September 20 Wednesday – Sam wrote from Hartford to Charles Warren Stoddard, his personal secretary on the first trip to England. Stoddard had written to ask if Sam or his publisher could publish a book of his. Sam advised Stoddard to write to him or Howells and say he wanted a consulship somewhere. Sam reasoned that Hayes would win the election, and since Mrs. Howells was a cousin of Hayes, there might be a connection to use with an “early application.” Where did Stoddard prefer a consulship? [MTLE 1: 116]. Note: Stoddard never received such a post.

Sam also sent a letter and contracts (both now lost) for the Colonel Sellers play to John T. Raymond, who answered on Sept. 25 (see entry) [MTPO Notes with Oct. 27 to Raymond].