Submitted by scott on

April 14 Monday – Sam gave a reading of an unfinished paper to be completed by each member at the Hartford Monday Evening Club [Fatout, MT Speaking 656].

Sam wrote from Hartford to Charles Webster about issuing HF, repeating his mantra that “we don’t issue till we have made a big sale,” 40,000 copies sold before publication. Canvass early, “drive it with all your might” and aim for Dec. 10 or 15 for the Christmas market [MTLTP 173]. Note: Sam still planned on publishing “1002d Arabian Night,” but anonymously, and in a cheap, “15 or 20 cent form” [174]. Sam’s adamant stance on subscription sales was based on a faulty understanding of Bliss’ practices.

Sam also wrote a short note to George P. Lathrop of the Kinsmen Club (see Mar. 1883 entry):

“Nothing in the world would suit the undersigned better, but alas it may not be, as I am a guest in Boston on said date. With love to the Kinsmen & their illustrious guest, Truly Yours, S.L. Clemens” [MTP].

H.B. Vandiver wrote from Weaverville, NC to Sam having read of Cable’s April fool’s joke. He too wanted an autograph. He admitted to being 18 and “something of a ‘galoot’” [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “Read this some time or other”—not relating to anything in the letter but perhaps the letter itself.

Day By Day Acknowledgment

Mark Twain Day By Day was originally a print reference, meticulously created by David Fears, who has generously made this work available, via the Center for Mark Twain Studies, as a digital edition.   

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