November 30 Friday – Sam’s 48th birthday. He wrote from Hartford to Charles Webster. Sam and Howells had written a new play, American Claimant, and though Sam didn’t really want to hire John T. Raymond again, he realized the benefit of doing so. Yet, he did not fully trust Raymond.

Dear Charley—Now that you have made your opening, let Raymond do the rest. That is to say, you & Whitford sit still, & let R. come there—don’t you go to him….I wish to God he would not take it….Why do I offer him the piece at all? 1. For these reasons: He plays that character well; there are not thirty actors in the country who can do it better; & 2. He has a sort of sentimental right to be offered the piece—though no moral or legal or other kind of right…I decline to have any correspondence with R. myself, in any way [MTBus 228].

Hubbard & Farmer bankers & brokers sent a monthly statement [MTP].