February 10 Wednesday – In Hartford Sam wrote to Charles Webster, suggesting mentions in Grant’s Memoirs, volume two, of General Hancock be culled out. He wanted to let a New York Tribune reporter know that the excerpts could be had by sending for them. Volume two was now in production, and Sam was promoting, in light of Hancock’s death the previous day [MTP].

The London Pall Mall Gazette, p.14 ran “MARK TWAIN AS A PRINTER,” a quoting of Sam’s Jan. 18, 1886 New York speech at the Typothetae Dinner at Delmonico’s.

Charles Webster wrote to Sam but did not mention Mrs. Grant’s check. He said the profits for the year would be “much more than the interest on $500000 for many years to come and the books in prospect look bright.”

We have a fine thing and either of us would be very foolish to part with our interest. We can certainly get along together, but it might be unpleasant to take in an outside party. The most dangerous thing in this world excepting selecting a partner for life is the selection of a business partner. … The second volume is all stereotyped except the index which will be in a day or so [MTP].