February 12 Friday – At the Hotel Royal in Berlin and still down in bed, Sam wrote to Augustin Daly, who had written (not extant) seeking to dramatize The American Claimant. Sam wrote he would have cabled his agreement but was unable to. He related the story of the play by that name which A.P. Burbank tried to produce, attempts which Sam said cost him money.

I have written Burbank [not extant] (Lotos Club) asking him to give up his interest in the old play, to me, so that I can negociate with you. I think he will do that; he has had liberal time on it & has not accomplished anything.

You couldn’t use the old play yourself in dramatizing the new story — they differ too widely.

Sam added that he’d asked Burbank to coordinate with Hall, who would write Daly the result. He also gave him his Paris address and wrote he would go south “say Feb. 28 — not earlier,” and to cable the Hotel Royal till then [MTP]. Note: The Clemenses would leave on Feb. 29 [Feb. 26 to McClure].

Sam then wrote to Frederick J. Hall about Daly wanting the stage rights to AC, and explaining the history with A.P. Burbank, who might relinquish his claims. If so, Sam wanted Hall to “conduct the business with Daly; or have Whitford or some other lawyer do it under your supervision” if he preferred. Sam complained of rheumatism in his right foot [MTLTP 306-7].