October 14 Friday – In Hartford Sam wrote to Webster & Co., addressing the letter to “Dear C L W & Co”:

You may write Uncle Remus, & if he doesn’t consent I will then take him by the hair myself.

You may also write Stockton & if he says no, I will take him by the hair.

Note: These references referred to permissions from Appleton & Co. and Scribner’s & Sons for the use of Joel Chandler Harris’ and Frank R. Stockton’s material for Library of Humor.

Sam was “forbidden to travel” after a minor operation:

I had my palate cut out several days ago & it promises never to get well again…[MTLTP 235].

Note: Clarence C. Rice (1853-1935) of New York was the family physician, an eye-ear-nose-throat specialist, and one of the most successful physicians of his time; he performed this surgery for an uncertain cause, perhaps an abscess. In 1993 [sic] He would arrange for Sam to meet Henry H. Rogers (they first met sometime in 1891 on Rogers’ yacht: See 1891 entry) ; Rice also was an investor in the Paige typesetter. Dr. Rice [MTNJ 3: 332n92].

Charles E. Gager wrote from Hartford to Sam (clipping enclosed from the Earville, Ill. Advocate) about Sam’s first platform appearance, reported to be in Carson, Nev. Sam wrote on the envelope, “Incorrect” [MTP]. Note: of course, Sam’s first was in S.F.