December 23 Wednesday – In Berlin Sam finished the Dec. 22 letter to Hall, all written in a PS and PPS longer than the Dec. 22 segment. Edmund C. Stedman wanted an increase in his royalties from LAL. Sam addressed the issue:

Mrs. Clemens urged that I wait over night and then write something pleasant anent the LAL increase of royalty.

But I find it impossible. By your magnificent management and by my sacrifices of money together with grinding and painful economies on the part of my family his book has been saved from a second defeat. Has he [Stedman] even come forward and said, “You are in deep waters — let me help what I can — stop my royalties and take them as a loan for a while?” …he has contributed nothing but criticism and dissatisfaction so far as I know. …

Don’t allow Stedman to pester you. Tell him you are willing but I am not. And if you wish, you can add that I see no prospect in the immediate future that is likely to change my mind. (Privately, between you and me, I never expect to change it. The man has acted the part of a cold-blooded shark..)

(Tell Bok I have caught him in several lies and in one attempt to swindle, and that I will attend to his case all in good time.) …

But tell Howells and other inquirers that my hopes of writing anything are very slender — I seem to be disabled for life.

Drop McClure a line and tell him the same. I can’t dare to make an engagement now for even a single letter.

I am glad Howells is on a magazine, but sorry he gave up the Study. I shall have to go on a magazine myself if this LAL continues to hold my nose down to the grindstone much longer.

…Now rush me along the Annual Report and let’s see how we feel! [MTLTP 296-8]. Notes: Howells was editor of the Cosmopolitan from Dec. 1891 to June 1892, when he resigned. His last “Editor’s Study” in Harper’s Monthly was in Mar. 1892.

Sam also wrote to Franklin G. Whitmore about interest payments to Livy and to him on his royalties. He wanted Livy’s money sent to Charles J. Langdon, and his money was being banked by Hall until further orders. As for news of the Paige typesetter, Sam wrote:

I guess you have struck the right man, now. Pratt doubtless hears about the machine through the men — & he can ask questions for you. How many pensioners are still at Union Place? [MTP].

Sam also wrote to Mrs. James Wood of Dresden, thanking her “over & over again for all those kindnesses,” and begging to be remembered to “Dr. & Mrs. Jenkins.” Sam enclosed two small German newspaper clippings and added a PS: “Can you send me the Arzeiger of the 19th?” [MTP]. Note: This letter of thanks suggests Sam stayed overnight after his Dec. 18 reading in Dresden. “Arzeiger of the 19th” is not clarified.