October 31 Friday – Sam wrote from Hartford to Edward House, who evidently had reminded Sam of a promise made that Sam could not recall. House hadn’t been specific. Sam wanted to “run to Japan” but felt it was not possible. He told of his upcoming four month platform tour, wishing he hadn’t promised but it was too late “to cry about it.”
Four days hence I shall have the pleasure of casting a vote against Mr. Blaine; shall vote the entire democratic ticket, from President down to town constable. All the republicans of this section are & have for years been bitter against Blaine; but they are party-slaves & nearly all will vote for him—including all the clergy but two—Twichell & one other. Lord, the amount of buzzard these shabby people are gorging, these days! [MTP].
Sam also wrote to James B. Pond, accepting a meeting in New Haven for Wednesday, then thinking Pond meant Monday—what hotel should he meet Pond and George Warner? [MTP].
Sam also wrote two letters to Charles Webster. He’d heard rumors that the American Exchange in Europe was shaky. Would Webster “inquire about this & if” true advise and he would sell out his $10,000 holdings? Furnace brushes had not arrived as promised. Gerhardt was “making a beautiful statue of Nathan Hale.”
“I read in New Haven Nov. 5, & shall read in New York about Nov. 17. You can get a list of all my appointments from Pond, so that you can keep tract [sic] of me. Get from him also either my hotel in each town or the name of the hall” [MTP].
Enclosed in the second letter was a list of people who had projects which were possibly good investments. Sam gave Webster the authority to “look into their project, make a contract with them if you like the look of it.” Sam had three months left to refuse half-interest in a patent for a device to keep children from kicking clothes off or rolling out of bed.
“We use it all the time, now, on three beds, & it works all right. But I have invented a more expensive & convenient one, & presently when I see you we will talk about it. Mine is not easily infringed; but any man can make the other thing for himself” [MTP].
Alexander & Green attorneys wrote to Clemens (Bliss to A&G enclosed), explaining that Anthony Comstock had been sent to Alabama to try to buy Twain books [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “Ala pirates”; Bliss didn’t wish to sue over possible obscenities by Coker but only if they were selling a lot of Twain’s books.
October, Late – Sam gave another political speech “Turncoats” at a Mugwump Rally, Hartford:
Why are we called turncoats? Because we have changed our opinion. Change it about what? About the greatness and righteousness of the principles of the Republican party? No, that is not changed. We believe in those principles yet; no one doubts this. What, then, is it that we have changed our opinions about? Why, about Mr. Blaine. That is the whole change. There is no other. Decidedly, we have done that, and do by no means wish to deny it [Fatout, Mark Twain Speaking, p.182-4].