April 4 Monday – In Rome, Sam wrote two letters to Frederick J. Hall, relating the entire history of the aborted play Colonel Sellers as a Scientist (The American Claimant), including A.P. Burbank’s efforts, Howells and his loss of money and a past proposal of Alfred Arnold to dramatize the story for “Crane the comedian” (William H. Crane (1845-1928) actor/comedian). Sam was willing to split the profits if Burbank put on the show at his expense, or relinquish rights for ten per cent of what Sam could sell it to for. (Augustin Daly had sought rights.)

I wrote Arnold I would treat with him if nothing came of an already existing offer. He answered a few days ago showing that his offer to me still awaited my consent [MTP]. Notes: neither letter extant.

In the second letter Sam wrote:

Your explanation of the expert’s report makes a gratifying showing for ’91. I think your trade on the ‘HANDBOOK OF U.S.’ promises well, and I am glad you got that chance….And I am very glad of the trade with Dibble. It will be advantageous in more than one way, I think. What you say of Stedman’s original offer to Dibble hardens me against ever raising Stedman’s royalty. His royalty shall stay where it is….We shall be in Rome all through April, I think. February seems to have been a mighty good month for you. I was agreeably surprised at the $3,000 profit. Go on and prosper! We all send our warmest regrds. Truly Yours, S.L. Clemens [MTP from New York Book & Art Auction catalog, No. 75 Item 136-a].

The N.Y. Times, Apr. 4, 1892 p.3 “Books Received” announced the first edition of Merry Tales:

MERRY TALES. By Mark Twain. Fiction, Fact, and Fancy Series. Edited by Arthur Stedman. New York: Charles L. Webster & Co. 75 cents.