February 25 Wednesday – Cable’s Feb. 26 letter home:

Had a great time in Newark last night; one of the finest nights we have had for some ten days. Orange [NJ] was very poor—i.e. the audience was slim; which was a great surprise to us & not to be accounted for [Turner, MT & GWC 113]. Note: Although not listed in Railton or Schmidt, it seems from this letter that the men read in both places, probably a matinee and an evening performance.

James Whitcomb Riley (1849-1916) sent a copy of his first book, a small 50-page volume, “The Old Swimmin’-Hole,” and ‘Leven More Poems (1883). Riley wrote that Sam’s “characters and their varied dialects…have interested and delighted me for many years, and in thanking you …I beg you to accept the little book of Hoosier dialect…” [Gribben 580]. Note: Riley, Indiana writer and poet known as the “Hoosier Poet” and the “Children’s Poet.”

Western Union Telegraph Co. Feb. 28 bill shows telegram sent this day to New York, recipient not specified (see entry for others) [MTP].

Charles Webster wrote to make a case for higher wages and % of profits [MTP].