January 31 Friday – In Hartford Sam answered Howells’ Jan. 28 letter. Since Howells’ visit, Sam had received Burbank’s Jan. 27 inquiry about playing Hank Morgan.

This seems to arrive opportunely. Return it to me & I will send it to Howard Taylor & suggest that he might do worse than put the “Yankee” drama into Burbank’s hands.

Now take the above (American Claimant) & alter & amend the form to suit you, return it to me, & I will write it to Burbank [MTHL 2: 628-9].

Note: Howard P. Taylor was a compositor on the Territorial Enterprise in the 1860’s, and had since been quite successful as a playwright. Sam had authorized Taylor to dramatize CY.

Sam also supposed he would write Burbank and tell him of his recommendation to Taylor.

Sam also wrote to Louise Howland (1848?- ) upon hearing of her husband’s death (Robert Muir Howland 1838-1890). Robert was an old Comstock Lode buddy who kept in touch with Sam as recently as 1883 (see several listings in Vol. I). Paine calls Howland “the most fearless man in the Territory; who, as city marshal of Aurora, kept that lawless camp in subjection” [MTB 176-7]. To his widow Sam now wrote that Bob was,

…so full of opulent life, of abounding & overflowing life, that it was not possible to associate with him & death in one’s thoughts. I mourn for him. / Words of comfort are comfortless & empty; I withhold them [MTP].

 Webster & Co. sent “Books sent out during January, 1890” totaling 7,632, with 3,564 CY leading [MTP].

John Mandeville for Sackett Fountain Pen, N.Y. wrote to Sam soliciting his product, and enclosing advertising flyer. Sam wrote “No answer” on the envelope [MTP].

Daniel Whitford wrote to Sam:

I enclose you a clipping from this morning Times, regarding the Edward House matter. You will of course see why the Times helps House. It has an old grudge against you on account of the Duncan matter. A decision in your favor by the court would have more effect than all the letters House could write [MTP]. Note: See Charles C. Duncan (captain) entries in volume I, including Duncan’s lawsuit against the New York Times.

Webster & Co. telegraphed Sam for Frederick J. Hall: “Cable from Mr Hall Trade house offers thirty thousand cash and fifty per cent sail on Paris fifth” [MTP]. Note: Trade house, unnamed competitor.