April 10 Wednesday – Joe Twichell wrote to Sam sending an address of a N.Y. boarding house (Mrs. Rufus McHard, 61 West 17th St.) advising Sam to apply some time in advance at $25 per week. Joe referred to a “longish letter” he’d sent Livy, but he didn’t want her to answer it, just to know he’d mailed it. Joe offered cheer:

“Pudd’nhead Wilson,” appears to have been successfully launched. We sent a delegation to see it (I couldn’t go) and it was reported delightful. “Joan of Arc” seems also to have struck the public attention favorably. I notice that you are already guessed as the writer of it.

May be, old fellow, your best days as author are yet ahead of you. Why shouldn’t they be, with your fruit ripening on the bough?

Anyhow, with whatever temporary pebble in your shoe, you are still one of the most fortunate of men. Do think of that. Occupy yourself with that side of the case. A.C. Dunham said “Tell ‘em (the Clemenses) to come home and give themselves a chance to see how we all love ‘em.” So say I. Yours never more affectionately / Joe [MTP].