September 13 Monday – Jane Clemens wrote a rambling two-page letter for Sam & Family about not knowing what to write, of wanting to leave Keokuk, of dead relatives and of her daughter “Mela” (Pamela) being there for a visit on her way to see her son Samuel. Jane signed the letter, “An Old Citizen” [MTP].

Frederick J. Hall wrote to Sam of progress and several details at the Webster & Co.

We have written Mr. Pascoe as you directed; also Mrs. Sikes. I heard from Mr. Webster yesterday; he does not say when he will return; he is having very great success abroad [MTP]. Note: Pascoe was head of the Typographical Union.

European publishers were lining up in Europe and prospects were rosy. Hall on his own turned down a book from a Mr. Stevens of Philadelphia, who’d lost his wife and daughter on a yacht disaster. Hall wanted to “be on hand” when the Clemens family passed through New York, and asked for the date and hotel they’d use.

Gertrude Van Wickham wrote from Cleveland to Sam asking if he had had any “canine friend” she might hear about, as she was writing an article for the child’s magazine, St. Nicholas [MTP].