December 21 Tuesday – In Hartford Sam wrote to an unidentified man:

Just let it stand as it is; it can’t be improved. I haven’t ever seen a paragraph with more truth & less error…[MTP].

Karl Gerhardt wrote from Hartford to Sam: “Gov. Harrison remarked to me today, ‘You have behaved miserably, but your statue is admirable.’ If he knew how little I care for myself in comparison with my images his health might have been spoiled.” He also noted that Charles Dudley Warner wanted sculptor Ward to see his work.

Orion Clemens began a letter, which he added to on Dec. 22, 23, and 24. Mostly it contains observations and cynicism about the local church. He added that his voice was returning slowly but his cold was still “wretched” On Dec. 24 he wrote,

Last night I approached a night’s rest — best in seven….Kate Lampton is back in St. Louis. Dr. Jenkins examined my lungs last night. He says they are sound, and that the maltine I am taking will cure the bronchial catarrh [MTP].