April 11 Thursday – In Hartford, Sam responded to an unidentified man who evidently asked what effect the Paige typesetter would have on the costs of composition. Sam’s reply shows how high the expectations for the machine were:

The machine was finished (in the rough, so to speak,) six weeks ago, & performed all its functions perfectly. We are now removing temporary devices from it & substituting permanent ones — a tedious job, but necessary. I require that it be done thoroughly, let the cost in delay be what it may. To succeed, a type-setting machine must be blemishless; it is a severe requirement, but we shall meet it.

I answer your closing question affirmatively: it will reduce the price of composition to one-sixth of what it is now [MTP]. Note: While Paige and Sam struggled for a “perfect” machine, the Mergenthaler, Thorne and others were working in the field, however imperfectly, and being improved on the job.

Webster & Co. wrote a note to Sam: “Your favors received. We have sent the Electrotype to Mess. Hubbard Bros. And have written the gentleman regarding his new form of Cash Book…” [MTP]. Note: Webster & Co. had sued Hubbard Bros. of Phila. years before: See June 14, 1887, Feb. 9, 1888, July 8, 1888