October 31 Monday – In Hartford, Sam responded to Robert Underwood Johnson’s invitation for Sam to read. He agreed, provided that the date would be the 29th, not the 28th; and that he would read either second or third on the program [MTP] (See Nov. 28 entry.)

John Brusnahan for New York Herald wrote Sam, answering his Oct. 15 letter. Brusnahan reassured Sam that the Mergenthaler Linotype machines “would not be what is required, for they take up too much room and have too many attachements.” Sam would show this letter to his friend, attorney Henry C. Robinson [MTNJ 3: 344n138]. Note: Unfortunately, Sam never obtained a truly objective comparison of the machines; the Mergenthaler would win the competition.

Check #  Payee  Amount  [Notes]

3879  Saml Spaulding  30.00

3880  Glenham Hotel  8.75  N.Y.

3881  Joseph G. Lane  23.67  Hartford Grocer

3882  Baltimore & Ohio Tel Co  0.44

3883  J.S. Chase  39.00

Note: the check to N.Y.’s Glenham Hotel suggests a trip to the City, either overnight or for the weekend.