July 15 Friday – In Elmira Sam responded to Frederick J. Hall’s question about the Hawaiian King’s book. The prospectus was not ready, so Sam felt the recent publicity didn’t have “enough permanency…to do us any real good,” and that moving up the canvass for the book “might disarrange Mr. Webster’s plans, anyway.” Based on checks reported received by Hall from Slote & Co. And from American Pub. Co., Sam was shocked that his “one blank book outsells my 6 printed ones!” Sam suggested Whitmore might research all the back statements from this latter company and “might be compelled to annul the contracts” and the copyright pass to him. Sam was convinced that a check of only $163 showed “fraud or a mystery.” Again Sam threatened suit [MTLTP 220].

Sam then wrote to Franklin G. Whitmore, announcing that the motor Paige was working on had already been invented; Sam had sent the article on them to Paige. About the $163.26 royalty check for three months sales of his six older books, he wrote:

There is an immense nigger in that fence somewhere [MTP]. Note: Sam added a second letter with a PS to deposit the enclosed $48 as well.

Check #  Payee  Amount  [Notes]

3788  Baltimore & Ohio Tel Co  0.55

3790  Mr H.G. Carleton  10.00  Henry G.

3791  Frederick S. Brown, Collector  1627.16