October 28 Monday – In Hartford Sam responded to Howells’ letter of the day before:

Don’t be afraid. As I have given my word to the canvassers that my book will be out & in their hands Dec. 10, nothing can stop it from coming out on that date. It is true I have a passion for lying to rich people, but I do not lie to men who get their bread by thankless hard work [MTHL 2: 617].

Dean Sage wrote from Albany to Sam that he should expect him and his wife, and possibly Parsons, Thursday night, Oct. 31; they would inspect the typesetter and return home on Saturday, Nov.2 [MTP].