January 7 Tuesday – Sam’s letter to the editor of the Hartford Courant ran on page one:

SIR: When you do me the honor to suggest that I write an article about the Sandwich Islands, just now when the death of the king has turned something of the public attention in that direction, you unkennel a man whose modesty would have kept him in hiding otherwise. I could fill you full of statistics, but most human beings like gossip better, and… [Courant.com].

Frank Bliss wrote to Sam: “Friend Clemens / …a check for $500 is waiting for you…” Quite illegible, this short note [MTP]

Vernon Seaman wrote:

“My dear ‘Mark Twain.’— / I am just in receipt of another letter from Mrs. Wakeman.—Doubtless she has also written to you.—Your letter to the ‘Alta’, had the effect I anticipated, of starting the ball, & the good people of California took the matter up, & very soon subscribed the requisite amount.—of course the good old Captain & his family, are overflowing with gratitude,—& in this connection, I must thank you too, for your cheerful compliance with my sugestion [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env. “About Wakeman”