April – Sam wrote in his notebook:

“Religion consists in a set of things which the average man thinks he believes, & wishes he was certain” [MTNJ 2: 305].

Right below this entry, Sam wrote:

“White, now of Berlin—Yes, G is a d—d old nepot!”

This refers to an anecdote told by Andrew Dickson White, who succeeded Bayard Taylor as U.S. minister to Germany. Sam wrote Apr. 15 his approval of White’s appointment to Howells [305]. Note: Sam’s private views of religion and established churches were frankly sacrilegious, even though he made efforts to keep such views from tarnishing his image.

Francis D. Millet wrote to Sam on a Thursday describing his day, his hectic social life and giving his schedule [MTP].