October 21 Wednesday – Sam borrowed $100,000 from Samuel G. Dunham, director and treasurer of the Dunham Hosiery Co. of Hartford, a friend of the Clemens family. (Note: this is not Samuel C. Dunham, Hartford atty.) The loan was to cover publishing costs for Grant’s Memoirs, with $15,000 payable Jan. 29, 1886 and $85,000 payable Feb. 27, 1886 at six per cent interest. Sam sent the notes “by the office boy, per 4.30 train” [MTNJ 3: 204].
Lizzie C. Grant (Mrs. Jesse Grant) wrote “The little lady arrived safely / I did not know the bust had been photographed and was delighted with the picture. I am glad you are pleased with what Mr. Grant accomplished in London. / His friends are enthusiastic about the project…” [MTP].
John D. Collins wrote from Dalton, Ga. with hopes for his book. Evidently Sam had written to him before since he thanked “for your prompt and candid reply to my letter” [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “No answer needed / Man with a book”; Sam and Collins prior correspondence not extant.