June 21 Tuesday – George H. Van Zandt responded to Sam’s follow up letter on Van Zandt’s proposed historical romance. Van Zandt wanted to revise “one or two of the Chapters” of his book. He also had a book of poetry and a novel he wished to have published, and asked if Carleton & Co. Kept a bookstore. Soon thereafter, Sam would write his response on the top of the letter to Frederick J. Hall, now a partner in Webster & Co.
Abel W. Fairbanks also wrote to Sam. He was trying to prove a claim against the Charter Oak Insurance Co., and asked if Sam could call on the receiver.
The dividend may be small, but my present circumstances are such that “Small favors are thankfully received and large ones grabbed at” [MTP]. Note: Sam answered from Elmira on Abel’s letter to Whitmore June 28.
Grace King paid the Clemenses a short visit, which she wrote of to May King McDowell on June 22. The dinner with Gen. Fairchild had embarrassed Sam and Livy, who’d failed to realize how his discussion of his recent speech (the “palsy” speech) might upset their honored guest.
They were so mortified and distressed at Fairchild’s talk at the dinner Sunday. It was not very pleasant for a Southerner to hear, but of course I did not mind it; seeing what sort of man Fairchild was. Mr Clemens said that he was so mortified and disgusted with himself for not being able to think of something to turn the conversation with; that he did not know what to do — that he felt horrible all the time. Mrs Clemens said she could not go to sleep at night thinking of it, and talked about it until her husband had to tell her for Heaven’s Sake to “let up.” They admire Fairchild immensely and only object to the sentiments being expressed before me. “Blatherskite” I imagine must have been invented to apply to the sort of man the general in chief of the G A R is…[Bush 37].
Note: Bush adds, “Grace King spent much of the summer of 1887 at an inn in Farmington, Connecticut, where she had seclusion to continue writing the local-color fiction with which she was building a reputation” [37].
June 21 Tuesday, after – Sam wrote to Frederick J. Hall, his note on George H. Van Zandt’s June 21 letter.
Please give him the information he wants about bookstores — & tell him I asked you. He is hinting that he can write us a “Ben Hur” if we want one. You can say what you like — or nothing at all — about that. (His volume of alleged “poems” is mere hogwash) [MTP].
Check # Payee Amount [Notes]
3739 endorsed to J. Scrugham Quin 20.00 RR Agent
3740 Mr. Neil Stalker 64.15 Harnesses
3737 F.G. Whitmore 50.00 Finances
3741 Mssrs Robbins Brothers 33.50 Furniture
3742 Mr. Otto B. Schlutter 4.00 German teacher
3743 Mr Thomas McRonald 3.40 Florist
3744 Miss M.W. Morley 20.00
3746 Mr. George Haub 55.00 Hartford tailor