November 17 Monday – Sam and Cable gave a reading in Plainfield, N.J. [MTPO]. He did not read in Elmira as planned.

Sam wrote from Hartford to Orion, who evidently had sent him some poetry and a check. The check was acknowledged and Sam added this about Orion’s poetry:

Your poetry is all right, only the man whose attention could be diverted by the sun, while dimmed to a farthing candle by the insupportable splendor of the visible face of God, would certainly be a curious duck.

Livy is getting along only tolerably, but the children are in matchless health [MTP].

Sam and Cable traveled to New York. The Times reported Sam staying at the Everett House [Nov. 18, 1884 “Personal Intelligence,” p2]

Dean Sage wrote from Brooklyn to invite Clemens to stay with him Saturday since Sam & Cable were to perform there that night [MTP].