May 16 Saturday – In Hartford, Sam wrote to Orion that the family would leave for Elmira the fifteenth of June. Marked “private” Sam praised Charles Webster and noted General Grant’s high regard for him.

Charley has tackled the vastest book-enterprise the world has ever seen, with a calm cool head & a capable hand, & is carrying it along in a serene unhalting fashion which is fine to see. All well, —love to all [MTP].

Sam also wrote to James B. Pond, about a “small donkey, with saddle, harness & two little carts, all for $75,” most likely for his girls. Sam told Pond to have his brother Homer “hold on for a while,” if he hadn’t already got some of these items, since Sam wanted this lot. Sam had written to reserve the lot for up to two weeks [MTP].

Puck Magazine wrote to request autograph for Mr. Schenk, the editor of the German Puck [MTP].

George W. Cable wrote to explain his telegram and that he thought the slander about himself, Pond and Clemens originated in the Boston Herald [MTP].