August 8 Tuesday – Sam was writing chapters for Life on the Mississippi when “New York papers” brought news of an explosion, Aug. 7, from Hickman, Ky. The steamer Gold Dust had blown her boilers, scalding 47 with 17 persons missing. Lem Gray was later found dead, and buried Aug. 23. This was the same packet Sam and Osgood took on the Mississippi in April [Ch 37 LM].

Sam wrote from Elmira to Charles Webster. The auditor and Charley had determined that American Publishing’s royalties to Sam were only short by $2,000.

“Look here, have the Am. Pub. Co. swindled me out of only $2,000? I thought it was five. It can’t be worth to sue for $2,000, can it? If we gain it will it pay lawyer’s fees?” [MTBus 192].

Edward W. Bok wrote to thank Sam for “the kind expressions” in his letter of Feb. 24; he now wanted a photograph [MTP].

Charles Webster wrote, sending a brass plate by U.S. Express, along with details and costs; he concluded they couldn’t make brass plates for fine work but could for “ordinary or coarse work” [MTP].