October 16 Friday – In Berlin at 7 Körnerstrasse, Sam wrote to Chatto & Windus, his English publisher, thanking them for the pen sent, which was too stiff — could they send a more limber one? On Oct. 12 another dramatization of P&P opened, and Sam wished it well:

I hope for Hatton’s sake & his daughter’s & mine — & the public’s — that the play will succeed, & that it will beat the record [MTP]. Note: Joseph Hatton. See Oct. 12.

Sam also wrote to Francis Dalzell Finlay of Belfast, Ireland.

I am still badly crippled with rheumatism, which rafting down the Rhone in bad weather rather worsened, I guess, & the doctor forbids me to use the pen — & so does the unappeasable pain. But I allow myself a line to say Howdy & promise to look in on you next year in the fall [MTP].

Sam also wrote to Frederick J. Hall, answering a cable he’d received the night before, that the problems with Sherman’s book had been resolved. The money was so low that Webster & Co. had “to retire…temporarily from the installment plan,” on paying the Paige royalties. To save money the company was moving to cheaper quarters upstairs, and Sam was gratified. Sam considered a boy’s book for McClure but nothing occurred to him and he’d have to think on it more. He asked Hall to clip two copies of his Europe letters whenever they appeared in print, keeping one and mailing him the other. He closed with, “I must stop — my arm is howling” [MTLTP 284-5]. Note: this was the longest letter he’d written in some time, and in a batch of several letters.

Sam also wrote a short note to Franklin G. Whitmore. Did he remember to arrange his taxes?

I was glad to get your word about the machine — the first I’ve had since I left. Go & see Paige again, & remember me to him, & give me the machine’s record again. George Standring writes that the Linotype is getting another start in London [MTP]. Note: This letter reveals at least two incomings which are not extant — from Whitmore and from Standring.