Providence to make John T. Raymond another offer to take the new Sellers play [MTHL 2: 482]. The communications between Sam, Howells, Webster, and Raymond took place over several months. More certain success rested with Raymond, who’d been successful as Sellers in the past. It was considered by Howells to change the Sellers name and to secure another actor.

April ca. – Sam wrote on a Monday to Charles Webster about his planned stage play of TS.

      I want Louis Aldrich to play Tom Sawyer’s part, & Parsloe to play Huck Finn.

      How does that strike you? I think it would be a strong team—& have all the boys & girls played by grown people [MTBus 232].