October 23 Thursday – In Boston, Howells wrote to Sam, advising he would send the new Sellers play to Osgood by express that day. He diplomatically told Sam that there wasn’t room for Sam’s “fellow-reader” [Cable] should Sam and Livy come to visit. Howells also felt that Silas Lapham wouldn’t sell well until the presidential campaign was over. On the Englishman Henry Irving returning to America and playing to half houses:

“What a mistake for him to come back, poor fellow. But one of those constant Englishmen could never understand our fickleness in celebrities. Genius we stick to, but he hasn’t got that” [MTHL 2: 512].

B. Schuehaffer wrote to Clemens about supporting Cleveland for Mugwumps [MTP].

Alexander & Green attorneys wrote to Clemens, more on efforts to stop Frank Coker Co.  [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “Alex & Green / Ala pirate / Sent $100”