January 28 Tuesday – Howells, back in Boston, wrote to Sam regarding the play, The American Claimant (which had been Colonel Sellers as Scientist and licensed to Alfred P. Burbank in 1886).

I have given Herne the play, and talked the matter over with him. He is very hopeful of something from us; and he knows just how we’re fixed regarding this. I read it coming home, and lost all respect for its design; but if we can get it from Burbank I believe I have a plan, or a gleam of a plan for its reconstruction [MTHL 2: 628]. Note: James A. Herne (1839-1901), born James Ahern, top-notch playwright of his time, also an actor.