December 30 Wednesday – In Auburndale, Mass., Howells wrote to Sam that the “Library of Humor” was complete “except about 10 or 20 short biographical notes that” he could “readily attend to; that Clark’s work was done, and well done….” Howells repeated that he and his daughter would be there on Jan. 13 for the P&P play [MTHL 2: 549]. Note: it’s likely this letter reached Sam on the last day of the year.

Orion Clemens wrote about writing Puss and Ma improving [MTP].

Francis Wayland of Yale College wrote “McGuinn can manage everything but his board, whch he can secure for $3.50 per week—with an excellent colored man—the College Carpenter….McGuinn is very studiou & well behaved…”[MTP]. Warner T. McGuinn was a colored student whom Sam supported through law school.