June 27 Saturday – General Grant had continued working on revisions of volume two, and even adding “plums and spices” to volume one, a process which made Sam impatient [Perry 219]. On this day Grant believed he was within a few pages of finishing. He telegraphed Sam to come to Mt. McGregor [221]. Note: Sam’s notebook stated that Grant telegraphed him on June 28 [MTNJ 3: 164]. If this latter date is correct, Sam left the morning after, June 29.

Sam accepted an invitation from Courtlandt Palmer (who wrote June 21) to speak next winter on the topic of American Humor—a specific subject and date subject to Sam’s choice. Though Sam made several notes and at least three attempts to write a speech, he finally gave up and refused to speak (See Sept. 23 to Palmer)[MTNJ 3: 162n121]. Sam was too involved with the Grant book and with business.

In the morning, the Clemens family left Mrs. Langdon’s home for Quarry Farm. From Livy’s diary:

…two loads of us drove up here….At once…the children all went out to see a new donkey that had been purchased in Kansas and sent to the farm for them. Jean’s first exclamation was “dear old fellow” as she advanced toward the “creature” with a little embarrassed air. The children all had a ride on the donkey….and we began to get ourselves settled for our Summer’s stay here. [Note: Livy noted that the children named their donkey Patience Cadichon (pronounced Kaditchin)] [Salsbury 203].

Jennie F. Snell wrote from Seven Oaks, Penn. asking for help publishing her Gospel hymns and poems [MTP].

Clara Y. Cramer wrote from Elizabeth, NJ. She was the niece of Gen. Grant. She asked for an autograph plus “a line or two, composed by you” [MTP].

Courtlandt Palmer wrote from Stonington, Ct. “Your welcome answer to the 24th inst recd. I sincerely hope you may be able to arrange your engagements so as to speak before our club” (in 9 months) [MTP]. Note: Sam wrote on the env., “Courtland Palmer / — 9 months time”