August 6 or 7 Monday – Sam responded from Elmira to a request by Hugh F. McDermott that he attend a flag raising for political candidates Samuel J. Tilden (1814-1886) and Thomas A. Hendricks (1819-1885) at a Jersey City, New Jersey club. Sam and Howells were Republicans, and Sam confessed for the first time in his life he was interested in the outcome of the 1876 election, announcing his support for Rutherford B. Hayes. His answer to the Tilden Club:

“You have asked me for some political counsel or advice: In view of Mr. Tilden’s Civil War record my advice is not to raise the flag” [MTLE 1: 94]. Note: during the war, Tilden opposed several of the Lincoln Administration’s war measures.

Charles Reade wrote from London (Aug. 6) acknowledging Sam’s plot. “It is full of brains” though he didn’t think it would work on the stage [MTP]. Note: just which work was suggested is not clear, but likely TS.