March 3 Tuesday – The New York Times printed a small announcement paragraph on page 5:
Messrs. Charles L. Webster & Co, publishers of this city, have been engaged by Gen. Grant to publish his forthcoming book entitled “Personal Reminiscences.” The book is in two volumes of about 500 pages each, and is to be sold only by subscription. The manuscript of the first volume is ready for the press and will be issued soon. Gen. Grant is engaged every day upon the second volume, which is well advanced toward completion.
Sam must have preferred a low-key announcement, perhaps due to General’s failing health, or possibly to avoid controversy with the Century Magazine which had assumed publication of the memoirs (see Mar. 8 entry).
Sam traveled to New York City (see Mar. 4 N.Y. Times).
Orion Clemens wrote thanks for the monthly checks. He’d finished Richard I on his research/writing; his diet of only oatmeal crackers and half cup of coffee; Sam going to Europe made him feel lonesome [MTP].