March 29 Monday – In the morning Sam received a letter from William Wright (Dan De Quille), and recognized the handwriting on the envelope, knowing before opening that it sought advice about a “book concerning the Comstock lead…” He telegraphed advice on dealing with publishers. “Make bargains of no kind until you get my letters” [MTL 6: 432].

Sam also replied to Wright, beginning a letter he completed on Apr. 4. Sam wanted the book for the American Publishing Co., of which he was now a major stockholder. Sam advised to “nail a man’s interest with Chapter 1, & never let up on him for an instant…” He urged Dan to get money from Joe Goodman or telegraph him for some, so that he might travel to Hartford and work on the book under Sam’s tutelage, and bring Goodman along too, if he’d come [MTL 6: 433-441]. Sam was clearly enthused about the idea, and wrote about the process as an idyllic mix of luxury, play, and interesting work. As the publisher Sam would advance money as Dan needed it.

Will Bowen wrote from St. Louis, returning a check Sam had sent for Sam Bowen. Will didn’t think his younger brother would replay the loan.

Dear Sam /  Your letter 20th to hand this A M—having just returned from Jeff City where I have been for past week securing legislation of gen’l insurance interest.

Confound the check I wish it had stayed lost. I have told you about Sam and the value of his promises. You say “tender it to him” which you will understand, removes my Agency in the matter, and the Twenty Dollars from you, I fear.

I am sorry you put me here, but as I have tried to save you, and you still insist, I obey orders hoping I may be agreeably disappointed at the end of the month.

J M White run was in 1844 3 dys 23 hours 30 min to St Louis Eclipse in 1853 3 dys 21 hours to Louisville

R E Lee (not Genl) 3 dys 19 hours 20 min to St Louis, in 1870  The river was very high at each start but meeting a fall on way up.

Those river articles are delightful, especially that last one, giving the details of a Pilot’s duties and the very many things he must know.  Sam I fear you are losing Capital by not making a “Roughing it” of your river life—it would sell well for its facts and be a splendid field for your fancy, to spread out over.

I take it that “Bixby” is the “Mr P” in your mind while writing these.

Dont fear my mentioning “contents to people.” Make such enquiries as I may be able to answer, relying on me for “ mum”—which I am better at, than formerly!

I am sorry you did not take that trip down the river—you told me of a proposed journey in Feb and I guessed that would be the route

You did not venture to name it, I therefore said nothing but would not have been surprised to hear of you in this vicinity at any time

I am glad to hear from you—write more—nobody likes to hear from you, as well as I.!

If my course with this check dont please you say so at once. Im worried about it—but have not the time to consider it as fully as I would like before acting  20 Dolls wont hurt either of us so here goes, in obedience to you.!  Good bye Sam, with love to your wife & babies ?

Yours ever / Will [MTPO].