May 22 Saturday – In Hartford Sam wrote to Howells about deletions of songs and a proper ending to the Atlantic articles.

“There is a world of river stuff to write about, but I find it won’t cut up into chapters, worth a cent. It needs to run right along, with no breaks but imaginary ones” [MTL 6: 482].

Also, about this day, Sam replied to the May 20 from William J. Lampton, Sam’s second cousin and grandson of James A.H. Lampton, one of Jane Lampton Clemens’ seven paternal uncles. William had written Sam for advice to break into the journalism field. Sam replied that William should serve an apprenticeship for nothing & when he was worth wages, he would get them. Lampton later accepted a position with the Louisville Courier-Journal, the same paper edited by Sam’s other cousin (second, by marriage), Henry Watterson [MTL 6: 484-5]. Note: it may be Sam made the recommendation to Watterson.

H.W. Bergen wrote with Raymond’s appearances: May 14 Auburn, 15 Elmira, 21 N.B. as before [MTP].

Daniel H. Harkins wrote from Wilmington, De. Having rec’d Sam’s letter. Harkins had been on the move but would gladly call on Howells, evidently a request Sam made, on the first leisure day Harkins would have on his return home [MTP].